Read: Haggai 1-2
Today we read Haggai’s word to the people calling them to rise up and start building again. He brought to their attention that while they were spending so much effort trying to make a life for themselves and build their own houses, that God’s house was still unbuilt. If they put that first then they would not see all their efforts done in vain. Have you ever gotten discouraged because no matter how hard you work, something always goes wrong and you end up spending your money doing maintenance? That is what they were doing. Haggai explained it as putting their money into bags with holes. Haggai told them to consider their ways. Build God’s house first and he will help them maintain theirs. That was Haggai’s message in a nutshell.
God had called a drought upon the land, their leaders, their business, their anointing, their joy, and all their plans. This was just to get them to repent and call out to God.
Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah, and Joshua, the high priest’s son understood and rose up and led the people to rebuild. God promised them that even though before there was not enough to go around, now there would be plenty. God had sent blight, mildew and hail to turn them to him and they hadn’t turned but the day they turn will be the day God starts to bless them. God promised to overthrow the kingdoms of the heathen on their behalf.
What an encouraging reading for today. We are on the cusp of a huge revival but it is going to cost us something. It is not a call to sacrifice but a call to blessing. We give and then God can bless. It is a no-lose situation. We have to let go of our bank accounts and our fear and freely give.
Lord, help us to be willing to give graciously into the building of your kingdom. Rebuke the devourer on our behalf. (Malachi 3:11)
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