I was reading in Haggai this morning. Chapters one and two to be exact. What rose to the surface for me was the interplay between God and His people. I LOVE GOD SO MUCH!!
THE FIRST THING I noticed was that God gave the imperative, “Consider your ways!!” TWICE. (That’s important to note because when God repeats Himself like that, it’s His “listen up and pay attention, people!) And after God told them to consider their ways, He didn’t leave them guessing as to what He meant.
With the first “Consider your ways!” God shined a light on the fact that these people were living in paneled houses, while God’s house laid desolate (1:4). They were thinking about “self” over God. After the second “Consider your ways!” God said, “You have sown much, but harvest little; you eat, but there is not enough to be satisfied; you drink, but there is not enough to become drunk; you put on clothing, but no one is warm enough; and he who earns, earns wages to put into a purse with holes.” These people were thinking horizontally, pouring their efforts into things not eternal.
What was the peoples’ response to God’s two “Consider your ways!”? All the people – from the governor to the priest to the people – obeyed the voice of the Lord and showed reverence for the Lord.”
What was God’s response? (I love this!) “I am with you” (1:13) — and the Lord stirred up the spirits of the people from the top down (governor, priest, people).
THE SECOND THING I noticed was how, in chapter two, God cared for the mental and emotional state of the people by addressing the temptation to the “comparison game”. God said, “Who is left among you who saw this temple in its former glory? And how do you see it now? Does it not seem to you like nothing in comparison?”, (2:2-3). Then God encouraged them!
as Then He encouraged them, assuring them of His presence and of His resources, (2:4-9). Check this out.
Admonitions:
- Take courage (IMPERATIVE) meaning to fasten upon and be firm. Grab hold of the job that needs doing!
- Work. DO the job that needs doing.
- Do not fear. Manage your emotions!
The why and the how:
- I AM with you, (v4).
- MY SPIRIT is abiding in your midst, (v5).
- I WILL shake the nations and they will come with wealth (God sets them straight that “the silver is MINE and the gold is MINE, (v8).
- I WILL fill this house with glory that is greater than what “was” (v9).
- In this place I WILL give peace, (v9).
Oh how I love my God!!! His presence is encouraging. His presence is comforting. His presence redirects focus. And the amazingly wonderful gift of His Spirit dwelling WITHIN us as believers, never to leave or forsake us…Oh, what a blessing!!!