Brian Fisher

Grace Bible Church

“Look Beyond”

Haggai 2:1-9

On the anniversary of the completion of Solomon’s temple, God spoke again through Haggai. It was an inevitable temptation to compare the current work to the glorious temple of the past. Solomon’s resources vastly surpassed those of this small remnant. As a result, the work of their hands looked like nothing in comparison. However, the Lord reminds them that the significance of a work derives from His presence and His power, not merely external grandeur. Because of His work in them and through them, the future glory would be far greater than the past.

I. When perspective is lost (2:1-3)

A. Don’t look back – 2:1; 1 K. 6:38; 8:2

Date – 7th day of feast of Tabernacles; exactly 440 years earlier (960 B.C.) Solomon had dedicated his temple; 1 K. 6:38; 8:2; glory filled the temple

Preoccupation with the past paralyzes us; obscures reality

This is a great work because it is the present work.

B. Don’t look now – Zech 4:9-10; Mark 14; Is. 49:1-4

Intense labor, but not much to show for it on the surface.

God evaluates our lives based on faithfulness not outward results.

Don’t look now; The latter glory will be greater; God is just beginning

C. Don’t overlook the obvious

Their lives were not in line with God’s work

Physical exhaustion and spiritual attack

Satan will try to get us to look anywhere other than God, His resources and the task at hand.

II. Look Up – 2:4-9

A. God’s abiding presence today – 2:4; Josh 1:1-9; Dt. 31:1, 6, 7-8

B. God’s faithfulness in the past – 2:5; Ex. 13:21-22; Ps. 23

C. God’s glory in the future – 2:6-9

1. God will display unprecedented power and authority – 2:6

Heb. 12:26-29 - God will remove all substitutes; houses, cars, degrees, awards

2. God will secure unprecedented wealth – 2:7-8

3. God will manifest unprecedented glory – 2:9

Christ entered the Temple – John 7:37-39; 1 John 3:2-3

Conclusion

Discouraged or frustrated?

Have you lost perspective?

Look to God and the task at hand. Are you available?