The Desire of Nations

“Hark! The herald angels sing; ‘Glory to the newborn King!’" Many of us are familiar with the initial words of this famous hymn written by Charles Wesley in the 18th century.  However, not so many of us are familiar with the final verse of this hymn which is worthy of our consideration. 

The final stanza begins: "Come, Desire of nations, come!" This unique expression comes from a prophecy in the Old Testament book of Haggai.  Haggai 2:7 says, “And I will shake all the nations, and the Desire of all nations will come.” 

Haggai was an Old Testament prophet during the 6th century B.C. when some of the children of Israel left Babylon and returned to Jerusalem.  What did he mean when he spoke of the Desire of nations?  Who can own such a title, and what does it imply?

The Old Testament book of Haggai is primarily known for its rebuking of the children of Israel, who had begun to serve themselves and neglect God's interests. Haggai says things to the children of Israel that are quite well known, such as:

"You have sown much, but you bring in little; you eat, but there is no satisfaction; you drink, but there is no being filled drink; you dress yourselves, but there is no warmth in doing so; and he who earns wages, earns wages to put them into a bag of holes. Thus says Lord of hosts, Consider your ways" (Haggai 1:6-7).

These words remind us that if we do not take God and His purpose as the center of our life, all of our efforts bring us little satisfaction; they are like chasing the wind. After such rebukes, Haggai concludes by speaking of the Desire of nations. Who is this Desire of nations?

There is no doubt that Haggai was prophesying of the coming of Christ. He was promising that although the people were sowing much without experiencing any real satisfaction, one day what they truly desired would come to them. What is it that men of all nations desire? They desire things such as love, peace, freedom, joy, and satisfaction. Regardless of our nationality, ethnicity, or racial background, all of us desire the same basic things.

While many men today may oppose Jesus Christ, they actually deeply desire all that He is in reality. He is real peace, real love, real joy and true freedom. Jesus said, "I am the truth" (John 14:6). He also said, "If the Son sets you free, you shall be free indeed" (John 8:36). He is the reality of all we desire.

As Haggai said in his prophecy, let us consider our ways. Do we "sow much" yet with little result? Do we "eat and drink much" yet with little satisfaction? Do we "earn wages" only to put them in a bag with holes? If you feel it is time for you to consider your ways, we invite you to open your heart to Jesus Christ, the Desire of nations. Today He is the Spirit Who will come into you if you ask Him. Pray now the following prayer with a sincer heart: