Lessons from Haggai 1
Read Haggai chapter one
The background
The Babylonians led by King Nebuchadnezzar, destroyed the Jerusalem and Solomon's temple in 586 BC. Most of the Jews were taken to Babylon as captives.
By 539 BC Babylon had itself been conquered and a new king, Cyrus, issued a decree allowing Jewish exiles to return to Jeusalem and re-build the temple. (Ezra 1-6)
On returning to Jerusalem the exiles began the work of restoring the temple. They completed the brazen altar and laid the foundations for the temple.
The surrounding nations began to actively oppose the re-building work. As a result the work stopped.
For 16 years there had been no work on the temple. Fear of their enemies had paralysed the returned exiles. All their initial enthusiasm to build the temple had evaporated. They had submitted to their enemies rather than submitting to God.
The excuse
The exiles made their lack of activity sound plausible:
"It's not time to build," they reasoned.
But Haggai exposed their excuses for what they were. The problem was:
- They had the wrong priorities;
- They were putting their own comfort before God;
- They were not concerned about God's glory.
The challenge
Haggai challenged the exiles to "give careful thought" to the way they were living.
He reminded them that there were consequences to disobedience (see Deut 28 and Lev 26 v 18-20).
The solution
Haggai also reminded them of the solution - "Build the house (the temple) so I may take pleasure in it and be honoured." (1v8)
What was so important about the temple?
The temple was significant in Jewish thought. It was a symbol of God's presence with them; it was where God met with His people, the focal point of their worship. To leave the temple unfinished showed that the exiles were unconcerned about the worship of God, unconcerned about His honour or His presence with them.
The response
The exiles recognised the truth of Haggai's words. They responded with obedience and with "fear of the Lord".
God responded to their change of heart with the promise;
"I am with you declares the Lord."
Lessons for today
In 520BC Haggai spoke to a people who had neglected God's temple and who were indifferent to God's glory.
Today Haggai speaks to the church. Where there is a lack of concern for growth and spirituality in the church - there is a lack of concern for God's glory and honour.
Our priorities
As Christians you and I should each give careful thought to our priorities.
- What is the most important thing to you?
- Are you seeking your own wealth and comfort?
- How do you spend your time and energy?
- Do you neglect the church - and your own ministry within it?
If so, you should, like the returned exiles, expect the inevitable consequence - spiritual poverty.
Our response
Our response should begin with the heart;
- Recognising God's rightful place in your life;
- Desiring his honour and glory;
- Serving wholeheartedly to build His church;
- Taking a full and active part in the local church because you desire to see God's kingdom built and His name honoured and glorified.
The consequence of such a response?
"I am with you declares the Lord."
"Our loving obedience result in His drawing close, but our disobedience leads Him to withdraw His presence."
(Thomas Constable)