Haggai 2:20-23
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 go down, every one by the sword of his brother.
On that day, declares the LORD of hosts, I will take you, O Zerubbabel my servant, the son of Shealtiel, declares the LORD, and make you like a signet ring, for I have chosen you, declares the LORD of hosts.” (ESV)
Introduction:
There are seasons in the life of God’s people when the glory seems gone. And we are tempted to ask:
• Has God’s promise failed?
• Has His purpose faltered?
• Has His kingdom been reduced to rubble?
It is precisely into such a moment that the Word of the Lord came through the prophet Haggai. God says He will shake the nations.
1. The Historical Moment: Smallness and Discouragement
2. God’s Declaration: Cosmic Purpose Behind Ordinary Circumstances.
History is moving toward the coronation of Christ over all things.
3. The Personal Promise: Zerubbabel as Signet Ring
God was saying: “My covenant has not failed. It is advancing.”
4. The True Signet Ring: Jesus Christ
All of this leads us directly to Christ. Jesus is the true and final signet ring.
5. What this Means for us Today
We must remember: We are participants in the same unshakable kingdom God was advancing in Haggai’s day.
6. God Still Shakes His People
God does not only shake nations. He shakes us personally. What remains is Christ.
7. The Glory has not Disappeared.
It Has Been Revealed in CHRIST.
Conclusion:
How Should the Church Live in South Africa Now?
1. We must Not Measure God’s Faithfulness by National Health
2. We must Expect Cultural Decline and Pursue Personal Holiness
3. We must Labour Faithfully in Small Things
4. We must See National Shaking as a Call to Repentance
The Final Word to Zerubbabel and to us:
Haggai does not end with collapse, but with covenant:
“I will make you like a signet ring, for I have chosen you.” (Haggai 2:23)