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The exiles returning from Babylon set about rebuilding the Jerusalem Temple. But opposition put an early halt to construction, and it hadn't been resumed for more than ten years. Haggai challenged them to resume the project, and they did. A few weeks later, God gave the prophet this second message to counter discouragement and put the people's commitment in a larger perspective.

Haggai 2:1-9

1. The Temple had been destroyed 66 years before Haggai's messages. What is he admitting, in verse 3, about a comparison between the two structures?
2. Since God had sent His people into captivity, what (v. 5) might they be tempted to think?
3. But what will be just as valid about the new Temple as the old?
4. In what ways (v. 4) are the leaders and people urged to respond to this reality?
5. How did God promise (v. 7b) to bless the exertions of the volunteer builders?
6. What about the resources (v. 8) needed to complete the project?
7. In what way do you think the Lord's declaration of verse 9 could come true?
8. Do you believe that God also is able to transform your diligent efforts in ways beyond your imagining?

Ask God for the endurance to serve Him faithfully, and ask Him to bless the results for His glory.

1 Then on October 17 of that same year, the Lord sent another message through the prophet Haggai. 2 "Say this to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Jeshua[b] son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and to the remnant of God's people there in the land: 3 'Does anyone remember this house—this Temple—in its former splendor? How, in comparison, does it look to you now? It must seem like nothing at all! 4 But now the Lord says: Be strong, Zerubbabel. Be strong, Jeshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people still left in the land. And now get to work, for I am with you, says the Lord of Heaven's Armies. 5 My Spirit remains among you, just as I promised when you came out of Egypt. So do not be afraid.'

6 "For this is what the Lord of Heaven's Armies says: In just a little while I will again shake the heavens and the earth, the oceans and the dry land. 7 I will shake all the nations, and the treasures of all the nations will be brought to this Temple. I will fill this place with glory, says the Lord of Heaven's Armies. 8 The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, says the Lord of Heaven's Armies. 9 The future glory of this Temple will be greater than its past glory, says the Lord of Heaven's Armies. And in this place I will bring peace. I, the Lord of Heaven's Armies, have spoken!"

Copyright © 2007 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine. Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.

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Prayer for the Week

Help me, Lord, to so focus on Your promises that I'm no longer tempted to give up.

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