Harvester Church Cape Town

Haggai rejoiced to finish building the Temple

Published on 25 February 2024

Preached at Harvester Reformational Church, Milnerton. Sunday 25th Feb. 2024

By Apostle Aje Pelser

Introduction

Haggai means ‘Festal’ (joyous or merry) and he lived in the time of Zerubbabel, a time in which the Jews were returning from exile and being restored to their own country. Haggai was also knows as ‘the prophet of the temple’ as he was concerned about rebuilding the Lord’s house and his prophecies pertain to this.

We can rejoice for the victories God has given us.

There are challenges ahead but the joy of the Lord is our turbo boost button to get us over the finish line!

Time

Haggai lived in the same time as Zechariah and he was the older of the two, Ezra 5:1; 6:14. His ministry only lasted four months.

Purpose

The purpose of this prophetic book was mainly aimed at the people’s selfish concern in their own affairs, then in the affair of building (restoring) the Lord’s house.

Theme

1) A plan and a reproof showing that God had withheld His natural blessings because the

people were more concerned about building their own houses then the Lord’s, leaving it in

ruins, chapter 1:3-11

Encouraging words as the people resumed work on building the Lord’s house, chapter

1:12-15

3) Inspiring promises to the older people, having seen Solomon’s temple, not to be discouraged

at the task ahead being only able to build an inferior structure, chapter 2:3

4) Words of encouragement of the coming manifestation of divine power and the appearing of

the Messiah when the glory of the Lord would fill the house, chapter 2:7-9

To remind them of their unworthiness to build a house for the Lord, chapter 2:10-14
Predictions of doom and gloom to the heathen nations and words of encouragement

commending Zerubbabel as God’s chosen instrument, chapter 2:20-23

Summary

This was a time of rejoicing and rebuilding. The Jews came out of exile and were able to take up their lives again as before with the caution not to be selfish by building their own homes first, but to first build the Lord’s house. Chapter 2 verse4 speaks of divine presence, verse 6 of power, verse 7 of glory and verse 9 of peace. This same thing awaits the present day Church as we move in accuracy at building the Lord’s house (body of Christ) and restoring present-day truths.

“The Prophecies of Haggai can be summarized into three components of building:

The Challenge; A Change; A new Chance.”

1. The Challenge

At a specific time. Haggai 1:2,3
By the mouth of a prophet.
To governors and Priests.
Consider you ways!
Before and After. Haggai 1:6-12
“Go up to the Mountains and bring wood and build the temple, that I may take pleasure in it and be glorified,” says the Lord.

2. The Change

After the challenge, we need a change of heart!
Obey the voice of the Lord. Haggai 1:12
Obey the Words of the Prophets God has sent.
People fear the presence of the Lord.
Know God is with You! Haggai 1:12
Let the Lord stir up your spirit. Haggai 1:14,15
Receive strength to build by faith: “Be strong and work for I am with you!” Says the Lord!
Shaking of the Nation – people will come from far and wide to the “Desire of the Nations” Jesus Christ – the Fairest of ten Thousand. Heaven and earth, the sea and the dry land will be shaken.
Shaking releases silver and gold as well.
A Promise of Greater Glory!
Reformation and Cleansing of the People from previous contamination and half-heartedness. (Lukewarmness…)

3. A New Chance

From this day forward…
Foundation of the temple laid
From this day I will bless you…
Shake heaven & earth, thrones and kingdoms
Make you My Signet ring – Zerubabbel is a type of apostolic – being the governor of Judah, responsible for building the temple and mobilizing the nation with Joshua the High Priest.
I have chosen You!

Personal Challenge, Change and Chance:

Lord Jesus Christ, I take up the challenge of building your house, both spiritually and physically. I make a pledge to help finish Harvester church base of Operations in Cape Town, South Africa as a family, and I trust you to also help me build my family, our house, our field of influence and business, and occupy and conquer new territory you have promised to us.

Faith Pledge: ____________________________

Faith request: ________________________________________________________

Additional Notes:

Judah is like a sore tooth = God restores these people (remnant)
Ezra 1 – God is control of all things
Apostles shake governments and principalities
There is a relationship between Jeremiah & Daniel’s prophecies
Ezra 5 v 1: when Haggai prophesied, the leaders rose up and not before, because in Persian law, if the king makes a decree, it cannot be appealed or nullified.
Prophecy is God’s force in one’s life and gives momentum to act thereon – think slingshot or space craft – needs to be launched
Ezra 6 v 14: The church is an accurate group of people coming together to praise and worship God
God wanted the children of Israel to worship Him within and not in an outside temple
God is raising up new prophets in the church and will restore worship first and then the physical building, therefore, we need to put structures in place to sustain this change or we will be out of line again (as a church)
We need to be in line with God’s new frequency
God shakes the nation to build His house
Endure and through faith in God, you will receive God’s promises and blessings

Historical Notes on Darius (there were other kings called Darius.)

(2) Darius, the fourth king of Persia, called Hystaspes because he was the son of a Persian king named Hystaspis, is mentioned in Ezr (Dan_4:5, et al.), Hag (Dan_1:1) and Zec (Dan_1:1).

He reorganized and enlarged the Persian empire. He is best known to general history from his conflict with Greece culminating at Marathon, and for his re-digging of the Suez Canal. In sacred history he stands forth as the king who enabled the Jews under Jeshua and Zerubbabel to rebuild the temple at Jerusalem.