Text: Haggai 1:1-15
Haggai is encouraging the people to finish up the rebuilding of the temple (v.2).
He begins by quoting their common expression that the time has not yet come to rebuild the house of the Lord. To the people rebuilding was not a problem but the timing. The timing could have been a challenge due to: 1. Economically, their land was in trouble (vv.10-11); 2. Hostile opposition from their neighbours (Ezra 4:1-5, 24); 3. Religious reasons according to Ezek. 37:24-27. The people believed that the messiah would be the one to rebuild the temple, and also according to Jeremiah 25:11-14, the nation was to serve the foreign King for seventy years. However, the main cause of reluctance to rebuild the temple was people’s self indifference to God, they were not after God’s Kingdom and His righteousness (Mat.6:33). These excuses displeased God as He calls them, “these people” instead of “My people.” Meanwhile, people were busy building their houses (v.4).
The good news is that after hearing the message from the prophet, the people repented and God told them that He was with them (vv.12-13). The Spirit of God moved the leaders and all the people they started rebuilding the temple (v.14). Note that God had earlier touched the heart of Cyrus sixteen years ago (2 Chron.36:22-23; Ezra 1:1-3). Do not develop excuses as to why you cannot support the work of the Lord. Consider the poor ladies who supported Jesus’ ministry (Luk. 8:2-3).
Meditate on verses 6, 9-11. What is God teaching you in these verses? How
are you going to respond to them?
Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, forgive me for many excuses I have made for not supporting Your ministry. Release Your blessings upon me. Amen.