Haggai and the coming of "Christ within" the temple made without hands

With Christ at our center we are the living temples of Holy Spirit and carry Him within us wherever we go. God’s messages were often words of encouragement and hope for His people. This was a precursor to the coming of Jesus Christ and His Spirit which will inhabit those who believe in Him. Haggai prophesied of the coming of Christ and the temple made without hands.

John 1:29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!

Jesus knew everything that He would go through. He willingly suffered for His creation. All things were created through Him 

Jesus went through the agony of his human death on the Cross even though He could have called a thousand angels to defend Him. He called out to the Father that if possible this cup of suffering could be taken from Him but He ended with thy will be done. There was no other way man could be saved. Jesus was one person of the triune Godhead, the Creator, but He learned obedience by the things that He suffered as a man. Being made perfect, a complete, all man-all God, who could save us He became the author of eternal salvation to all who believe.

Godly fear is the beginning of wisdom and in our salvation we are changed. We become a new person with new desires and detest the things we thought previously were right in our eyes.

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

In our salvation we are given the word of reconciliation and we are now ambassadors for Christ. For God has made Christ to be sin for us that we might be saved. He who knew no sin became sin that we may be made the righteousness of God. We can now spread the Good News of this reconciliation  to all who will listen.

Philippians 2:5 5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross

Without His death for our sins the gift of salvation could never have been offered. In His resurrection He overcame death, the last stronghold, that kept us from eternal life with Him.

Even though speech is a common and necessary part of our lives, we need to apply care and caution in trapping our tongues. Chances are that many of our hearts have been pricked by careless words that lunged from someone's mouth, perhaps without them even thinking much about it.

…what if we decide to use our tongues as instruments of His healing too? What if we intentionally acknowledge our gratitude or admiration of those around us, applying a salve of hope or encouragement?

Let's ask the Holy Spirit to make our words into a life-giving spring, sprinkling blessings upon the hearts of all those we speak to. May our conversations be medicine poured over the poison of sharp and piercing speech. when God the Son clothed Himself in humanity, He was called "the Word" in John 1:1. The Word who spoke creation into existence willingly became a fragile human creature, emptying Himself to become like us (Philippians 2:7). And because Jesus is the Word, our words allow us to reflect Him to the world. Our speech is designed to bring life and to display the glory of Christ, both in His majesty and in His humility. First5

In her extraordinary book The Drama of the Gifted Child, Alice Miller writes, "What would have happened if I had appeared before you, bad, ugly, angry, jealous, lazy, dirty, smelly? Where would your love have been then? And I was all these things as well. Does this mean that it was not really me whom you loved, but only what I pretended to be? The well-behaved, reliable, empathic, understanding, and convenient child, who in fact was never a child at all?”

I revisit William Sloane Coffin’s affirmation habitually. Because we live in a world where it is easy to forget. “God's love doesn't seek value, it creates value. It is not because we have value that we are loved, but because we are loved that we have value. Our value is a gift, not an achievement.”

Grace is the embrace that tells us someone knows us, and sees us, and is willing to open their arms wide no matter what.

Grace is the embrace that does not waiver or diminish.

Grace does not depend upon our response, performance, attitude, faith or checkered past.

Grace just is.

Sabbath Moments 

Someday we will all stand before God. All of us will have to give an account for our lives. And were it not for the grace of Christ, I would find this to be a terrifying thought. Yet, according to Scripture, Jesus came to “take away the sins of the world” (John 1:29). On the day when I appear before the judgment seat of God, when my list of sins is produced, I will gesture toward Christ and say, “He took it.” Let him take yours. Max Lucado

Zerubbabel the governor and Joshua the high priest, along with the people of God, responded quickly to the message of Haggai (1:12). Three weeks after Haggai gave his first message, they began their work on the temple (520 b.c.). Anticipating a positive response, Haggai came with another message. This was a simple one, but it had profound implications: Haggai assured them that the Lord was with them (1:13). This was the same message that Moses had brought to the Israelites in Egypt (Exodus 3:8). Indeed this would be the name of the coming Messiah—Immanuel, God with us (Isaiah 7:14). 

When the people chose to make God the center of their lives, the Lord could Himself remain in their midst even without a physical building.The NKJV Study Bible

Haggai 1:12 Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, with all the remnant of the people, obeyed the voice of the Lord their God, and the words of Haggai the prophet, as the Lord their God had sent him; and the people feared the presence of the Lord. The New King James Version

The remnant of the people were literally those who had made the trek back to Judah from their place of captivity in Babylon; it also refers to those within a larger population who are faithful to the Lord. The NKJV Study Bible

Haggai’s message inspires the correct response: Zerubbabel, Joshua, and the rest of the people restart their work on the temple. The project resumes on the 24th day of the sixth month, several weeks after the oracle of Haggai 1:1–11 (dated to the first day of the sixth month). Faithlife Study Bible

Haggai 13 Then Haggai, the Lord’s messenger, spoke the Lord’s message to the people, saying, “I am with you, says the Lord.”

