Haggai
Our meditation tonight will come from the book of Haggai chapter 1.
Context: Haggai is one of the twelve minor prophets in the Old Testament. He prophesied to the people of Judah who had returned from exile in Babylon and were in the process of rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem. Haggai’s message was to encourage the people to prioritize the rebuilding of the temple, which had been neglected due to their own lack of commitment and opposition from their enemies.
Meditation: In Haggai 1, the prophet begins by addressing the people of Judah, asking them why they have not yet rebuilt the temple of the Lord. The people had been back in Jerusalem for some time, but they had been so busy building their own houses and tending to their own needs that they had neglected the house of the Lord. Haggai’s message is clear: the people need to prioritize the rebuilding of the temple.
This message is relevant to us today. It can be easy to get caught up in our own lives, pursuing our own goals and desires. But we need to remember to prioritize our relationship with God and His work in our lives. It is easy to get sidetracked by other things, but we need to keep our focus on what is truly important.
Haggai also addresses the people’s lack of commitment. He points out that they have sown much but harvested little, eaten but not had enough, drank but not been filled, and clothed themselves but not been warm. These words can be seen as a warning to us as well. When we are not fully committed to God’s work in our lives, we will not see the fullness of the blessings He has for us.
Furthermore, Haggai reminds the people of Judah that their lack of progress in rebuilding the temple is due to their enemies opposing them. He encourages them to be strong and to work hard, knowing that God is with them. This message is also relevant to us today. We will face opposition and obstacles in our lives, but we must trust in God and His strength to help us overcome them.
In conclusion, Haggai 1 reminds us of the importance of prioritizing God’s work in our lives, being fully committed to Him, and trusting in His strength to help us overcome any obstacles we may face. Let us remember these lessons and seek to apply them to our lives, knowing that God is with us and will help us as we seek to do His will.