DESIRE OF NATIONS

For thus says the Lord of hosts: “... I will shake heaven and earth, the sea and dry land; and I will shake all nations, and they shall come to the Desire of All Nations, and I will fill this temple with glory.”

— Haggai 2:6-7

THOSE WHO RETURNED from Babylonian captivity had become discouraged in the building of the temple, so they began fixing up their own houses instead. Haggai rebuked them and told them that this was why they were not prospering. But the people complained that the new temple, in comparison to the splendor of Solomon’s temple, seemed insignificant and pitiful. So Haggai is encouraging them that one day, the glory of the Lord would fill the temple once again.

GOD WILL NOT STAND BY FOREVER AND LET WICKEDNESS REIGN.

Scripture describes the day of God’s judgment—the great tribulation—when the heavens, the earth, and the seas will be shaken. After that, the “Desire of All Nations” shall come.

Jesus said to the Jews: “You shall see Me no more till you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’” (Matthew 23:39). Though Scripture taught that the “Desire of All Nations” would establish a kingdom of righteousness, peace, and joy, the Jews rejected Him the first time He came. They had no desire for Him.

What about you? Is Jesus the desire of your heart today? Do you long for the establishment of His kingdom?

Father, we thank You for the promise of Your coming kingdom. In the midst of a world filled with sin and chaos, we cling to Your Word and we wait for Jesus Christ, the Desire of All Nations, to come and establish Your righteous kingdom.

Amen.