Friday, September 27, 2019

The Glory Of the New Temple

"On the twenty-first day of the seventh month, of the second year of the reign of Darius, this word of YAHWEH was sent through the prophet Haggai, 'Give this message to Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah, and to Joshua, the high priest, and to all the people:
Is there left among you one of those who saw this house long ago, in the time of its glory?  What do they think, of what they see now?  Is it not a very little thing?  But I say to you, Zerubbabel, Joshua and MY people: do not be discouraged.  Begin to work, for I AM with you, says YAHWEH.  Do not be afraid, for MY spirit is in your midst.
Thus says YAHWEH of hosts, within a short while, I will shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the continents.  Then I will shake all the nations; and bring in the treasures of the whole world.  I will fill this house with glory, says YAHWEH.  I will have as much silver and gold as I wish.  The renown of this temple will be greater than before, and in this place I will give peace,' says YAHWEH of hosts." - Haggai 2:1-9 

(With utter frankness, Haggai points out how modest was the work they have achieved.  It was better that way, since they did not build the temple for the sake of the temple to be proud of it; but rather, to show that they had surrendered to YAHWEH.

Do not be afraid, for MY spirit is in your midst.  We already pointed out that Spirit achieves union.  Here the prophet emphasizes that Spirit removes our fears.

I will fill this house with glory: the very poverty of the temple invites GOD to hasten the time of HIS visitation, to fill it with HIS glory.  In a short time, YAHWEH will end this transitory world, in which the Jews are living, and will establish HIS kingdom.)

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