Beyond the Weekend

May 26 | The Long View

May 26, 2016

Haggai 2.20-23

Toward the end of the book of Haggai, God addresses Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah, and gives him an incredible promise. “On that day,’ declares the Lord, ‘I will take you my servant Zerubbabel…and I will make you like my signet ring, for I have chosen you” (Haggai 2.23).

God’s promise to Zerubbabel is huge! The signet ring symbolized the king’s authority and was used on official documents. Through this promise, God is re-establishing the Davidic Covenant, the promise that a messiah would come through David’s lineage and be the savior of the world. Amazingly, in Matthew 1.12, Zerubbabel is listed in the lineage of Jesus—the promised Messiah.

This amazing promise poses one challenge: the blessings will never be experienced by Zerubbabel. As we turn to God, this principle can often be true for us as well. As we begin forward movement, we can’t know how or when God’s blessings will come to fruition. Often God has the long view in mind. Because generations after us may reap the blessing of our faithfulness, we can’t underestimate God’s ability to bless long after we’re gone.

To remind us of this incredible truth, read the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1.1-17. As you do, note the different individuals and their stories of faithfulness. None of these people could anticipate the timing of God’s faithfulness or even the magnitude of being an ancestor of Jesus. Be encouraged that God may choose to bless you far beyond your perspective and resolve to continue seeking him regardless of the timing of his blessings.

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