Then Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and the high priest Joshua son of Jehozadak, along with the whole remnant of the people, obeyed the Lord their God. They responded favorably to the message of the prophet Haggai, who spoke just as the Lord their God had instructed him, and the people began to respect the Lord. Then Haggai, the Lord’s messenger, spoke the Lord’s announcement to the people: “I am with you,” decrees the Lord.
Into the Text
Most of the prophets we have read about lived before or during the beginning of the exile of Israel and Judah. Haggai writes at the end of the 70 years of exile. The Babylonians were conquered by the Persians, and King Darius of Persia allowed the Israelites to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the city, just as God had promised.
Soon after arriving in Jerusalem, Haggai began to notice that the people were far more concerned about rebuilding their homes than the temple. Remember, the reason the people were sent into exile in the first place was because of their sin, disobedience, and idolatry. God promised He would preserve a faithful remnant of people to return to Israel after 70 years, but those who returned had misplaced priorities.
Their return to Jerusalem was a gift of God. Their response should have been one of praise and thanksgiving by first rebuilding the temple, yet they were focused on self.
We, too, can be like the Israelites. We ask and hope for God to deliver us from a situation or make something new or better. When He does, we forget to rightly respond in praise. We can quickly move on and serve our own desires, or we start wanting the next thing. God graciously used Haggai to call the people back to obedience, and they quickly obeyed.
Think of your own life right now. Would your lifestyle and habits indicate that your first priority is serving and worshiping God? May we not become distracted and taken off course like the Israelites. May our hearts and lives be focused on God first and foremost.
Prayer
God, thank you for gracious reminders to turn my focus to you. I can so easily become distracted by my own wants and desires. May my life be in praise and worship to who you are and what you have done in my life. Amen.