'' The Cheers of the Young and Tears of the Old''

I. They Had to Let Go of the Past

• Older men remembered the grandeur, gold, and glory of the first temple.
• But living in the past blinded them to what God wanted to do next.
• Acts 2:17 reminds us: God still has a future work!

➔ As long as their minds stayed on the past, they had no hope for the future.

II. They Had to Embrace the Present

(Ezra 3:11)

• Living in the past robbed them of today’s blessings.
• Story of William Randolph Hearst: sometimes we already possess the treasures we’re seeking!
• The people’s mixed emotions sent a confusing message (Ezra 3:13, 1 Corinthians 14:8).

➔ They squandered the opportunity to finish God’s work.

• They delayed for 15 years (Haggai 1:1–5).

➔ Today is our time to obey (John 9:4).

III. They Had to Believe in the Promise

(Haggai 2:9)

• God promised:“The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former...”
• The real glory was the presence of Jesus Himself (Acts 5:20, 5:42).

Final Challenge:

➔ Don’t live in the past. ➔ Don’t waste today. ➔ Trust the promises of God!

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