Consider Your Ways

O. T. #2257   "Consider Your Ways"

August 15, 2022

Haggai 1

LET IT GLOW

Isn't it amazing that such a holy and almighty God speaks to people? Also, God is omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, full of truth, and full of grace, mercy, and peace. In the Old Testament, He spoke to the people through the prophets; today, we have His Word and Holy Spirit.

The Israelites had been back home for about 16 years, yet they had not finished building the Temple. Discouragement and conflict set in, so maybe they focused on other things, like rebuilding their houses and business. 

In verse 1, the word of the LORD came to Haggai, then he spoke to Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah and to Joshua, the high priest. What did God in verse 2? Their inactivity was excused in their defense of disobedience, apathy, and selfishness. The Jews had built roofed houses with paneling on the walls and ceilings with fine woods. The problem was not the fine houses, but the partially restored Temple, which was only minimal worship inside. Besides, God did not dwell there. Their priorities were out of order, wouldn't you say? the Jews had a heart problem, so god got to the heart of the problem.

It is not time that the LORD's house should be built. 

When God speaks, that is the time to obey. Sometimes He prepares us for what is ahead and what is His will. (God knows it takes a while for me to get ready.)

What is ouy priority? Is serving and worshiping God? Or is it buying those toys out there? Are we focused on kingdom work or our work? Is your wealth spent on our good pleasure more that kingdom work?

LET IT GROW

Consider your ways. (1:5,7; 2:15, 18)

In the Hebrew, consider means use feelings, will, intellect, understanding.

God pleas for the people to take notice of what they were doing, compare it with what they should be doing, and amend their ways accordingly. (Falwell)

What were the ways of the Jews?

• They had sown bountiful crops but reaped sparingly.
• They drink but are not satisfied.
• They had clothing which was inadequate.
• They earned money but could never get ahead.

But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (Matthew 6:33)

The blessings of God depends upon our obedience to God. In other words, no Temple; no blessings. The Lord was telling the Jews that when the Temple went up, His blessing come down. Do you think God wanted to dwell in His Temple with His people?

Is there something we have not completed for the Lord? I know what mine is, do you?

LET IT GO

Trust and obey, for there's no other way, to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.