Getting Back to Work

 O.T. #2261  "Getting Back to Work"

August 19, 2022

Haggai 2-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

God was telling the leaders and the working people in Israel to be strong, get back to work on the Temple, return to Him, turn from their evil ways and stop practicing them. Also, He reassured them that He would be with them, His Spirit remains among them, and to not be afraid. In other words, God was watching over them with His protection and provision. He is so faithful to keep His word. Sometimes we just need to be reminded of this. 

In verses 6-9, the prophet combines the first and second coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. Do we stop to think that God owns everything, for He created it all? He is just allowing us to use it for a time. Even silver and gold are His. (verse 8)

God wants and is waiting to fill the new Temple with His glory. He wants to give peace. (verse 9)  God had the gold and silver needed; what He needed was willing hands. He choses to do His work through people as God provides the resources needed.

History tells us that Solomon's Temple was leveled by the Babylonians and items stollen. The new Temple these people built here was leveled and renovated by Herod in his desire to court Jewish favor. Herod's temple was destroyed by the Roman invasion of 70 A.D. Today, the Wailing Wall of the Temple is all that remains. Over the site of the Holy of Holies sits the golden dome of Islam. One day that will come down and replaced when Jesus returns to earth to reign as King of kings.

Will we work til Jesus comes? Will we keep the faith-stand by faith, walk by faith, live by faith?

LET IT GROW

In verses 12-13, God is questioning the priests. From this we deduct that holiness does not rub off on other, but contamination will. Activities in the Temple do not clean up their sin, only repentance and obedience could do that. Who are we associating with today? Are they sinful people who do not care for the Word of God nor holy living? What about our family?

It's like a child eating spaghetti, soon their face, hands, and clothes become red. sin and selfish attitudes produce the same result-they stain everything they touch. Even good deeds done for God can be tainted by sin. (Life Application Study Bible)

Only the blood of Jesus Christ can cleanse our sins by faith and repentance. The Law cannot do that. We cannot measure up to God's standards. That is why Jesus came to provide The Way to God.

LET IT GO

What do we need to let go of so we can be uncontaminated with sin?

Thank You Jesus for providing our salvation.

How wonderful You are to intercede for us to Holy Father God!

Be with our grandchildren and children as they return to school. Protect them from the sinful ways of the world.

To You be the glory forever and ever.