A Time of Shaking

Haggai prophesied at a time when the Jews were in captivity in Babylon. He spoke to Zerubbabel who was the Governor of Judah and to the remnant of the Jews. “‘Who is left among you who saw this house in its former glory? How do you see it now? Is it not as nothing in your eyes” (Haggai 2:3)? Yet Haggai encouraged them to be strong because the Lord of host was with them. God confirmed that the covenant he made with the people when they left Egypt, would still come to pass. He promised to shake the heavens, the earth, the sea and land. He would shake the nations so that all the treasures would come in and fill his house with glory. “The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, declares the Lord of hosts” (Haggai 2:8).

Haggai declared that God would restore the glory of the latter house, far greater than the former and he would give them peace. God promised a blessing for his people who were once defiled and Zerubbabel was declared as a signet or the designated authority for the people. God promised to overthrow the strength of kingdoms and nations and overthrow their defence systems. Zerubbabel was given the authority and power to rebuild the temple which would restore worship in Jerusalem. Joel also prophesied about a great and terrible day of the Lord, when the armies of God would go forward and destroy everything in their path. “The earth quakes before them; the heavens tremble. The sun and the moon are darkened, and the stars withdraw their shining” (Joel 2:10).

Joel called for repentance with fasting and weeping. He asked the people to rend their hearts and return to the Lord who is gracious, merciful, slow to anger and full of love. God often sent his prophets to warn his people about impending destruction. A people crying out to God in repentance for their land and people to be healed. “Who knows whether he will not turn and relent, and leave a blessing behind him, a grain offering and a drink offering for the Lord your God” (Joel 2:14)? The Lord has a promise of restoration for his people who are willing to cry out in repentance. There will also be an outpouring of the presence of God upon all people and sons and daughters will prophesy, old men will dream and young men will have visions.

The world is being shaken by atrocities including wars and natural disasters. “For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places” (Matthew 24:7). Yet there is a remnant people whom God has spared and a generation who will arise to give him praise. This shaking will level the crooked places and make the paths straight. Mountains will be brought low and valleys will be exalted. Principalities will see and know who are the righteous, who serve their God and everyone will see the difference. God is providing hidden riches in secret places for his people to meet the needs of the church. Treasures will come in to restore the glory of the latter house, in order to usher in the end time harvest of souls.

A.P.-Y.