Latter Glory
Scripture Reading: Zephaniah 3; Haggai 1-2; Revelation 18
The latter glory of this house shall be greater than the former, say the LORD of hosts. And in the place I will give peace, declares the LORD of hosts.
Haggai 2:9
It is understandable how one might read words like this and think only of the size and beauty of the physical structure of the temple in Jerusalem. After all, that is one of the issues Haggai is addressing in his writings. Some of the people were looking at the temple reconstruction project and realizing it was going to pale in comparison to the one that was built by Solomon.
What we need to remember, though, is that the true glory of the temple wasn’t in its architecture, its furniture, or its physical impressiveness. Its true glory was the in the presence of the LORD in the temple. When Solomon dedicated the temple that is what got everyone’s attention. And it was the departure of God’s glorious presence that doomed the temple.
So, as we are in the Advent season, it is important to recognize that Haggai speaking of a greater glory couldn’t have meant something physical like the size or amount of gold in it. What then could he have meant.
Turning to Luke’s Gospel, we find the child Jesus presented at the temple for circumcision. While there two elderly saints see him. One, Simeon, knew he would see the Messiah before he died. Upon seeing Jesus he takes him into his arms and declares, “My eyes have seen Your salvation...A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of Your people Israel.”
Further, he stated he could depart (die) in peace because he had seen Jesus.
The other person was Anna of Asher. She is an interesting figure and has connections to the Old Testament history and another woman of extremely old age, but that will have to wait for a different day. Nevertheless, after seeing Jesus she becomes a personal evangelist, telling all who will listen that Jesus was the promised redeemer.
When Jesus came into the temple a greater glory descended upon that ground. Haggai’s prophecies came true. The latter glory was greater than the former with the presence of Jesus our Lord.
