Remember the Past, but Face the Present

AS a new temple began to take form in the place where the old one had stood, some of the old-timers could remember the “former glory” of the first temple (Haggai 2:3). They remembered its beautiful cedar paneling, gold overlay, and other magnificent furnishings. By comparison, the new temple seemed “as nothing” in their eyes.

The Lord did not discourage them from honoring this gilded, glorious past, but He did exhort them to turn their eyes toward the present. He challenged the leaders and the people: “Be strong . . . work, for I am with you” (Haggai 2:4). The new structure might not bring back the days of Solomon, but it would at least be a building of which they could be proud.

Scripture often encourages us to remember and honor the past, but it also urges us to face the reality of the present. God is at work today, just as He was at work yesterday. His Spirit remains with us (Haggai 2:5; John 14:16-17), just as He was with believers in times past. If we cooperate with what the Spirit is doing, we may bring even greater glory to God and accomplish even greater ministry than has yet been seen.

Courtesy of Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Commentary
Unless otherwise noted, Scripture taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®, ESV © 2016 by Crossway Bibles.
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