A) HAVING RIGHT PRIORITIES: God gave the Jews returning from their 70 year exile an assignment to finish the Temple in Jerusalem. While they were enthusiastic at the start, 15 years had passed, and the Lord had something to say thru his prophet Haggai in the form of a question: “Why are you living in luxurious houses while my house lies in ruins?” [Haggai 1:4] Once the high priest reacted positively to Haggai’s pronouncement the whole of the remnant of Jews obeyed the message and once that happened God told them “I am with you.” What the Lord made plain to the Jews was that by neglecting his house, all their hard work to better their circumstances amounted to nothing. It was only when they did as the Lord had directed them that they would become prosperous in all aspects of their lives. It appeared to be a vicious cycle though, for once they become prosperous they tended to become complacent. But this is what God had for them and they, who revered the Lord and wished to please him, completed the Temple. It was once they got their priorities straightened out that the Lord blessed them once again as a nation.
For us today, it’s easy to make other seemingly more pleasurable endeavors more important then doing God’s work, but God wants us all to follow thru and build up his Kingdom. Stop making excuses ... set your heart on what is right and simply do it. God is with you if you do that which is required of you. Why go it alone ... follow where the Lord leads you and know that he will enable you to the glory of his name.
B) GOD’S ENCOURAGEMENT: During the rebuilding process Haggai encouraged the people as they worked. He let them know that the Spirit of God was with them, and that victory was assured. I’m quite certain that we, who serve the Lord today, seek victory in all we do. Rebuilding the Holy Temple of God was a victorious endeavor. While the project languished for quite some time, it ended with a flourish of excitement. It’s as if the Jews needed a jump start to continue it, but once Haggai came on to the scene, the people shifted their priority right where it needed to be.
When the Lord gives you a task, don’t be afraid to start it. He wouldn’t have asked you to do it if he didn’t know you could handle the responsibility. We’re never alone. Sometimes we feel the presence of the Lord and other times we do not, but he is always there as his spirit guides and directs us. It’s discernment we need so we don’t go off the beaten path. God’s resources are infinite so that we can be assured we will always have what we need to complete that which the Lord as asked us to do.
Up next I will be doing a side bar on King Cyrus of Persia, who was instrumental in freeing the Jewish people from exile. Until then, walk with the King and be a blessing.
In his name & for his glory,
Richard Keller
Bread of Life Ministries
Resource: The Life Application Study Bible
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