Day 209 – Haggai: Climate of the times
“‘The glory of this latter house will be greater than the former,’ says the LORD Almighty, ‘and in this place I will grant peace,’ declares the LORD Almighty”. Haggai 2:9 NIV
The people of Judah had been exiled to Babylon in 586 BC, and Jerusalem and the Temple had been destroyed. Under Cyrus, king of Persia, the Jews were allowed to return to Judah to rebuild their temple. Haggai served as a prophet to Judah around 520 BC after the return from exile and encouraged the people to complete the rebuilding of the temple.
Though the Temple lay half-finished while the people lived in beautiful homes, Haggai’s message reaffirms to us today to be vigilant to put God and His priorities first in our lives. In today’s verse, we learn God wanted the Temple to be rebuilt, and he had the gold and silver to do it, but He was looking for willing hands. God has chosen to do His work through every generation. He provides the resources, but obedient hands must do the work.
Are your hands available for God’s work in the world?
Prayer: Father, thank You for the powerful message of Haggai to call our attention back to You as our priority. Thank You, Lord, for providing and guiding us with the knowledge, wisdom, and strength to complete the work You have for us while we are still in this world. Amen.
