"Small But Significant: God’s Glory in Our Obedience"
Scripture: Haggai 2:1–9 (NASB)
The Story of Haggai Chapter 1 in Modern Language
It was a time of struggle for the people of Judah. Years ago, they had returned to their homeland after 70 years of being in exile, excited about rebuilding their lives and reconnecting with God. But now, things weren’t going well. The economy was weak, crops weren’t producing enough, and people felt like no matter how hard they worked, it wasn’t enough to get ahead.
They had started rebuilding the temple of God when they first got back, but over time, they stopped. Life got busy. People said things like, "This just isn’t the right time to finish the temple. We’ve got too much going on right now."
Instead, they focused on fixing up their own homes. They built nice houses with sturdy walls and comfortable furniture, but the temple—the house of God—remained half-finished and forgotten.
God’s Wake-Up Call
Then one day (20 years later), a man named Haggai, a prophet of God, came into town with a message. He gathered the people together and said, “This is what the Lord says: ‘Think carefully about what’s happening in your lives. You’re working hard, but you’re never satisfied. You plant a lot, but your harvests are small. You eat, but you’re never full. You drink, but you’re still thirsty. You earn money, but it’s like putting it in a bag with holes.’”
The people were stunned. They realized Haggai was right. They’d been so busy trying to make their own lives comfortable that they had forgotten about honoring God.
Haggai continued: “Do you know why things aren’t going well for you? It’s because you’ve put yourselves first and neglected God. The temple is still in ruins, but you’re living in fancy houses. God is calling you to think carefully about your choices.”
Then Haggai gave them a challenge straight from God: “Go up into the hills, bring down the timber, and rebuild the temple. Do this so God will be honored.”
The People Respond
For a moment, the people hesitated. Building the temple would take a lot of work, and they still didn’t feel like it was the right time. But something about Haggai’s words stirred their hearts.
Zerubbabel, the governor, and Joshua, the high priest, stepped up first. They said, “We need to obey God.” Slowly, the rest of the people joined in.
Haggai came back with another message from God: “I am with you.” Those words filled them with courage. They realized that even though the task was big, God would help them.
The people got to work, clearing debris, cutting wood, and laying bricks. For the first time in years, they felt a sense of purpose. Their lives were no longer just about survival or personal gain—they were about honoring God again.
The Takeaway
This modernized story of Haggai Chapter 1 shows us the importance of prioritizing God in our lives. The people of Judah had focused on their own needs and forgotten God, but when they turned back to Him, He promised to be with them.
It’s a reminder for us today: no matter how busy life gets, putting God first will always lead to blessing and fulfillment in ways we can’t conceive or achieve on our own. When we honor Him, He honors us.
Introduction: Do You Feel Too Small to Matter? (in your personal life or Lifeway Church)
Good morning, Have you ever felt small, insignificant, or unworthy of making a meaningful impact for God? Maybe you've thought, "What difference can I make in the grand scheme of God's kingdom?"
This is exactly where we find the people of Judah in the book of Haggai. They were overwhelmed by the scale of the task before them and discouraged by the apparent insignificance of their efforts. But God reassured them that their faithfulness mattered, no matter how small their contribution seemed.
- A Time of Discouragement: Comparing the Past and Present (Haggai 2:1–3)
"'Who is left among you who saw this temple in its former glory? And how do you see it now? Does it not seem like nothing to you?'" (Haggai 2:3 NASB)
The older generation, who had seen Solomon's temple in all its splendor, looked at the rebuilding efforts and thought, This is pitiful compared to what we had before. Their discouragement spread, making the people feel as though their efforts were insignificant, useless, and not as good as it should be.
Application:
- The Trap of Comparison: We often compare ourselves or our efforts to others or to past "glory days." This can lead to a sense of inadequacy and/or frustration.
- We have never done it that way.
- I like the way I used to do it.
- God was like: If it was so great before then why are you where you are now?
- Reflection: Are you holding back from God’s work because you “feel” your contributions are too small or the work is too big/hard?
- What is this “feeling” based on?
- Your thoughts, your comparison, your thinking of what others think?
- Is the work too big or too hard?
