PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Haggai 1-2
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“And my Spirit remains among you. Do not fear.” (Haggai 2:5)
Haggai describes a revival among the people of Israel.
The Lord challenged their focus on their own homes and dreams (ch.1:1-11).
And their spirits were stirred up for God’s kingdom agenda (1:12-15).
But the results are disappointing: this temple is nothing like the first one (2:3).
The Lord urges them to be encouraged, to stay strong, for he is with them.
We are making disciples, not constructing buildings or programs or services!
But if we focus on the results, we can get discouraged.
If we focus on the Lord’s presence and power, we can be encouraged.
We need a revival to get our focus off our own comfort, our own agendas.
We need a revival for making disciples, for building God’s house with love!
Granted, the results may be disappointing, the ‘church’ may be unimpressive.
But the Spirit IS still working to make disciples… whether we see it or not.
Stay focused on his power, not our own; he will fill his house with glory and peace!
In this time of unimpressive results, I hear Jesus, “Be strong for I am with you!” (Haggai 2:4)
PRAYER
Lord, when the results seem unimpressive, help me to stay focused on your impressive presence and power. When I am weak, you remain strong!
Needing a kick- a kick start! The people were busy upgrading their homes with paneling while the ‘house of God’ was untouched – left in ruins. So God withheld blessing – He allowed some but He held back His the generosity and blessing He wanted so much to give! Haggai basically told the people off and called the people to reflect on how hard they had to work but the gain was only marginal – He tells them that God is holding back the ‘floodgates of heaven’ – God is ready to pour out blessing if they but honour Him. Having the temple ignored and in ruins dishonor’s God and the nations around would notice. In fact when they start re-building the temple the leaders of the people around them start to protest to the Emperor – they feel threatened! God through Haggai promised to overthrow and to protect His people and make them great again. Through Jesus, God’s chosen people – us are enabled to make a difference in this world and being made ready for what is to come! Help me serve as a “Haggai” that I too may kickstart and be a builder in your kingdom work here!
What am I busy with? My ways or the Lord’s?
How do I see the happenings of today? Whose voice am I listening to? Whose voice are the nations listening to? The beat of our own drum?
At all times I need to fear my living God and obey His voice. I need to sense His presence at all times. Emmanuel. I need to go forward on this day and every day knowing that God is with me and will give me what I need to do His will – serving Him.
Early let us seek Thy favor, early let us do Thy will;
Blessèd Lord and only Savior, with Thy love our bosoms fill.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus! Thou hast loved us, love us still.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus! Thou hast loved us, love us still.