Day 208 – Haggai: Call to rebuild the Temple
“Now this is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘Give careful thought to your ways. You have planted much, but have harvested little. You eat, but you never have enough; you drink, but you never have your fill. You clothe yourselves, but no one is warm. And the wages you earn, you put into a bag with holes”. Haggai 1:5-6 NIV
Read Haggai 1:1 to Haggai 2:23
When the exiles first returned from Babylon, they set about rebuilding the Temple right away. Although they began with the right attitudes, the work came to a standstill due to opposition and misplaced priorities. After approximately 15 years, Haggai admonished them to get their priorities straight. The building of the temple commenced, and during the work, Haggai encouraged them. He assured them of the divine presence of the Holy Spirit and of final victory, and he instilled hope in them, knowing that the Messiah would reign.
God gives the same assurance to us, yet it’s sometimes so easy for us to make other priorities more important than God’s. When you receive a specific task, work, or assignment from God, don’t be afraid to get started. His resources are infinite, and you will have all you need to complete it. Set your heart on what is before you and do it.
Prayer: Father, thank You for sending encouragement through others as we labour to complete the assignments You have given us. May Your will, ways, and house always be at the top of our priority list. Thank You, Lord, for giving us the resources and people we need along the way. Amen.
