A Call To Rebuild | A Study In Haggai

Part 4- God's Chosen Purpose

Guest Pastor: Sandy Mason

Thursday, April 10th, 2025

Sunday, April 17th, 2025 

The Passage:

Haggai 2:20-23 | Passion Week | Prophetic Fulfillment

20The word of the Lord came a second time to Haggai on the twenty-fourth day of the month, 21“Speak to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah, saying, I am about to shake the heavens and the earth, 22and to overthrow the throne of kingdoms. I am about to destroy the strength of the kingdoms of the nations, and overthrow the chariots and their riders. And the horses and their riders shall go down, every one by the sword of his brother. 23On that day, declares the Lord of hosts, I will take you, O Zerubbabel my servant, the son of Shealtiel, declares the Lord, and make you like a signet ring, for I have chosen you, declares the Lord of hosts.”

• We are not here by accident—we are here by design.

• Zerubbabel was chosen as a symbol of God’s sovereign plan.

• Jesus fulfilled that plan as the humble King who came, and who is coming again.

Use these questions to reflect deeply, especially during Holy Week, as we prepare our souls and walk in faith.

Talk it Over

1. What does it mean that God calls Zerubbabel His “servant” and “signet ring” (Haggai 2:23)? How does this image point forward to Jesus and speak to our own sense of calling?
   Matthew 1:12–16; Jeremiah 22:24; Revelation 19:16
   
   
2. How does God’s promise to “shake the heavens and the earth” (Haggai 2:21) reflect both judgment and restoration?
   Hebrews 12:26–27; Ezekiel 21:27; Psalm 46:6–10
   
   
3. Why is it important to see ourselves as being here “by design” rather than by accident? How does that affect our decisions, our prayers, and our purpose?
   Ephesians 2:10; Acts 17:26–27
   
   
4. How does God act as our Advocate, not just our Judge? How does this change how we view His discipline, correction, and calling?
   John 3:17; Romans 8:34; Ezekiel 36:26–27
   
   
5. What does Haggai teach us about the relationship between obedience and blessing?
   Haggai 2:18–19; Deuteronomy 28:1–2
   
   
6. Why was the rebuilding of the temple such a powerful symbol of renewal for God’s people—and what might “rebuilding” look like in your own life today?
   Haggai 1:2–4; 1 Corinthians 3:16
   
   
7. Pastor Sandy connected Jesus' entry on Palm Sunday to Zechariah’s prophecy (Zech. 9:9). How does Jesus fulfill this—and how does that build our confidence in God's Word?
   Zechariah 9:9; Matthew 21:4–5
   
   
8. How does the lineage of Jesus—including Zerubbabel—highlight God’s faithfulness in working through imperfect people and complex histories?
   Matthew 1:12–13; Micah 5:2
   
   
9. How should we prepare our hearts during Holy/Passion Week in light of Christ’s first coming and the certainty of His second?
   Isaiah 53; John 14:1–3; 1 Peter 1:13
   
   
10. What spiritual “barriers” might be holding you back from fully engaging with God's purpose for your life?
    Hebrews 12:1; Acts 20:24
    
    
11. In what ways can your community group support one another in “rebuilding” faith, families, or outreach this season?
    Galatians 6:2; Haggai 1:14
    
    
12. How does Haggai 2:20–23 call us to trust in God's control over world events and personal situations, even when things feel unstable?