Today seems the right time to share a key learning from my recent study with Jennifer Rothschild in Haggai. The book is short on verses but long on application and timeliness.
One of our first assignments was to read the book several times and highlight repeated words and phrases. “The LORD of hosts” popped up as the most recurring phrase- 14 times in 34 verses. God is making a point He wants his people to remember. It’s one they must know and believe if they are to continue on in obedience and finish the work they’ve begun. It’s a message for me today!
According to the ESV study notes, this phrase means, “The Lord is sovereign.” The notes go on to explain this truth and how it is evidenced in Haggai-
The Lord gives the divine word, controls the fortunes of his people (1:9; 2:17, 19) and nations (2:6-8), directs nature (1:10), motivates his people to action (1:14; 2:4), and establishes and deposes kingdoms (2:20-23).
(ESV, “Introduction to Haggai” Crossway 2008, p.1742)
God is reminding his people that He is in control and that all power and authority are His. This word from God remains true today, and it’s a powerful one!
Tomorrow we hold the election of new leaders during a season of division and unrest on top of a global pandemic and many health concerns. We go to the polls in a season of fear, anxiety, and discord. We may be tempted to believe that any hope for our future depends on the outcome of this election. We learn from Haggai this is not true.
I especially appreciated the light Jennifer brought to this issue. She writes,
“No man is higher than the Most High. God, the Commander of the universe, allows a person to be president. The Most High, our God, has got this! God is sovereign and in ultimate control, even over what seems totally crazy and out-of-control. God is ultimately in charge of those who are in charge.”
(Jennifer Rothschild, Take Courage- A Study of Haggai, Lifeway Press 2020, 29)
Today I’m taking heart because I know and remember that God is still the LORD of hosts. Even in this season of chaos and fear, He is in control. Regardless of what comes in the days ahead, He will not be caught off guard or at a loss over what to do next. His power and authority reign supreme. He will place and use whomever He chooses as He always has.
Our hope for the future depends on God!
I’m taking this powerful truth from Haggai and making it a prayer for my own life because No Matter What, I want to trust God and continue on in obedience with the work that He has started in me.
In times of uncertainty, fear, and chaos, it may seem unclear what work we need to continue as God’s people. Last week while reading my devotional I was reminded of the good work of transformation in the life of the believer. This is the work that continues. This is the work our world needs- to see more and more of the glory of God in us as He makes us more like His Son Jesus. (2 Corinthians 3:18)
Colossians 3:12-17 makes our work assignment clear- for today, tomorrow, and into the days ahead, No Matter What–
Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Today Lord Jesus, help me to live in this world as one of yours- with kindness, compassion, love, and forgiveness. I pray your peace will rule in me as your word dwells in me. Remind me to give thanks and praise to you, and to remember that No Matter What, I am yours and You reign now and will forever!
Daily PICs for Life 