AboutRev C.Brian Ross Expertise I am happy to offer answers to anyone with a question that refers to the Christian Faith in its widest possible sense. I believe that the Bible is the living Word of God, and seek to base all of my life on its teaching. I also have some knowledge of some of the cults, and of Islam and Judaism. Of course, my answers are just one man's thoughts, and I would always advise a questioner to check with others, and with the Word of God.
Experience Served as a full-time parish minister in Scotland for about six years, and then spent the last thirty as a teacher (now 'retired') of Religious Education in Secondary Comprehensive schools (ages 11-17) while continuing my own preaching and teaching ministry. I also believe that learning is a life-time process, and have recently completed a Master's degree in Divinity.
Organizations Former Presenter on Revival FM - a local Christian, community radio station, broadcasting in west central Scotland, and online at revival.fm Involved with a number of organisations that support Christians who are currently suffering persecution in some 70 countries around the world.
Publications Various articles in Christian magazines. I also have two blogsites - www.crazyrev.blogspot.com and (with audio messages) www.revcbross.blogspot.com
Education/Credentials Diploma of The Bible Training Institute, Glasgow;
Licentiate in Theology of the University of Glasgow;
Associateship of The Philosophical Society of England;
Bachelor of Arts Degree (Hons) in History from The Open University;
Post-grad Certificate of Education - Religious Education and History;
Post-grad Cetificate in Learning and Teaching;
Post-grad Diploma in Management and Learning in Education;
Master of Science Degree from the University of Strathclyde;
Master of Divinity Degree (Hons) from Trinity College and Seminary (accredited by the University of Liverpool)
Question Hi can you explain the book of Haggai to me, what is the Lord saying to you that it mean's?
Answer Hi can you explain the book of Haggai to me, what is the Lord saying to you that it mean's?
Hi Tina
Wow! What a question!! Thank you, however, for sending me back to a book that I have neglected for too long!
Obviously, I would recommend that you consult a number of good commentaries on Haggai. That would provide you with all of the background to what is the most precisely dated book in the Old Testament.
What this little book says to me may be given under five headings (unusual – I am normally a “three-point" preacher!!). The first half of the first chapter reminds me of the priority that we should have. In v.2, we learn that the contemporary Jews were putting off the rebuilding the Temple after their return from exile. For me, the question is, “Am I constantly waiting for the “right time” to do God’s will?” When I think of men like Abraham who went out at God’s command, “…without knowing where he was going” (Heb.11:8), I realise that I’m not always prepared to leave my own comfort zone. Haggai reminds me that my priority is to do the Lord’s will.
The second half of that first chapter, vs 12-15, speaks of the precept we must obey. In the copy that I have in front of me as I type, that little section is headed “Obedience to God’s call” This, I suppose, is putting the first section into action. I recall a friend, many years ago, telling me that God had spoken to him about a certain matter, with the words “Stop praying; start obeying.” He had interpreted that, and I agreed with him, as God saying, “You know the priority; you’ve received my instruction; now get up and do something about it!” It’s a take on the old story of the person who was praying that God would send more people to the foreign mission-field – but being unwilling to realise that he could be the answer to his own prayer!
In Haggai 2:1-9, we learn something about the Presence that we will enjoy. In v.4the same word is given to leaders and to people alike: “Be strong … for I am with you.” When we step out to do the Lord’s will, He never leaves us to do it in our own strength. He is there with us. Indeed, we invariably find that He has gone before us, and prepared the way!
The next few verses (10-14), may be thought of as a paradox we must accept. It is a simple fact that, while the unclean, the godless, the forces of the world, can (and often do) pull the person of good character down to their level, the good person is unable to pull the world up to his level. However, the final verses speak clearly of the promise that we may claim. These promises (in the contemporary situation, the promise of a bountiful harvest, after years of poor ones) apply to a fellowship of God’s people (vs.15-19). They also apply to us as individuals. The last four verses are directed at Zerubbabel, and assure him that he will be so close to the Lord that he will be as a signet ring – worn by the one who had authority, and also the sign of that person’s authority.
Haggai is a brief book, but it contains much that can speak to the people of God today. I hope that I have whetted your appetite to go off to do some personal study, and that you will be blessed as you do so.
In His service,
C. Brian Ross (Rev)
