Kingdom that Cannot Be Shaken | Morning Routine for November 5

The word of the Lord came a second time to Haggai on the twenty-fourth day of the month, “Speak to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah, saying, I am about to shake the heavens and the earth, and 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. On 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. —Haggai 2:20–23 (ESV)

The book of the prophet Haggai takes place 70 years after Judah was taken into captivity by Babylon. Eventually, Persia overthrew Babylon as the leading global power and took possession of the captive Israelites. The King of Persia finally permitted God’s people to return to Jerusalem. Upon their arrival, the people of Judah immediately began the restoration of Jerusalem. However, they prioritized the rebuilding of their own homes rather than the temple! Misplaced priorities among the people provoke the Lord to speak to the people on four different occasions through Haggai. 

Today’s passage takes place in the final address of the book. It reveals God’s plan of redemption for His kingdom. Haggai speaks to Zerubbabel—a descendant from the line of David—and tells him that the Lord will “shake” the heavens, the earth, and all of the nations. God is going to upheave the cosmos and the kingdoms to establish His kingdom through Zerubbabel’s line. Zerubbabel is God’s “chosen” servant, His ‘signet ring’. Like a king that stamps their ring into wax to demonstrate power and seal decrees, God is going to exercise His ultimate authority, power, and dominion through Zerubbabel—and eventually through Zerubbabel’s descendent, Jesus.

God is faithful. At the beginning of Matthew, we see that God fulfills this promise to Zerubbabel through Jesus (Matt 1:12—13). Amid misplaced priorities, rebuilding the temple, and readjusting to life outside of captivity, God’s people find Him faithful to keep His promises. This is just as true for us today. We can walk by faith in Him. Our Lord is faithful to care for us, for He has brought us into a kingdom that cannot be shaken.