Today’s study comes from the book of Haggai. The nation of Judah had been conquered, the city of Jerusalem burned, the Temple demolished, and the people carried away to Babylon. After 70 years captivity, about 50000 Jews had returned to their own land and had begun to rebuild the Temple. The work had been stopped after they laid the foundation due to the actions of enemy neighbors. Nothing was done for 15 years. A new king, Darius, takes the throne for Persia and he was kindly disposed toward the Jews. Under the preaching of Haggai and Zechariah, work was resumed and the Temple completed in four years. The wall was built about 70 years later by Nehemiah. Today, we examine some challenging words from Haggai.
The first section is, “Is It Time?” The people had returned to build the Temple. In verse 1, we are told the time had not yet come to build the Lord’s house. The people were procrastinating their spiritual duty. The people had invested their time and money in providing fancy homes for themselves while neglecting God’s house. They were remiss in fulfilling the one task to which they should have been committed. The lesson challenges us to answer the question, “Are we more concerned about the house of God, or own houses? About the advancement of God’s kingdom, or the gratification of our own desires?” I knew a minister in Michigan who lived a very frugal lifestyle. He would not even turn the heat on in the cold winter. Instead, he would warn himself by keeping a fire in the fireplace. He had very limited furniture. The minister did not make a lot of money, but due to his manner of living, he was able to make substantial contributions to the cause of missions. The people in these verses were more interested in building their kingdom, than God’s kingdom. We need to examine where our true interests lie.
The second section is “Consider Your Ways.” In verses 5-11, God calls us to reflection and self-examination. By looking at their lives, the Jews saw that their lives had been both unproductive and unsatisfying. Their procrastination had robbed them of blessings. In verse 6, we see that they just couldn’t get ahead. This was not an act of an angry God, but instead it was because God loved them. God deals with us to change us. The change must be in the heart, but the change in the heart will lead to a change in our actions. Thank God that He causes us to examine ourselves and He allows us to make U turns. And, that is exactly what occurred here.
In the third section, “I Am With You,” we learn that the people changed and obeyed the voice of the Lord. They purposed in their hearts to immediately obey. Old time holiness preachers would say never walk against light. This meant that they should never go against what they have seen as truth. As soon as you have “seen the light,” obey it. The passage ends with the people of God being told that God is with them and they did work in the house of the Lord, their God. The difficulties, drought, and procrastination ended when the people of God obeyed His voice. That is shouting ground!
My summary points:
1. Whenever you have a mission from God, that should be your first priority.
2. Don’t delay in being obedient, because blessings follow obedience.
3. Disobedience brings frustration, lack, and turmoil.
4. No matter what, God is with you and allows U Turns. His forgiveness is immediate.
Next week, we continue in the book of Haggai on the topic, “I Am With You.” Don’t forget to read the Sunday School Beacon and be inspired.
Remember, if you know someone who wants to join the study, just let me know. The materials are sent free of charge.
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