Day 207 – Haggai: Introduction
“Why are you living in luxurious houses while my house lies in ruins?” Haggai 1:4 NLT
Pressures, demands, expectations, and tasks push in from all sides and assault our schedules. We have little left to give as we run out of energy and time. We find ourselves rushing through life, attending to the necessary, the immediate, and the urgent. The important things are all too often left in the dust.
Our values and priorities are reflected in how we use our resources – time, money, strength, and talent. Often, our actions belie our words. We say God is number one, but then we relegate him to a lesser number on our to-do list.
Twenty-five centuries ago, a voice was heard, calling men and women to the right priorities. Haggai knew what was important and what had to be done, and he challenged God’s people to respond. In 586 BC, the armies of Babylon had destroyed the Temple in Jerusalem – God’s house, the symbol of His presence. In 538 BC, King Cyrus decreed that the Jews could return to their beloved city and rebuild the Temple. Opposition and apathy brought work to a standstill, and the people quickly forgot their purpose and lost interest in their priorities.
Although Haggai is a short book, it is filled with challenges and promises, reminding us of God’s claim on our lives and our priorities. As you study this book, imagine the prophet walking through the streets and alleys of Jerusalem, urging people to get started on God’s work. Listen to the urgency as this book speaks to your heart, urging you to reorder your priorities in accordance with God’s will.
Prayer: Father, thank You for the message in Haggai for us to remember to prioritise our lives according to Your commandments and will. Where we’ve neglected spiritual disciplines in our lives, help us to start building into Your Kingdom again. Amen.
