This is what the LORD Almighty says: “Give careful thought to your ways.” Haggai 1:7 (Haggai 1-2)
Enemies of the One True God thought He would cease to exist when His people were removed from their Promised Land and their culture, God’s Holy Law, was so dispersed it would be impossible to continue. They didn’t know our God!
Haggai was among the older people who had seen the original Temple in all its glorious splendor. As the first stones were relaid in the foundation, they knew the former glory would not be replicated and they were sad. As foes hindered, work came to a complete halt. During this time the Jewish people became distracted with making life happen, forgetting their original fervor for God’s Place of Worship in exchange for personal prosperity.
Enter Haggai with words from God. Crops are failing and people were barely able to exist. They neglected God with a mindset of, I’ll do my part when He does His. Haggai’s message was one of correct priorities and the people hear it with open hearts and ears, accept it as God’s word and heed his instructions. Within four days the rebuilding resumes.
No, the new Temple would not come close to the grandeur of the past, but Haggai receives a Messianic message that the heart of man, not deeds is the correct response to God’s Holiness, and there will come a day when God in the flesh will walk among men and within these walls. At this time, nothing on earth will compare to what God has planned and given.
Haggai’s gem of a message will always be relevant to God’s people because he speaks to the matter of priorities. They matter. Make sure yours are in correct order; God first.
Love,
Gretchen