After many years of captivity in Babylon, God’s people returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the destroyed temple. They worked for a while on the temple, but soon forgot their purpose and stopped the rebuilding.
They became more concerned with their own needs than with doing God’s will.
Then Haggai asked them, “Is it a time for you yourselves to live in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin?” Haggai 1:4.
Over twenty-five centuries ago, Haggai called men and women to the right priorities. He knew what was important and what had to be done. He challenged God’s people to respond.
Haggai was the wake-up call that they needed. They responded.
“Zerubbabel, son of the governor of Judah, and Joshua, son of the high priest, and all the remnant of the PEOPLE OBEYED THE LORD THEIR GOD and the message of the prophet Haggai because the Lord their God had sent him. And the people feared the Lord.” Haggai 1:13.
Pressures push in from all sides and attack our schedules. Do this, send that, call now, be there, finish everything!
Our values are reflected in how we prioritize. We say God is # one, but we carelessly place Him farther down on our “to do” list.
The book of Haggai is not some ancient reading. It is God’s Holy word. Haggai is speaking to each of us today just as he spoke to the people of Israel.
Have we lost our fear of God? Do we concentrate on our own “paneled houses”? We must prioritize our tasks daily. We must listen to His voice, put everything else aside and obey Him.
Have a blessed day!
In Christian love,
Diane