20 August | Teens
«“For thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘Once more (it is a little while) I will shake heaven and earth, the sea and dry land; 7 and I will shake all nations, and they shall come to the Desire of All Nations, and I will fill this temple with glory,’ says the Lord of hosts.» Haggai 2: 6,7
From the moment Adam and Eve left Eden, they took something with them: the promise of redemption through the birth of a descendant. For this reason, each birth brought a spark of hope. “Is this the chosen one? The promised Deliverer?” This question was asked in every generation, whenever a baby was born, keeping this flame of expectation alive. This baby would be recognized as the “Desire of Ages.”
The book of Haggai, specifically in today's verses, announced that there was not much left for the fulfillment of this great promise. This announcement was like a light at the end of the tunnel, the certainty that God had not forgotten His people.
Throughout the Old Testament, we see families living in anticipation of the birth of Jesus. This waiting was not just to have one more member in the family; it was the anticipation for the arrival of the One who could restore everything to its rightful place, bringing peace, justice and salvation to all. What nation wouldn't expect Someone like that?
Take Action
To better understand who Jesus is and why He is so special, how about embarking on a family reading adventure? There is a book with the same title as our devotional, “The Desire of Ages” by Ellen White, that tells the story of Jesus in a way that touches our hearts and helps us understand why He is called that way.