From This Day On: Consecration, Sacrifice, and Generational Impact

Today’s focus is on the pivotal moment when God calls us to a new beginning—“from this day on.” Drawing from Haggai 2:10-23, we see three central themes: consecration, sacrifice, and generational impact. The passage is rooted in a specific historical moment, December 18th, 520 BC, but its message is timeless. God’s people had returned from exile and were rebuilding the temple, but God’s concern was not just for their outward activity, but for the condition of their hearts.

Consecration is about allowing God into every room of our lives, not just the visible or “presentable” parts. Holiness is not something we catch by proximity to others or by religious activity; it is a work God does in us when we repent and surrender. Sin, on the other hand, is contagious and spreads easily, but holiness requires intentional surrender and God’s intervention. God’s call is to be holy as He is holy, and that means inviting Him into every hidden place, not just the areas we’re comfortable sharing.

Sacrifice is the next theme. God challenges us to “give careful thought” to our ways, to remember how unfruitful life was before we put Him first. The people’s lack of blessing was not a random economic downturn, but God’s way of getting their attention, calling them back to dependence on Him. Obedience precedes provision; God’s blessings are rooted in covenant, not in transactional giving. True blessing is not measured by material gain, but by the richness of God’s presence, peace, and faithfulness. We are called to trust that God’s definition of blessing is deeper and more enduring than our own.

Finally, the generational impact of our faithfulness is profound. God’s promise to Zerubbabel is not just for his own time, but for generations to come. Zerubbabel’s obedience reverses a generational curse and prepares the way for Jesus Himself. God’s authority and blessing are given not just for our benefit, but so that we can be part of His ongoing work of restoration in the world. Even when we feel overwhelmed by the brokenness around us, God is shaking the world so that only what is unshakable remains. Our faithfulness today lays a foundation for future generations to experience God’s power, peace, and presence.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Holiness Requires Full Surrender Holiness is not achieved by proximity to godly people or by outward religious activity. It is a work that God does in us when we surrender every area of our lives, including the hidden and uncomfortable places. True consecration means inviting God into every “room” of our hearts, allowing Him to transform us from the inside out. [09:05]
• 2. Obedience Precedes Provision God’s blessings are not transactional or automatic; they follow a heart that is surrendered and obedient. When we put God first, even before we see the results, He promises to provide in ways that are deeper than material gain. Trusting God’s definition of blessing requires faith, especially when the harvest is not yet visible. [18:33]
• 3. Generational Impact Flows from Faithfulness Our obedience today has the power to reverse generational patterns and prepare the way for God’s purposes in the future. Like Zerubbabel, we are called to carry God’s authority and participate in His work of restoration, not just for ourselves but for those who come after us. God’s promises extend beyond our lifetimes, shaping the destiny of families, communities, and even nations. [26:16]
• 4. God’s Restoration Is Rooted in His Covenant God’s desire is not to leave us in suffering or lack, but to restore us to fruitfulness, peace, and His abiding presence. His blessings are rooted in His covenant faithfulness, not our performance. Even when we have failed, God’s grace is stronger than our sin, and He invites us to return, be restored, and participate in His redemptive work. [32:35]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:31] - Three Themes: Consecration, Sacrifice, Generational Impact
• [01:52] - Historical Context and Specific Dates
• [03:10] - The Role of Priests and Prophets
• [04:33] - Holiness and Contagion: Lessons from Purity Laws
• [07:07] - Consecration: Letting God In
• [09:05] - Hidden Sin and Full Surrender
• [10:49] - God’s Desire: Our Hearts, Not Just Activity
• [12:05] - Sacrifice: Giving Careful Thought to Our Ways
• [15:14] - God’s Discipline and the Call to Return
• [17:52] - Mercy Triumphs: “From This Day On, I Will Bless You”
• [19:48] - Covenant Blessings and God’s Faithfulness
• [22:21] - Redefining Blessing: Beyond Material Gain
• [23:35] - Generational Impact: Zerubbabel’s Legacy
• [26:16] - Reversing the Curse and Preparing the Way
• [28:45] - God’s Authority Given to Us
• [32:35] - Restoration and Revival: Our Response
• [33:54] - Commitment Sunday: A Pivotal Moment
• [35:54] - Testimonies of Faith and Sacrifice
• [39:38] - Restoration for the Next Generation

