HAGGAI 2:22

“‘And I will overthrow the thrones of kingdoms and destroy the power of the kingdoms of the nations; and I will overthrow the chariots and their riders, and the horses and their riders will go down, every one by the sword of another.’”

When I played football in high school, I was bad about trash talking the opponent. I would get in front of a guy and say things like “You are mine!” or “You’re going down.” I would say just about anything to try to intimidate them. Of course, then I would proceed to hit them as hard as I could on the next play. Trash talk is nothing new. Goliath did it to the Israelite army. Jonathan faced it the day he climbed the hill with his companion.

God is doing some trash talking here in verse 22. Now, I’m not being sacrilegious. The difference is no one doubted His ability to do just what He said He was going to do. He wasn’t bragging. He was stating a fact. He was going to destroy the enemies of Israel. Every soldier and chariot would go down. I bet the Israelites who heard this message from Haggai were jubilant!

APPLICATION

Wouldn’t it be nice if God still did that? Do you have a “hit list” of individuals you wish God would take down? Be honest. Well, that’s a matter for another blog. But He does still defend us and if necessary, take down our enemies. One of my favorite verses is Exodus 14:14 (which I have shared before). It says, “The Lord will fight for you while you remain silent.” Hmm, that’s the hard part – staying silent.

Another passage is Deuteronomy 20:4. “‘For the LORD your God is He who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.’” Do a search for God’s protection. You will be amazed at the number of verses you will find. What will that tell you? That God has your back. He will defend you. He may not step right when you want Him to, but He will in His perfect time.

Let me tell you something else I got out this verse. I don’t want to be one of those enemies in God’s cross hairs. I don’t want to be that person someone else is asking God to take down. To prevent that I have to stay connected to the Lord. I have to be centered in His will. So, if someone does try to ask the Lord to destroy me, He can respond back, “You’ve got the wrong person. I know that guy. He’s alright.” Would He say that about you?

Father, thanks for Your protection. I know You are always there to defend me.