Greater Glory (Haggai 2:9)

 


Tuesday, October 8, 2024


Psalm 89:1-18

Haggai 1:12-2:9

Colossians 3:12-17


Greater Glory (Haggai 2:9)


Today’s passage seems confusing. This new temple that the people are building is, objectively, less spectacular than the original. Everyone knows it; it is not exactly a silent elephant in the room. Even God points it out: “Who of you is left who saw this house in its former glory? How does it look to you now? Does it not seem to you like nothing?” (Hag 2:3) And yet, God then turns around and tells everyone that it will be more glorious than the first.


To be told to ignore what is in front of your eyes and obvious and pretend that it is something that it is not is blind faith. Blind faith is not the type of faith the Bible teaches. Something more must be going on here. Fortunately for us, we have an interpretation of this passage that we can trust, because it is quoted and exegeted in the letter to the Hebrews.


The letter to the Hebrews is all about how before Christ, God did some pretty great things, but now that Christ has been revealed, God has shown us something even greater. We have a greater sacrifice; a greater religion; a greater sense of the love that God has for us. And this bit of Haggai is quoted in line with this theme of “something greater”.


We have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom and storm; to a trumpet blast or to such a voice speaking words that no further word could be spoken to them. (Hebrews 12:18-19) Rather, through Christ, we have come directly into the heavenly places, through Jesus our mediator by virtue of his blood, which is better than the blood of animals.


And so, when Haggai tells us that God will “shake” everything up once more, it is referring to how all those inferior bits will be shaken off, and what is permanent will remain: this better relationship between humanity and God through Jesus Christ. A greater temple; a greater glory.


As we look to build this kingdom of heaven on earth, what past experiences can we learn from? What can be shaken off and discarded? What is greater and remains?


God of glory, show us what is permanent and greater, so that we may always see you more clearly.

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