Bible Reading

Haggai 2:10-23 (ESV) —
> 10 On the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month, in the second year of Darius, the word of the Lord came by Haggai the prophet, 11 “Thus says the Lord of hosts: Ask the priests about the law: 12 ‘If someone carries holy meat in the fold of his garment and touches with his fold bread or stew or wine or oil or any kind of food, does it become holy?’” The priests answered and said, “No.” 13 Then Haggai said, “If someone who is unclean by contact with a dead body touches any of these, does it become unclean?” The priests answered and said, “It does become unclean.” 14 Then Haggai answered and said, “So is it with this people, and with this nation before me, declares the Lord, and so with every work of their hands. And what they offer there is unclean. 15 Now then, consider from this day onward. Before stone was placed upon stone in the temple of the Lord, 16 how did you fare? When one came to a heap of twenty measures, there were but ten. When one came to the wine vat to draw fifty measures, there were but twenty. 17 I struck you and all the products of your toil with blight and with mildew and with hail, yet you did not turn to me, declares the Lord. 18 Consider from this day onward, from the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month. Since the day that the foundation of the Lord’s temple was laid, consider: 19 Is the seed yet in the barn? Indeed, the vine, the fig tree, the pomegranate, and the olive tree have yielded nothing. But from this day on I will bless you.” 20 The word of the Lord came a second time to Haggai on the twenty-fourth day of the month, 21 “Speak to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah, saying, I am about to shake the heavens and the earth, 22 and to overthrow the throne of kingdoms. I am about to destroy the strength of the kingdoms of the nations, and overthrow the chariots and their riders. And the horses and their riders shall go down, every one by the sword of his brother. 23 On that day, declares the Lord of hosts, I will take you, O Zerubbabel my servant, the son of Shealtiel, declares the Lord, and make you like a signet ring, for I have chosen you, declares the Lord of hosts.”

Observation Questions

1. What specific date is mentioned in Haggai 2:10, and why is it significant in the context of the passage? ([01:52])
2. According to the questions God asks the priests in verses 12-13, what is the difference between how holiness and uncleanness are transferred? ([04:33])
3. What were the people experiencing in their harvests before they put God first, and who does God say was responsible for this? ([15:14])
4. What promise does God make to Zerubbabel at the end of this passage, and what does the signet ring represent? ([24:55])

Interpretation Questions

1. Why does God emphasize that holiness cannot be transferred by proximity or religious activity, but only through surrender and repentance? How does this challenge common assumptions about spiritual growth? ([05:50])
2. The people’s lack of blessing was not just a random event but was connected to their spiritual state. What does this reveal about the relationship between obedience and God’s provision? ([15:14])
3. God’s promise to bless the people comes before they see any visible results in their harvest. What does this teach about faith and trusting God’s timing? ([21:04])
4. Zerubbabel’s obedience is said to reverse a generational curse and prepare the way for Jesus. What does this suggest about the potential impact of one person’s faithfulness on future generations? ([26:16])

Application Questions

1. The sermon talked about letting God into every “room” of our lives, not just the presentable parts. Is there an area of your life that you tend to keep closed off from God? What would it look like to invite Him into that space this week? ([09:05])
2. Holiness requires full surrender, not just outward religious activity. Are there any “religious motions” you find yourself going through that might be masking a deeper need for repentance or change? ([08:25])
3. God challenged the people to “give careful thought” to their ways and remember how unfruitful life was before putting Him first. Can you recall a time when you experienced a lack of peace, joy, or fruitfulness because your priorities were out of order? What changed when you put God first? ([13:59])
4. The sermon said, “Obedience precedes provision.” Is there an area where you sense God is asking you to obey before you see the results? What step of faith could you take this week? ([18:33])
5. God’s definition of blessing is deeper than material gain. How do you tend to define “blessing” in your own life? Are there ways you might need to adjust your expectations to align with God’s perspective? ([22:21])
6. Zerubbabel’s faithfulness had a generational impact. Who in your family, community, or circle of influence could be affected by your obedience to God today? What is one way you can intentionally invest in the next generation? ([26:16])
7. The people were called to return, be restored, and participate in God’s redemptive work even after failure. Is there a place in your life where you need to receive God’s restoration and step back into His purposes? What would it look like to take that step? ([32:35])