A Life in Exile

Today’s Old Testament lesson gets me excited. The closer we draw to the end of the Old Testament references found in the New, the greater my understanding grows of how God works all things together in his Word to give us a clear picture of his plan for mankind. Today’s passage is no exception, so let’s look at it.

Historically, we are in the time of the reign of King Darius in Persia, and a remnant of God’s people had returned to the Land of Promise after their seventy years of exile in Babylon. God uses two prophets to get his people to move and understand his will for them: Zechariah and Haggai. It’s clear from the first few verses of the book of Haggai, that God was telling them it was time to rebuild the temple. They’d taken care of their own houses but neglected that of their God.

This temple was to have a special role in the purposes of God, and he wanted them to realize that though they might not see it now, the impact of their obedience would be a game-changer in the future.

For the Lord of Armies says this: “Once more, in a little while, I am going to shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land. I will shake all the nations so that the treasures of all the nations will come, and I will fill this house with glory,” says the Lord of Armies. “The silver and gold belong to me”—this is the declaration of the Lord of Armies. “The final glory of this house will be greater than the first,” says the Lord of Armies. “I will provide peace in this place”—this is the declaration of the Lord of Armies. (Haggai 2:6-9 CSB)

A whole lot of shaking going on.

I’m showing my age by using that phrase, but it speaks to what the fulfillment of that prophecy would mean when the Incarnate Christ entered the same temple over four hundred years later. This is another two-part fulfillment prophecy. We see the immediate shaking of the nations with the entry of Christ into Jerusalem and the salvation made available as the curtain of the Holy of Holies is torn in two upon his death, and we know a future shaking will come when he returns to a restored and renewed Temple in the last days.

The writer of Hebrews loved connecting the dots to God’s story, filling his book with references to the Old Testament, so it’s no surprise that our reference to Haggai is found in this rich New Testament book of encouragement to persevere through trials and struggles.

He’s telling readers to make sure that, as troubles increase in this world, they are to guard their hearts from allowing bitterness to grow inside them. God’s grace is sufficient to see them through, and they must hold on to him and be careful not to reject the Lord.

See to it that you do not reject the one who speaks. For if they did not escape when they rejected him who warned them on earth, even less will we if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven. His voice shook the earth at that time, but now he has promised, Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens. This expression, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that what is not shaken might remain. Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful. By it, we may serve God acceptably, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire. (Hebrews 12:25-29)

The final shaking will be a point of no return.

This period of grace in which we live is ultimately an opportunity for any who are lost to find hope and redemption through faith in Christ Jesus. There are shakings every day in our lives—of believers and nonbelievers—that God uses to draw us to himself. When trials come to believers, we hopefully rush to the Throne. This is what the writer of Hebrews continually encourages us to remember. We are to lean into grace and our Lord Jesus Christ. For nonbelievers, shakings can be used to remind them they are not in control of their lives and there is a better way in Christ. Our role is to point the way. Some shakings can be big like wars, displacement, and death of a loved one, while others are smaller in scope, like financial trials, breakups, and disappointments.

However, there is a final shaking of ALL the nations to come. Haggai’s prophecy pointed to this and the writer of Hebrews emphasizes it with the phrase “Yet once more.” This final shaking in the last days will remove everything that can be shaken—all created things—leaving only that which cannot be shaken—a new kingdom, new earth, new city, and new temple. What is to come will replace all that is.

The point is that at that point, those who have not turned to God and the grace offered through his Son will be left outside the unshakable kingdom. The desired of all the nations will come as King of kings and Lord of lords, and he will fill his house with glory. I want to be inside that house on that day! In Christ, I know I will. What about you? Don’t miss out. The days of grace are coming to a close.

Grace and Peace

If you missed the last Learning from the Past post, click HERE, or start the series from the BEGINNING.