“And they shall come to the Desire of Nations…” Haggai 2:7
The prophet Haggai wrote these words above just after Israel had been released from the 70 year long Babylonian exile. You would imagine that God’s people would return with hearts full of gratitude to God for delivering them, but it was just the opposite. The people were busy with their own affairs and rebuilding their own self interests and personal comforts that they were neglecting the things of God. Accordingly, God intervenes through the words of the prophet to call the people back to their spiritual heritage. It is in this context that the title “Desire of Nations” is afforded.
We can certainly relate to this situation today even though it occurred 2,600 years ago. We too are often a people more concerned with our own worldly desires and ambitions that we forget the things of God. So too, we need to be reminded of that which truly matters and is of the greatest importance and is indeed what is most desired.
Jesus Christ alone is the answer to what every nation and individual needs the most and that which supplies true treasure and abundance. When we set our hearts on Him and the things of God, therein we find all that is needful and beneficial. This is what has made our country great in the past, and it is what will keep us great in the future. When we turn to Jesus, we find what our longing hearts desire the most.
The classic hymn of Charles Wesley summarizes this truth well…
“Come, Thou long-expected Jesus,
Born to set Thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us,
Let us find our rest in Thee.
All Thy people’s consolation,
Hope of all the earth Thou art;
Dear desire of every nation,
Joy of every longing heart.”
Know that you are loved!
Peace and Joy,
Pastor Kilian
