Sunday September 21, 2025

Sermon Title: On That Day

Series Big Idea: Capturing the urgency and clarity of the prophets’ messages in turbulent times

Sermon Big Idea: God fulfills His promises in His sovereign timing

Introduction:

God’s people in Haggai’s day were rebuilding their lives and the temple after exile, uncertain if God’s promises still held true. In the middle of discouragement and unfinished hope, God’s message through Haggai pointed them to a future “day” of decisive action.

Haggai 2:20-23

20 The word of the LORD came to Haggai a second time on the twenty-fourth day of the month: 21 “Speak to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah: I am going to shake the heavens and the earth. 22 I will overturn royal thrones and destroy the power of the Gentile kingdoms. I will overturn chariots and their riders. Horses and their riders will fall, each by his brother’s sword. 23 On that day”—this is the declaration of the LORD of Armies—“I will take you, Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, my servant”—this is the LORD’s declaration—“and make you like my signet ring, for I have chosen you.” This is the declaration of the LORD of Armies. 

God Sovereignly Shakes Earthly Powers (20-22)

The Lord declares His intention to “shake the heavens and the earth,” signaling that no kingdom or power is outside His control. God’s people are reminded that He alone determines the course of nations and secures the future of His people.

God Faithfully Restores His Chosen Servant (23)

God singles out Zerubbabel, calling him “my servant” and promising to make him like a signet ring, a symbol of restored authority and favor. The hope of God’s people rests not in circumstance but in God’s choice and His covenant faithfulness.

Conclusion

“On that day” is a reminder that God fulfills His promises in His perfect timing, for Judah and for us. As God’s people, we are called to hope, trust, and obedience as we await the fullness of His redemptive work in Christ.

Haggai 2:20-23 Bibliography

Walvoord, John F., and Roy B. Zuck, Dallas Theological Seminary. The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures. Victor Books, 1985.

Rydelnik, Michael A., and Michael Vanlaningham, editors. The Moody Bible Commentary. Moody Publishers, 2014.

Carson, D. A., et al., editors. New Bible Commentary: 21st Century Edition. 4th ed., Inter-Varsity Press, 1994.

Hughes, Robert B., and J. Carl Laney. Tyndale Concise Bible Commentary. Tyndale House Publishers, 2001.

Cabal, Ted, et al. The Apologetics Study Bible: Real Questions, Straight Answers, Stronger Faith. Holman Bible Publishers, 2007.

Blum, Edwin A., and Trevin Wax, editors. CSB Study Bible: Notes. Holman Bible Publishers, 2017.

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Barry, John D., et al. Faithlife Study Bible. Lexham Press, 2012, 2016.

MacArthur, John F., Jr. The MacArthur Study Bible: New American Standard Bible. Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2006.

Smith, Jerome H. The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge: The Most Complete Listing of Cross References Available Anywhere- Every Verse, Every Theme, Every Important Word. Thomas Nelson, 1992.

Spurgeon. The Spurgeon Study Bible: Notes. Holman Bible Publishers, 2017.

Brown, Francis, S. R. Driver, and Charles A. Briggs. The Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew and English Lexicon. Hendrickson Publishers, 2007.

Bell, James Stuart, editor. Ancient Faith Study Bible. Holman Bibles, 2019.

Richards, Lawrence O. The Bible Reader’s Companion. Electronic ed. Wheaton: Victor Books, 1991.

Brooks, Keith. Summarized Bible: Complete Summary of the Old Testament. Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2009.

Easley, Kendell H. Holman QuickSource Guide to Understanding the Bible. Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2002.

George, Jim. The Basic Bible Pocket Guide: *Book by Book Summaries *Key Verses *Life Applications *Life Applications. Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers, 2016.

Chisholm, Robert B., Jr. Handbook on the Prophets: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel, Minor Prophets. Baker Academic, 2002.

Fries, Micah, et al. Exalting Jesus in Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi. Edited by David Platt et al., Holman Reference, 2015.

Merrill, Eugene H. An Exegetical Commentary - Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi. Biblical Studies Press, 2003.

Perowne, T. T. Haggai and Zechariah, with Notes and Introduction. Cambridge University Press, 1890.

Boda, Mark J. Haggai, Zechariah. Zondervan Publishing House, 2004.

Baldwin, Joyce G. Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi: An Introduction and Commentary. InterVarsity Press, 1972.

Patterson, Richard D., and Andrew E. Hill. Cornerstone Biblical Commentary, Vol 10: Minor Prophets, Hosea–Malachi. Tyndale House Publishers, 2008.

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