Brian Fisher

Grace Bible Church

“Hurry Up and Wait”

Haggai 2:10-19

Even though the people had begun to work on God’s temple, they still felt the sting of the consequences of their sin. The positive effects of their realigned priorities would take time. Storehouses were nearly empty because previous harvest had been so poor. It was winter – grapes, figs, pomegranates, and olives had not yet born fruit; seeds had been planted but had not yet sprouted. All they had at this point was the promise of God to bless their efforts. That promise would have to be enough to motivate their continued obedience. They would have to labor in hope, in the confident expectation that God would be good to His word.

I. Why aren’t we being blessed right NOW? – 2:10-14

Relationship between holiness and blessing is not always easy to figure out.

Haggai is teaching the people about God

1. Basis of our relationship with God is GRACE; God blesses us even though we deserve nothing.

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

—Romans 5:8

They were His people; He had remained faithful; restoration from exile

2. We enjoy God’s best only when we live holy lives; yield to Holy Spirit

A. Holiness is not accidental 2:11-12

Casual, incidental contact with holiness doesn’t produce holiness.

Lev. 6:27 - only direct contact with holiness makes one holy

Holiness is intentional. You won’t wake up holy one morning. You won’t become holy just because you have holy friends.

A vacant lot grows weeds, not an elaborate garden.

Your untended life will become a vacant lot. The default position of the world is wickedness. The whole world lies in the power of the evil one.

Holiness requires effort; effort is not legalism.

But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness;

—1 Tim 4:7

Why this harsh message now, after apparent repentance? Heart still not completely in the task; Zech. 1:1-6 (1 month before this prophecy).

God wants ALL of me.

B. Defilement is insidious; extensive 2:13-14

Casual contact with holiness doesn’t make me holy.

Casual contact with sin can completely destroy our lives.

Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned? Or can a man walk on hot coals, and his feet not be scorched?

—Prov 6:27-28

You cannot hold onto pockets of rebellion.

You cannot have one dirty corner and consider the house “clean”.

You cannot keep sin manageable.

Holiness is not an isolated action, it’s a lifestyle. Manage your environment.

Ps 101

Application - what is unholy in your environment that you can eliminate?

II. Life in a cause/effect universe – 2:15-19

The Lord goes on to help them understand their current circumstances in light of His character.

But now, do consider from this day onward: before one stone was placed on another in the temple of the LORD, from that time when one came to a grain heap of twenty measures, there would be only ten; and when one came to the wine vat to draw fifty measures, there would be only twenty.

—Haggai 2:15-16

A. Disappointing results – 2:16

God won’t give fulfillment outside of Himself.

Those without Christ are unfulfilled; may be busy and distracted.

B. Divine opposition – 2:17

Blasting wind – dry from the desert to the east

Mildew – wet winds from the Mediterranean (west)

Hail – destructive, cold storms from the north

Ps. 139:1-12; You will read this differently if you are running from the Lord.

2:17b; “but you not to me” – you didn’t sacrifice

Purpose of discipline – restoration; Heb. 12:7-11

Holiness is “wholeness”; life is right; every component consistent

C. Delayed blessing 2:18-19

Climate and agricultural patterns of Palestine:

“The summers extend from May to September, and are hot and almost completely dry. During this time, the main crops are harvested: wheat in May and June, and grapes in August and September. In October and November the early rains were expected. These softened the ground and allowed it to be ploughed and planted with grain seed for the following year's crop. During the winter months of December, January, and February, the weather grew colder, with rain at intervals, or even with snow. The farmers hoped for more rain in March or April to help the growing grain crops to mature well. Since the total rainfall over the whole year was not very great, even small decreases could have severe effect on the crops, and cause real hardship to the people.” (Verhoef, 131)

It was December – They had to wait until next harvest season.

Restoration of blessing not always immediate.

Restoration of blessing inevitable - “yet from this day on I will bless”

How does God bless His people?

“Bless” is a very “churchy” word

In Hebrew – barach

To empower for success, prosperity, favorable circumstances

God’s favor; God’s best; He gives His best in a variety of ways

1. Material blessing

Every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation, or shifting shadow.

—James 1:17

To share it with others:

And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

—Heb. 13:16

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed….

—2 Corinthians 9:8

Will God always bless us materially? NO

2. Sharing in His sufferings

For to you it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake….

—Philippians 1:29

…to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation. If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.

—1 Peter 4:12-14

“Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

—Matthew 5:10

3. Spiritual blessings – joy, peace

And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

—Philippians 4:7

4. Hope

Is the seed still in the barn? Even including the vine, the fig tree, the pomegranate and the olive tree, it has not borne fruit. Yet from this day on I will bless you.

—Haggai 2:19

God’s promise is all we have.

God doesn’t want us to become attached. He doesn’t want us to live just for the present blessings.

Conclusion

Are there areas of hidden sin that prohibit God’s blessing?

Are you willing to wait for God’s blessing?

Are you willing to live for His promise rather than immediate gratification?

“… Those who hopefully wait for Me will not be put to shame.”

—Is. 49:23