Here the Hebrew phrase malakh yhwh refers to the prophet as God’s messenger, but the old testament often uses this phrase to refer to the angel of Yahweh. The word denoting “messenger” (malakh) is common for human messengers speaking on behalf of their masters but it is rarely used to refer to the prophets as human messengers speaking for God. A prophet and a messenger had essentially the same role. Both spoke on behalf of one greater than themselves. Faithlife Study Bible

God’s promise to Moses was, “I will certainly be with you” (Exodus 3:12). God’s promise to the people of Judah was that the name of the Coming One would be Immanuel, meaning “God is with us” (Isaiah 7:14). Here God repeated the same message of comfort and encouragement. The NKJV Study Bible

Haggai 1:1 In the second year of King Darius, in the sixth month, on the first day of the month, the word of the LORD came by Haggai the prophet to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, saying, 

Ezra 5:2 So Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel and Jeshua the son of Jozadak rose up and began to build the house of God which is in Jerusalem; and the prophets of God were with them, helping them.

Isaiah 44:26

Who confirms the word of His servant,

And performs the counsel of His messengers;

Who says to Jerusalem, ‘You shall be inhabited,

’To the cities of Judah, ‘You shall be built,

’And I will raise up her waste places;

Daniel 6:1-5 Trust God!

Place your life into the almighty hand of God and then trust Him to protect you. There will always be those who do not understand your devotion to Him. Pray that their hearts and minds will be open to the love that only He can give them. If God leads you to it He has the power to see you through it.

Jesus is the King of the Jews. it was too small a thing that He be only for them. in His grace God gave Gentiles salvation through our faith in Him. There is no other way to the father except through the Son.

John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

If you are going to fear anyone let it be God who determines your eternity not man who has no authority over it.

We are saved by our faith that Christ died for our sins and that He was buried and that He rose again according to the Scriptures.

Romans 1:3 concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, 4 and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.

Hebrews 5:5 So also Christ did not glorify Himself to become High Priest, but it was He who said to Him: “You are My Son, Today I have begotten You.” 6 As He also says in another place: “You are a priest forever According to the order of Melchizedek”;

God appointed Jesus High Priest not in the order of Aaron, high priest to the Jews,  but according to the order of Melchizedek the priest of the high God. The name most high God” was used by the  Gentiles and it applied to all people not just the nation of Israel.

Genesis 14:18 Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was the priest of God Most High. 19 And he blessed him and said: “Blessed be Abram of God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth;

Melchizedek the king of Salem, the city of peace, brought forth bread and wine (a reminder of the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ) he was high priest of the most high God.

Daniel 4:17 In order that the living may know That the Most High rules in the kingdom of men,

Daniel  dealt mostly with  gentiles. Nebuchadnezzar as a gentile referred to God as the most high God not Jehovah.

Words truly hold the ability to heal or harm.

Sometimes the words we first want to say aren't needed. But if they are, the Holy Spirit enables us to speak them thoughtfully with grace and love. Our identity and worth are not found in what we do but in who we are in Christ. We are God's beloved (Ephesians 1:5-6).

Unfortunately, sometimes we berate ourselves because of our failures and mistakes. Inciting self-condemnation is a tactic of the enemy, who desires to thwart God's calling on our lives and render us ineffective in our pursuit of Him (1 Peter 5:8). Our own inner monologue also has the power to wound or heal (James 3:5). So let's aim to speak gracious and healing words to ourselves as we remember that nothing can separate us from God's love (Romans 8:38-39). This truth matters more than any words we hear from the enemy. First5

For most of my life, I can say that I didn’t trust grace.
Or, I didn’t believe that grace was available to me.

Let’s just say, that in the church of my upbringing, grace came with fine print. You had to read the disclosure that you will not benefit, if you do not measure up. Which meant, with my scarcity paradigm, grace was always out of reach.

Embracing my inherent beauty, was out of the question.

But if that’s all we see, we miss the powerful invitation, and permission, and yes, "coupon" of being awake (and loved) in this present moment. Let’s call it the "coupon of Grace”...

Meaning the sufficiency of Grace.
And forgiveness.
And honoring our inherent beauty. Sabbath Moments 

Lay claim to the nearness of God. “…Never will I forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV)

Cling to his character. The qualities of God—like his faithfulness, love, mercy, goodness—are promises you can rely on in the midst of the change you desire in your life.

