The conclusion of the Book of Haggai might initially appear irrelevant and unimportant to contemporary readers. Yet, upon closer examination of its themes, we uncover several significant aspects that warrant our attention.
The word of the Lord came a second time to Haggai on the twenty-fourth day of the month:
“Speak to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah, saying: I am about to shake the heavens and the earth and to overthrow the throne of kingdoms;
I am about to destroy the strength of the kingdoms of the nations and overthrow the chariots and their riders, and the horses and their riders shall fall, every one by the sword of a comrade.
On that day, says the Lord of hosts, I will take you, O Zerubbabel my servant, son of Shealtiel, says the Lord, and make you like a signet ring; for I have chosen you, says the Lord of hosts” (Haggai 2.20-23).
One of the key insights gained from studying the prophets is the understanding that God is active in history. While certain nations may seem formidable and intimidating, it’s essential to recognize that God’s influence is still at play.
The full story is not complete until we witness God’s action.
I awakened recently at 3 AM and had trouble going back to sleep because I was thinking about the world that my children and grandchildren are inheriting from our generation. We have a chaotic government, political parties that seemingly can’t accomplish anything, and a world full of war.
During a conversation with God, I believe I heard Him say, “You haven’t heard what’s going on until you’ve heard from me.”
One of the major insights from studying the prophets is a determination that we will spend time with God and learn what God is saying about the world, so we can join Him in His work.
Return from Exile
Zerubbabel was the governor who later became the king and who was also part of the lineage of Jesus. Rudy Ross points out in today’s YouTube video that Zerubbabel means “against Babel.”
The people of God had just returned from exile in Babylon and they had a leader whose name was Zerubbabel.
When I read the Bible, I tend to focus on the comforting and encouraging parts of Scripture. We need to remind ourselves, as we look at our nation and the world today, that sometimes before comfort there is exile.
We can pray that that’s not the case, but the best way to ensure that it’s not the case is to turn to God and be aligned with His will.
A close friend of mine, who was battling severe cancer, once said, “God doesn’t owe me anything.” This statement holds true not just for individuals, but for our nation as well.
God is not obligated to grant us prosperity and peace. What He offers us is His greatest gift: a relationship with Him, where we listen to His word and follow His guidance.
The Signet Ring
God promised to make Zerubbabel like a signet ring. This ring is a symbol of authority and authenticity. The king was to serve as God’s authorized representative on earth.
Just as Zerubbabel had a role to play in serving God, so do we.
In Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us.
So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ: be reconciled to God (2 Corinthians 5.19-20).
One of my favorite concepts is the notion that God defeats His enemies by transforming them into His friends. This is precisely what Jesus achieved by reconciling the world to Himself through His sacrifice on the cross.
We, too, have a part in this divine mission. Just as Zerubbabel served God’s purposes, we are called to be God’s ambassadors.
It is our responsibility to act as His authorized representatives, sharing the good news of His love with others.
YouTube Video
Rudy Ross and I discussed this today on YouTube. You will appreciate Rudy’s insights that come from his years of being a Hebrew scholar. It can be found on the Bob Spradling YouTube channel.
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