Under Construction: Lessons From the Book of HaggaiНамуна

Looking forward, not backward

Yesterday, we were reminded that God’s presence today is reason for joy, even if we feel listless because our present life is so insignificant compared to the memories of the past. Today, we read that God gives the Israelites one more reason not to linger in the past. He focuses their attention on the future and promises that “the latter glory of this house shall be greater than the former.” This glory is not dependent on the building materials or the design of the temple. God Himself will fill this house with glory and peace.

This promise has come true in Jesus Christ. During His earthly ministry, He frequently visited this new temple and preached there. The temple service, with its animal sacrifices, was pointing forward to the ultimate sacrifice for human sin, that would reconcile God and man. Jesus came to be this Sacrifice. His atoning death made it possible for us to have peace with God (see Romans 5:1). The glory of Jesus is infinitely greater than the glory of Solomon’s temple could ever be!

For everyone who believes in Jesus Christ as his Prince of Peace, God has a great future in store. If you feel nostalgic and lack energy and enthusiasm, remind yourself of the life to come!