Haggai 1:12-15
Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, with all the remnant of the people, obeyed the voice of the LORD their God, and the words of Haggai the prophet, as the LORD their God had sent him. And the people feared the LORD.
Then Haggai, the messenger of the LORD, spoke to the people with the LORD’s message, “I am with you, declares the LORD.” And the LORD stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and the spirit of all the remnant of the people. And they came and worked on the house of the LORD of hosts, their God, on the twenty-fourth day of the month, in the sixth month, in the second year of Darius the king. (ESV)
The Big Idea:
God’s covenant presence, not human strength, is the power behind humble obedience.
1. God’s Presence is Covenant, not Mere Nearness
2. From Eden to Exile. Presence Lost by Sin
3. Presence Restored by Mediation
4. Christ – God With us
5. Christ’s Presence with His People now
6. Presence in Suffering and Obedience
7. Final Fulfilment- Perfect Presence
Final Applications
• Obey because God is with you. His presence enables obedience.
• Return if you have drifted. God reassures repentant people.
• Use the means of grace: Word, prayer, worship strengthen assurance.
• Rest in Christ, not feelings. God’s presence is covenantal, not emotional.
• Take courage in suffering- you are never abandoned.
• Remember the order: God’s presence creates obedience; obedience does not create God’s presence.
Take This With You
• When obedience feels costly, He is with you.
• When repentance feels humbling, He is with you.
• When service feels tiring, He is with you.
• When suffering feels confusing, He is with you.
• When assurance feels weak, He is with you.
God’s Promise:
“I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)