Confess your sins. The Scripture says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9 NIV)

And lastly, walk as a new creation. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV) Max Lucado

Daniel 6:1-5

1 It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom one hundred and twenty satraps, to be over the whole kingdom; 2 and over these, three governors, of whom Daniel was one, that the satraps might give account to them, so that the king would suffer no loss. 3 Then this Daniel distinguished himself above the governors and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king gave thought to setting him over the whole realm. 4 So the governors and satraps sought to find some charge against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find no charge or fault, because he was faithful; nor was there any error or fault found in him. 5 Then these men said, “We shall not find any charge against this Daniel unless we find it against him concerning the law of his God.” The New King James Version

These government officials were responsible for collecting tribute and maintaining security throughout the kingdom. The reorganization of the Persian Empire according to satrapies was a major accomplishment brought to completion by the later Persian king Darius I Hystaspes (522–486 bc). The satraps reported to high officials, who in turn reported back to Darius. Would not be suffering loss refers to both financial loss and loss incurred by security breaches—such as forfeiture of territory or personnel. 

In addition to wisdom and the ability to interpret dreams, Daniel possessed great political skill. This set him apart from his colleagues. Daniel’s excellent spirit contributed to his advancement in the foreign court. Although he is recognized early for his natural abilities, the author of the book attributes much of his success to God. 

Darius’ plans were temporarily thwarted by Daniel’s jealous peers.

Daniel maintained his integrity in every facet of life. Darius’ jealous counselors attempt to discredit Daniel, but he lives blamelessly before God. Daniel is upheld as the model of virtue among Jewish sages. His character served as the supreme example of fidelity and excellence for exiled Jews or those living under foreign governments. Further, his life functioned as a model of how to preserve Torah righteousness while in a foreign country. As a result, the book of Daniel was copied on a large scale in the Second Temple period and has a widespread presence in the Dead Sea Scrolls at Qumran. The community there viewed itself separate from mainstream Judaism, which they considered corrupt and in need of renovation. 

In order to find fault with Daniel, his opponents have to make his religion temporarily illegal. Faithlife Study Bible

Daniel had previously been appointed a governor in Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar. Here he was governor in the new Medo-Persian reign. 

Excellent spirit probably refers to Daniel’s surpassing ability to do his job and perhaps includes a commendable attitude. 

Daniel had been circumspect in obeying the laws of the land, but his enemies knew that when the law of the land conflicted with the law of his God, Daniel would break the former in favor of the latter. The NKJV Study Bible

Daniel 5:12–14 Inasmuch as an excellent spirit, knowledge, understanding, interpreting dreams, solving riddles, and explaining enigmas were found in this Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar, now let Daniel be called, and he will give the interpretation.”Then Daniel was brought in before the king. The king spoke, and said to Daniel, “Are you that Daniel who is one of the captives from Judah, whom my father the king brought from Judah…

Daniel 6:6–7 So these governors and satraps thronged before the king, and said thus to him: “King Darius, live forever! All the governors of the kingdom, the administrators and satraps, the counselors and advisors, have consulted together to establish a royal statute and to make a firm decree, that whoever petitions any god or man for thirty days, except you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions.

Esther 10:3 For Mordecai the Jew was second to King Ahasuerus, and was great among the Jews and well received by the multitude of his brethren, seeking the good of his people and speaking peace to all his countrymen.

Genesis 41:40–41 You shall be over my house, and all my people shall be ruled according to your word; only in regard to the throne will I be greater than you.” And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt.”

Matthew 17:1-9 The glory of God

How beyond human understanding that God the Father allowed mere humans to witness the transfiguration of the Son of God in all His glory. How wonderful that Holy Spirit inspired them to write of it for our learning and allow us a glimpse into the greatest gift of God in the gift of salvation.

2 Peter 1:16–18 For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty. For He received from God the Father honor and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”…

Romans 15:4 whatever things were written in the OT were for our learning the ways of God. In Scriptures we have comfort and hope.

God detest unbelief, it cost the life of Jesus the Christ, born out of His great love for His creation to offer us eternal life. 

Jesus is the High Priest and He offered the final gift, His very life, for all who would accept His death for our sins. 

As a man He had compassion on all the people as He was tempted in all areas. His resurrection allow mankind to come boldly to the throne of grace without fear.

Matthew 14:27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.”

No man could take this honor of High Priest but He that was called of God. But the man Jesus was not like the human priest but was the Son of God, all man and all God, called by God He had begotten Him as a priest forever. In His humanity He prayed to the Father and as God He calmed the seas. 

Psalm 2:7 “I will declare the decree: The Lord has said to Me, ‘You are My Son, Today I have begotten You. 8 Ask of Me, and I will give You The nations for Your inheritance, And the ends of the earth for Your possession.

