Dec. 24, 2021
The Song of the Lamb
Haggai prophesies in the time when the first exiles are returning to Jerusalem from Babylonian captivity (Ezra 1-3). The theme of Haggai’s message is that the temple of the Lord must be rebuilt to invite God’s presence to dwell among His people. Haggai’s promise of the Lord’s presence inspires the people to do the work of rebuilding the temple.
The Lord promises that the future glory of His temple will be greater than its former glory, bringing peace and healing. The New Testament reveals this to be a spiritual temple made up of people from all nations that is the focus of God’s saving work in the world (Ephesians 3:8-10). Eventually, this temple is replaced by the presence of the Lord with His people (Revelation 21:22).
In Revelation, John witnesses heaven’s sanctuary filled with glory before the seven last plagues of God’s wrath are poured out on the earth. Before the bowls are poured out, believers who share the Lamb’s victory worship the Lord God the Almighty. Just like the song of Moses celebrated Israel’s exodus from Egypt (Exodus 15:1-18), the song of the Lamb celebrates a greater redemption of His people.