We don't know much about Haggai apart from this book of prophecy and the couple of times he is mentioned in Ezra alongside Zechariah. But, in chapter 1, we already see that he is a prophet who was able to motivate the people of Israel and correct their PRIORITIES. (In the next chapter, we will see him correct their PERSPECTIVE and their view of God's PROMISES).
The people were procrastinating and made spirtual-sounding excuses saying "The time has not yet come to rebuild the LORD's house". Yet, while they focused on their own comfort in their homes, the house of the Lord was left in ruins. God says to them twice: "Give careful thought to your ways." That's good advice for us, to periodically re-evaluate our lives and our priorities. This passage clearly showed that everything they pursued and placed priority on did not satisfy or fulfill. Listening to the word of the Lord, the people and the leaders obeyed and feared God. As a result, God encouraged and enabled them to once again begin work on the temple. It is important to be people with hearts to want to please God and glorify Him!
24-May: The literal translation of "Give careful thought to your ways" is "Put your heart upon your roads". It is saying to evaluate what path our hearts are leading us on. Where are our desires and priorities taking us?
25-May: I praise God that it was such a good class today; and I could sense God's Spirit at work in revealing His Truths to us. We are reminded that sometimes we need to press on despite challenges and obstacles; and that we should not wait around for everything to "fall in our laps" before starting the work of God - sometimes it requires us to take action and make effort. There is also a time and place for correction and rebuke. The most important thing is to listen to God's Word and be obedient to Him.
It was interesting to see a contrast between the Israelites leaving the temple in ruins but living in paneled homes; and King David wanting to build a house for the Lord, asking himself how he could be living in a house of cedar while the ark of the covenant is in a tent.
26-May: The thought came to me that since the temple was not rebuilt, it meant that the people were likely not really gathering together for Worship, which would be a reflection of their lack of a strong spiritual life as indicated by their broken covenant relationship when God called them "These people" instead of "My people".
29-May: God's next message in Chp 2 comes at the end of the Feast of Tabernacles. The people may have been in need of encouragement because they are reminded that they are not able to fully celebrate the Feast without the Temple and that their harvests were affected by the droughts as a result of their disobedience. God not only encouraged them and reminded them of His Presence; but, He also corrected their PERSPECTIVE. Instead of looking at the Temple building itself and comparing it to the former glory of Solomon's Temple, they were to have the Eternal Perspective and look at the glory that is to come when the Messiah will fill the Temple with His glory and reign.
Haggai also corrected the people's perspective on their offerings, showing them through two illustrations that while they are in disobedience their offerings are considered unclean and unacceptable; because righteousness is not transferable, but sin contaminates.
1-Jun: The class lesson was a blessing today. Some additional insight we gleaned was that the people are able to "Be Strong" and work because God is with them, and God is the source of strength. It reminds me of Phil 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
And when the third message comes three months after the construction restarted reminding them that when they are disobedient, their offerings are also unclean; it may be because some were in danger of falling back into their sinful ways; and this is encouragement to continue to be consecrated to the LORD. But, this also shows us that just as God sent prophets to His people when the broke the covenant, it indicates that when we as His people today are unfaithful, that God will try to draw us back to Him.
3-Jun: In the latter part of Chp 2, God once again tells the people to "Give careful thought", remembering the difficulties they encountered as God was trying to get them to return to HIM. But, He also reassures them that from this day on, He will bless them, because they are now obedient.
In the last message, God gives the PROMISE to Zerubbabel that the Messiah will be victorious over all the enemies and will establish His reign. This PROMISE is given to Zerubbabel, who is in the line of David and in the geneology of Christ.
If I were to give an overall summary for the Book of Haggai, it would be to focus on that phrase that God used four times - "Give careful thought". We are to evaluate our PRIORITIES, our PERSPECTIVES, and our view of His PROMISES; while seeking to be obedient, having the eternal perspective, and being encouraged by His faithfulness to His promises.
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