Because of Israel’s refusal to abandon their idols and worship the one true God, they were chastened by the Lord and were taken away into captivity by the Babylonians. This captivity was to last 70 years, Jer. 25:11-12. This 70 year period began in 605 B.C., when the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar invaded and subjugated Israel. Later, in 586 B.C., after Israel rebelled against him, Nebuchadnezzar completely destroyed Jerusalem, the temple and all the temple furniture. He also carried off all the treasures of the temple at that time. For the next 70 years Israel lived in captivity without a temple and without the feasts, sacrifices and rituals prescribed by the Law. Cyrus the Persian overthrew the Babylonians in 539 B.C. and in 538 B.C gave permission for the Jews to return to their homeland. Almost 50,000 Jews left Babylon and returned to Palestine. Three years later, in 535 B.C, they laid the foundation for a new Temple, thus ending the 70 years of their captivity.

Our text records for us the laying of the foundation for this new temple. For many of the Jews present that day, it was a time of great joy. The Bible says they “shouted aloud for joy,” v. 12. But, others who were there that day could not shout about what they were seeing. Instead, the Bible says, they “wept with a loud voice,” v. 12. Why is it that one group is so excited and is praising the Lord, while the other group is sad and weeping? A group of older men remembered the first temple. They remembered the Grandeur, the Gold and the Glory. They remembered the old days when the temple of the Lord was one of the wonders of the ancient world. They remembered a temple that, if built today, would cost multiple billions of dollars to build. They remembered a temple that housed the Ark of the Covenant and the mercy seat. They remembered that within that Ark were tablets containing the Law of God handed down to Moses. They remembered the Shechinah glory cloud that filled the first temple, 1 Kings 8:8-13

There are many today who remember the glory days of the church. They remember a time when the Word of God and the House of God were held in high regard by all. They remember a time when the fear of God was on the community and even the lost respected the things of God. They remember a day when pulpit and pew were both filled with the Spirit of God. They remember a time when God’s presence and His power were manifested in the Lord’s house as souls were saved the saints shouted the victory and the church enjoyed God’s great power.

Those who remember those “good old days” look at the modern church with a broken heart, as they long for the things that have passed. There are many who are haunted by the ghosts of the past. I am not an old man. I do not remember many of the things I have heard about in stories, but my heart does ache for a return to those simply, more powerful days. Even though I have never been in a real revival, I too am haunted by the ghosts of the past and pray for a return of those days of power and glory!

In that number were even more people who did not remember the first temple. They had no idea of what it had looked like or of the glory that had been in it. All they remember was a life of captivity and bondage in a foreign land. No doubt many of these people had been born during the time of Israel’s captivity and all they could remember was their slavery. But, they also remembered how God in His power had delivered them from that bondage. They could not remember that first temple, but they were thankful for what they had!

We can sit here looking back to the past, longing for the old days, dreaming of the way things were, and get absolutely nothing done for the glory of God. We can become all caught up in the latest movie, book or trend and fail to do anything for the Lord. Either one is a shame; a waste of time and either one misses the whole point of our existence!
We are not here to look back. We are not here to jump on the latest bandwagon. We are here to join God in what He is doing in these days for His glory,
John 5:19-20, “Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel.”

This was a difficult time for both the old people and for the young people. Remember the old people were sad because things were not like they used to be. The young people were being discouraged by the attitude of the old people. In the midst of this turmoil, God used the message of Haggai to bring hope and encouragement to all the people of Israel.
His message still gives hope to us in this day as well. We live in a day when many are discouraged and wonder about the relevance of the church in this modern world. Others wonder what the future holds for the house of God.

You can live your life looking back. You can live your life longing for what you think others have. Or you can seize the opportunities God is giving you in these days, do a work for Him and watch Him move in power. In that day, the young men shouted while the old men wept. In our day, may we all recognize the fact that God is looking for a people who will seize the day for His glory! I can’t go back to yesterday. I can’t embrace everything that is being done in the name of religion today. But, I can seize the opportunities I have been given today.