Haggai 2

Ver. 6, 7, 21, 22. Not only was the Jewish church and state repeatedly shaken by manifold disasters, but the nations around were shaken and overturned by the rise and fall of the Persian, Grecian, and Roman empires, to make way for Christ’s incarnation and Gospel church. And they will be further shaken by the fall of the Antichristian and Mahometan powers to make way for his universal reign on earth

Haggai 2:7

Christ is the desire of all nations; infinitely desirable in himself, and desired and embraced by all that know him; and his presence filled the second temple with glory

Haggai 2:8

If I regarded outward splendour, I could easily furnish gold and silver to render this temple magnificent

Haggai 2:12-14

As legal holiness is not so easily communicated as legal uncleanness, so your sacrifices do not sanctify you; but your sinful hearts, and neglect to build my temple, debase your offerings, and bring a curse on your labours

Haggai 2:23

Zerubbabel, but chiefly Christ, is a signet, God’s precious favourite, who is intrusted with all power, and sealed as the Head of his church, and who seals it to the day of redemption

The peculiar time of God’s messages and mercies ought to be remarked, and beautiful is every one in its season.—If we be hearty in God’s work, he will give us all necessary encouragement. If, amidst external discouragements we act for him with vigour, we cannot but succeed. If Christ and his Spirit be with us, nothing need discourage us. He will work all our work in us, and perfect that which concerneth us. He will provide all our necessary expenses. He will shake and overturn nations, in order to establish his church and her privileges. He will extirpate idolatries, that himself, and his oracles and ordinances, may be ALL in ALL: and his presence will secure peace and tranquillity. God’s ministers must assist, not interfere with, one another. For it will require great pains to render men duly sensible of their spiritual maladies and the proper remedies for them. Sinful pollution is much easier communicated and spread than holiness. It is not living among saints that will render us holy in God’s sight: and our inward corruptions and sinful misconduct often render our works, which are materially good, unacceptable to God. The more we expect from creatures, the more we shall be disappointed: but, the more firmly we expect from the new covenant, the more shall we enjoy. If we take no care of God’s interest, we cannot expect that he will take care of ours: but, if we make conscience of duty, we may look for his gracious rewards. If we honour him, he will favour, protect, and honour, us. Nor need we be dismayed at the ruin of the wicked, since it is but the earnest of deliverances to the church