Haggai was an Old Testament prophet who encouraged his listeners to believe that the rebuilding of the temple would set in motion a chain of events that would reveal God’s powerful presence. Haggai was in the court of King Darius (about 520 B.C.) and wanted to inspire the Israelites and capture their imaginations with the vision of a rebuilt Jerusalem, where God would once again be honored and praised.
Bent down and focused on survival under foreign rule, the Israelites were in despair. They returned from exile physically but had not yet returned “home” to God. They hadn’t bothered to focus on rebuilding God’s house and were only focused on their building their own homes and living in comfort. Instead of comfort and blessing, they experienced failed crops and a government in chaos. But then they chose to heed the call of God through Haggai. They began to rebuild the temple and change their focus. They committed to putting God first and laying a new foundation. In response, God was faithful…..just as He is throughout all of Scripture.
INVITATION: As Rockhills Church moves to our new permanent space, we too are seeking to build “God’s temple.” We will be laying a foundation in a new neighborhood. It won’t all go well or exactly as planned. There will be difficulties, hiccups, and some hard work. As Pastor Adam pointed out, we will be challenged personally and as a faith community, to choose the hard “right” over the easy “wrong” sometimes. Is there something the prophet Haggai might speak into your life this week either personally or as a member of a faith community? Whether you are involved in a church that is moving and “building a temple” or not, living within a faith community can be hard. Do you run from the “hard” when it comes up, or do you seek God’s discernment in it and persevere? The Bible is replete with situations where the “hard” stuff is the right stuff and has God’s hand in it. We most certainly are not promised a life of ease where all things go exactly as we hoped and planned. In fact, John 16:33 tells us, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you WILL have trouble. But take heart, I have overcome the world.” Do you dig deeper into God when trouble comes your way, or do you, like the Israelites, turn inward and become self focused, leaving God out of the daily details of your life?
MONDAY: Haggai 1:1-4: There is absolutely nothing wrong with nice things and “paneled houses,” but here’s the question: do things own you or do you own things? This verse specifically talks about the people of God having this attitude while “the temple remains a ruin.” As you consider the state of the American church today, is there anything the Lord might be saying to you through the words of Haggai? There is no perfect church. Faith communities everywhere are dying and in shambles. This is true physically as well as internally. Do Americans need to heed this call about “God’s house?” What about you, personally? Throughout scripture God seems to want and desire to use faith communities for his plans and purposes. What is YOUR attitude about your faith community or about church in general? How can you take all this into prayer today?
TUESDAY: Haggai 1:5-6: This verse says “give careful thought to your ways…” and then describes a people basically on a hamster wheel. They keep trying hard and working hard, but it’s never enough. There is never satisfaction. Does this sound like your life? Does it sound like our culture? Are you focusing on the things of the world and leaving God out of the details of your life?
WEDNESDAY: Haggai 1:7-11: Once again God says to “give careful thought to your ways.” He gives specific directions to the people of God to “go up into the mountains and bring down timber and build the house…” These are simple and straightforward instructions: 1) go to mountain; 2) bring down timber; 3) build my house. All too often we complicate our lives with all the “what if” scenarios and wanting a road map and GPS that goes beyond the basic steps. Pastor Adam pointed out three easy things we all know that pleases God in our journey with Him: 1) Pray; 2) Read God’s word; 3) Go to church. How are you doing with these basic foundations of the Christian life? Do you get complacent because you are waiting for the “full picture” or want to know the end result before you even begin? Have you taken these initial steps on a regular basis with your life with God? Are you consistent?
THURSDAY: Haggai 2:1-9: God provides, protects and blesses His people when they obey. This is what the Scriptures teach over and over again. We have no idea of the blessings on the other side of obedience as we “go up the mountain, get wood and build the temple.” Is there a mountain in your life right now or perhaps there is a mountain God is asking you to climb and you are being disobedient? Is there wood to gather in your life? Steps you know need to be taken in order to “build the temple?” As you sit and reflect about the command to “build the temple,” give it some time, space and prayer. What does the Spirit of God whisper to you about that in your own life and perhaps the life of your faith community? The “body of Christ” needs ALL parts. What is your call and your role in your faith community?
FRIDAY: Haggai 2:10-17: These verses talk about how the people of God did not turn to God even though things were going poorly for them. “During the darkest periods of history, quite often a small number of men and women, scattered throughout the world, have been able to reverse the course of historical evaluations. This was only possible because they hoped beyond all hope. What had been bound for disintegration then entered into the current of a new dynamism.” (Brother Roger of the Taize’ community.) What is the stance of your heart toward God? Is there an area of disobedience you might need to confess during some prayer time with the Lord?
SATURDAY: Haggai 2:18-19: Just as the people of God were hurt and scarred by their long and painful exile from their native land, there are times when you and I may feel the pain of past hurts that keep us from enjoying a fruitful present. “Not so!” says God, who uses ALL of our experiences, positive and negative, for good. Romans says “ALL things work together for good….” Is there any “seed left in the barn?” (verse 19). What remains within you that - with nurture - might flourish and grow into something beautiful? No matter what your past may have been, God offers you the chance to plant new seeds, nourish a new life and look forward to the future with hope. What seeds are you in need to spread? Hear God’s promise to you: “From this day on I will bless you.” (vs. 19).