Read | Haggai 2:1–9
On the twenty-first day of the seventh month, the word of the LORD came through the prophet Haggai: “Speak to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, to the high priest Joshua son of Jehozadak, and to the remnant of the people: ‘Who is left among you who saw this house in its former glory? How does it look to you now? Doesn’t it seem to you like nothing by comparison? Even so, be strong, Zerubbabel—this is the LORD’s declaration. Be strong, Joshua son of Jehozadak, high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land—this is the LORD’s declaration. Work! For I am with you—the declaration of the LORD of Armies. This is the promise I made to you when you came out of Egypt, and my Spirit is present among you; don’t be afraid.’”
For the LORD of Armies says this: “Once more, in a little while, I am going to shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land. I will shake all the nations so that the treasures of all the nations will come, and I will fill this house with glory,” says the LORD of Armies. “The silver and gold belong to me”—this is the declaration of the LORD of Armies. “The final glory of this house will be greater than the first,” says the LORD of Armies. “I will provide peace in this place”—this is the declaration of the LORD of Armies.
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Focus
View this work of art, Haggai 2, by John Bergmeier, connected to Sunday’s sermon passage.
As you look at this week’s piece, take a few quiet moments to notice details, colors, or emotions that stand out to you. Ask God what he might be saying through the image, and listen for his insight in your thoughts, feelings, or prayers.
Commentary:
John Bergmeier is a printmaker and graphic artist currently based in North Carolina. His work serves as a bridge to explore the world of hope and fear, presenting visual essays on spiritual beliefs, conflicts, and questions. In the artist's own words:
The materials and imagery that I have selected for this piece are meant to represent the various verses that are key components to God's Word here written by Haggai.
I struggle to understand how it must have been to be an Old Testament believer, still looking forward to the coming Savior as opposed to our lives now looking back at what has taken place with Christ's plan of salvation for us. In the second chapter of Haggai his prophecies include Christ as the descendant of Zerubbabel from the family of David: He shall soon come, "a comfort of all nations." This lineage is represented by the length of sinew that runs along the top of the piece.
We are still encouraged to maintain a strength which is required to overcome life with a sinful flesh and a fear that can cripple and hamstring this effort without the power and courage from God. The "yawning" people of Israel at this time had become distracted and had lost focus on the continued rebuilding of the second new temple that God had commanded them to build. The musical notes and bright colors used here characterize this almost festive attitude which resulted in an unfinished temple. The people were also using their gold and silver for other purposes rather than for God's work.
Art Source: Haggai 2, John Bergmeier, 2018. Used by permission. johnbergmeier.com
Pray
Pray that God would steady you in his unshakable kingdom.
Going Deeper
If you are also following the BibleProject’s One Story That Leads to Jesus reading plan, complete today’s reading.