…what we learn is meant to equip us with knowledge of God so we can live out the will of God. Therefore, we are called to "rightly handle the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15). Our response to the Word matters (James 1:22-25). We are tasked to know the Truth and live the Truth.

In the end, Jesus is the only perfect Teacher. The rest of us wrestle with personal inconsistencies that can either become acts of hypocrisy or reasons for humility. Thankfully, when we stumble or fail (James 3:2), as believers, we can confess our faults to each other and to God (James 5:16). We can repent and be forgiven and restored (1 John 1:9). While we are not all teachers, God has set apart each of His people to share His Truth in some way (Matthew 28:19-20), which requires our dependence on Him in every way. 

As the reality of our guilt comes upon us, Jesus says, "Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light" (Matthew 11:29-30). The pressures of life can tangle us in stress and worry, but the yoke of Jesus steers us and stops us when needed. His Truth is the perfect bridle. Not only does Jesus keep us from stumbling, but He presents us "blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy" (Jude 1:24). First5

So. This is about the paradigm (or glasses, or eyes) that we use to see where our well-being is grounded. And too often, we use the glasses or paradigm which sees only our shortcomings, and we do not see our beauty.

We do not see Grace. We do not see Love.

We choose selective blindness. And with that paradigm, we carry a script that is not the whole truth. And such a script (or label or narrative) will always influence or persuade us, to play small.  Sabbath Moments 

Take time to remember. “Look at what you were when God called you” (1 Corinthians 1:26 NCV). Remember who held you in the beginning. And remember who holds you today. Max Lucado

Matthew 17:1-9

17 Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; 2 and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. 3 And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. 4 Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, let us make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 5 While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” 6 And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid. 7 But Jesus came and touched them and said, “Arise, and do not be afraid.” 8 When they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only. 9 Now as they came down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, saying, “Tell the vision to no one until the Son of Man is risen from the dead.” 10 And His disciples asked Him, saying, “Why then do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” 11 Jesus answered and said to them, “Indeed, Elijah is coming first and will restore all things. 12 But I say to you that Elijah has come already, and they did not know him but did to him whatever they wished. Likewise the Son of Man is also about to suffer at their hands.” 13 Then the disciples understood that He spoke to them of John the Baptist. The New King James Version

These men compose the inner circle of Jesus’ disciples. They occasionally become privy to events that the rest of the group does not see. 

There is no indication that Jesus and the disciples have moved away from Caesarea Philippi located at the base of Mount Hermon. Another possibility is Mount Tabor, southwest of the Sea of Galilee. Since the fifth century, church tradition has favored Mount Tabor, though there is no textual basis for this choice; the association was established by early pilgrims. Details in the narrative seem to fit better with Mount Hermon, located on the northern edge of Bashan—a region associated in Jesus’ day with demonic activity. Based on this connection, Jesus’ revelation of His true identity in the Transfiguration can be understood as an advance against evil: The King has arrived to defeat the powers of darkness and claim what belongs to Him. 

The presence of these men might signify that both the Law (Moses) and the Prophets (Elijah) point to Jesus.  Jesus mentions His forthcoming resurrection for the second time. Faithlife Study Bible

Moses and Elijah represented the Old Testament, personifying the Law and the Prophets. Their presence indicated that the Old Testament Scriptures had been looking forward to the Messiah and His kingdom. 

This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased were the identical words spoken at Jesus’ baptism in 3:17. Hear Him seems to refer to Deuteronomy. The command for silence was due to the fact that the masses of Israel had an incorrect concept of the Messiah. They expected a conquering king, not a Suffering Servant. The NKJV Study Bible

Now the disciples beheld somewhat of Christ’s glory, as of the only begotten of the Father. It was intended to support their faith, when they would have to witness his crucifixion; and would give them an idea of the glory prepared for them, when changed by his power and made like him. The apostles were overcome by the glorious sight. Peter thought that it was most desirable to continue there, and to go no more down to meet the sufferings of which he was so unwilling to hear. In this he knew not what he said. That sacrifice was not yet offered, without which the souls of sinful men could not have been saved; and important services were to be done by Peter and his brethren. While Peter spoke, a bright cloud overshadowed them, an emblem of the Divine presence and glory. Ever since man sinned, and heard God’s voice in the garden, unusual appearances of God have been terrible to man. They fell prostrate to the earth, till Jesus encouraged them; when looking round, they beheld only their Lord as they commonly saw him. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Matthew 3:17 And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

Luke 9:28–36 Now it came to pass, about eight days after these sayings, that He took Peter, John, and James and went up on the mountain to pray. As He prayed, the appearance of His face was altered, and His robe became white and glistening…

Mark 9:2–13 Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John, and led them up on a high mountain apart by themselves; and He was transfigured before them. His clothes became shining, exceedingly white, like snow, such as no launderer on earth can whiten them…