“This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘In a little while I will once more shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land… and the desire of every nation will come. I will fill this house with glory, and in this place I will grant peace,’ declares the Lord Almighty.” Haggai 2:6-9
Lord Jesus, who knew? Haggai, one of the least read of Israel’s “minor prophets” was the major inspiration for Charles Wesley’s beloved Advent hymn—”Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus.” (Either now or later, play a recording of this hymn, and turn it up loud!)
Through Haggai, God promised to “shake things up”—to bring cosmic, international, and personal crisis. Though that sounds kind of scary; it’s actually very merciful, freeing, and loving. Our heavenly Father often uses disruption to lead to redemption. Misplaced desire and misused longings usually lead to disaster. But they can also lead us to you, Jesus.
Though Haggai didn’t know your name, he was writing about you. Indeed, Jesus, you are “the desire of every nation, and the joy of every longing heart”—for God has placed “eternity in our hearts” (Eccl. 3:11). You were born to set us free—to release us “from our fears and sins.” You are the “hope of all the earth,” who gives a rest and peace that can’t be found anywhere else.
So even as you came the first time, come again, Jesus. Come today by the power of your “eternal Spirit.” Let us see your hand and heart in the current disruptions of our lives. “Rule in our hearts alone,” for you alone are worthy.
Jesus, it is only by your “all sufficient merit” that we have hope for today, and hope for the Day when you will fill the earth with your glory. So Very, Very Amen.