- Is this your thinking or God’s
- God’s Encouragement: “I Am With You” (Haggai 2:4–5)
"'But now take courage, Zerubbabel,' declares the Lord, 'take courage also, Joshua... and all you people of the land, take courage,’ declares the Lord, 'and work; for I am with you,' declares the Lord of armies." (Haggai 2:4 NASB)
God addressed their discouragement directly, calling them to courage and reminding them of His presence. Their significance wasn’t based on the size of the temple they were building—it was in their obedience and reliance on Him.
Application:
- God’s Presence Transforms the Ordinary: What feels small or weak in your hands becomes powerful when God is with you.
- Eph 3:20 “Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us...”
- Faithful Obedience: The value of our work is not measured by human standards but by God’s purposes.
- Romans 8:31 “If God is for us, who can be against us”
- God’s Promise: Greater Glory to Come (Haggai 2:6–9)
"'I will shake the heavens and the earth, the sea also and the dry land. I will shake all the nations; and they will come with the wealth of all nations, and I will fill this house with glory,' says the Lord of armies." (Haggai 2:6–7 NASB)
The people were building a temple that seemed unimpressive, but God promised that its glory would surpass even Solomon’s temple. Why? Because this temple would ultimately host Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. Their small, faithful act of rebuilding was part of God’s eternal plan.
Application:
- Eternal Perspective: What feels insignificant now can have eternal significance in God’s hands.
- God Uses the Small for His Glory: David’s stone defeated Goliath (1 Sam 17), five loaves fed thousands (Mat 14), and a group of discouraged exiles built a temple pointing to Christ.
- Today, this is YOU, Me, and Lifeway Church, if we take our eyes and perspectives off ourselves, and others, and focus on God and HIS plan.
- Small Steps, Big Impact: The Blessing of Faithfulness
Immediately the people obeyed God despite their feelings of inadequacy. As a result, He not only blessed their efforts but also used them to accomplish something far greater than they could imagine.
Application for Lifeway Church:
- Feeling Small in Ministry: Our church may feel small compared to others, but God doesn’t measure success by size—He measures it by faithfulness and obedience.
- Personal Contribution: Your small acts of faith—sharing the Gospel, serving in ministry, giving generously—can be used by God to build His kingdom in ways you may never see.
Illustration: The Mustard Seed
Jesus said, "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a person took and sowed in his field; and this is smaller than all other seeds, but when it is fully grown, it is larger than the garden plants and becomes a tree." (Matthew 13:31–32 NASB)
Just as a tiny mustard seed grows into a tree, God takes our seemingly small efforts and produces a harvest far beyond our expectations.
- God’s Assurance: “The Silver and Gold Are Mine” (Haggai 2:8)
God reminded the people that He owns all resources. They didn’t need to worry about the lack of wealth or splendor in the temple. When we step out in faith, God provides what we need to accomplish His purposes.
Application:
- Trust God to Provide: When we feel like we lack resources, skills, or influence, remember that God’s resources are unlimited.
- Faith Over Fear: Don’t let what you don’t have keep you from obeying God’s call.
- The Glory of the Latter Temple (Haggai 2:9)
"'The latter glory of this house will be greater than the former,' says the Lord of armies, 'and in this place I will give peace,' declares the Lord of armies." (Haggai 2:9 NASB)
God promised that the latter temple would be greater because His ultimate glory—Jesus Christ—would dwell there. The people’s faithfulness in the small task of rebuilding became part of the grand story of redemption.
Application for Us:
- Faithfulness Today, Glory Tomorrow: What we build today—whether in our families, church, or community—can have eternal impact for God’s glory.
- Trust in God’s Plan: Even when we feel small, God is weaving our efforts into His grand design.
Conclusion: Small Yet Significant
Lifeway Church, no matter how small or insignificant you may feel, remember that God uses small things for great purposes. Your obedience, faith, and willingness to serve are the foundation of God’s work.
Call to Action:
- Reflect: Identify areas where you feel insignificant or hesitant to act.
- Commit: Take a small step of faith this week—share your faith, volunteer in ministry, or commit to a deeper walk with God.
- Trust: Believe that God is with you, and He will use your faithfulness for His glory.
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we are not insignificant in Your eyes. Help us to trust in Your presence and purpose, even when we feel small. Use our obedience to bring glory to Your name and build Your kingdom. In Jesus' name, amen.
Final Encouragement:
"Do not despise the day of small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin." (Zechariah 4:10 NASB)
