What a Revival!

O. T. 2259"What a Revival!"

August 17, 2022

Haggai 1-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

God knew the remnant of His people who returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple had not completed the task. He had used a drought to return them to the task, yet it did not happen. Since, God was not first place in their lives, their work was unfruitful and unproductive. Their problem was lack of faith and obedience. Their focus had turn to self, away from to their God. They gave an excuse, plain and simple.

Billy Sunday, a great preacher, called an excuse "the skin of a reason stuffed with a lie."

Benjamin Franklin wrote, "I never knew a man who was good at making excuses who was good at anything else."

So God sent the first message through Haggai. Just 23 days after hearing his message the people began rebuilding the Temple. The sermon was put into action. What a response. 

When we hear a stirring message, we should put it into action.

LET IT GROW

How did the people respond?

• The leaders obeyed the voice of the LORD their God. (verse 12)
• The people did fear before the LORD. 
• The hearts of the governor, high priest, and the people were stirred when they heard the prophet's message. (verse 14)
• They had the reassurance that God was with them. (verse 13)

They obeyed the voice of the LORD.

Fear means to revere; reverence; fearful.

Stirred means opening their eyes; to wake up; raise up; lift up.

It took some time to gather the new materials, prepare the building site for further construction, and get the skilled workers in their place. That is why it took 23 days, or 3 weeks, to get going on the Temple project. God delights in the obedience of His people. What a revival!

Is there something that you have left undone, which was God's will to complete? Are we buying the best for us and giving the Lord whatever is left over?  How does the house where you worship look? Is it in need of repairs? The material is a symbol of our spiritual condition. 

LET IT GO

Develop our trust and obedience toward You, our Heavenly Father.

Use what we have to further Your kingdom.

Open our eyes to see the needs around us.