Looking to the Future

The word of the LORD came a second time to Haggai on the twenty-fourth day of the month, “Speak to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah, saying, I am about to shake the heavens and the earth, and to overthrow the throne of kingdoms. I am about to destroy the strength of the kingdoms of the nations, and overthrow the chariots and their riders. And the horses and their riders shall go down, every one by the sword of his brother. On that day, declares the LORD of hosts, I will take you, O Zerubbabel my servant, the son of Shealtiel, declares the LORD, and make you like a signet ring, for I have chosen you, declares the LORD of hosts.”
Haggai 2:20–23
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Looking to the Future
As Haggai ends his prophecy to God’s people, he does so with a hopeful and optimistic tone. God does not want His people to dwell on the past but go forward in His forgiveness. Haggai concludes by looking to the future. The time was coming when the Lord would overthrow the kingdoms of the world and make His chosen servant Zerubbabel the one through whom the promise of the Savior would be realized. These Words of hope are for us as well. When we see the world in turmoil, with wars and rumors of wars across the globe and evil increasing all around, how often do we find ourselves foolishly wondering whether the Lord is in control? We need to remember that just as He did in the past, so today, the Lord continues to govern all things in the interest of His kingdom. Through Jesus Christ, the promised descendant of David and Zerubbabel, we receive forgiveness for our sins of doubt and worry. Therefore we give praise to our Father for sending Jesus to be our Savior from sin, our comfort in affliction, and our reason for living.