CONSIDER YOUR WAYS

In 606 B.C., Judah fell captive to the Babylonian Empire. In 536 B.C., when the Babylonian Empire fell to the Medo-Persian Empire, king Cyrus signed a decree allowing the Jews to return to their homeland in order to build the temple. The project of rebuilding the temple began and the foundation was laid. But further work soon came to a halt because of opposition from God’s enemies. Sixteen years later, Haggai admonished the people to resume their work on the temple (Haggai 1:1-8).

First, consider the people’s procrastination (1:2). The people had declared the time to build the Lord’s house had not yet come. No doubt the people knew what they ought to do. They knew what God expected from them. But they foolishly chose to neglect their responsibilities, saying the time to build the Lord’s house had not yet come. There are many today who, knowing what God expects from them, simply choose to procrastinate. They know they ought to become involved in the work of the church. They know they ought to be more diligent in their Bible study. They know they ought to be more consistent in fulfilling their responsibilities to their families. But they choose instead to procrastinate, saying the time has not yet come.

Second, consider the people’s misplaced priorities (1:3-6). The people put off building the Lord’s house, but found time to build their own elaborate houses. Many today fail to become more involved in the work of the church because of a failure to establish the proper priorities in their lives. Is it a sin to fish? Is it a sin to play golf? Is it a sin to hunt? Is it a sin to play baseball? Is it a sin to play football? Yes, if these things hinder our involvement in and support of church activities!

As a result of their misplaced priorities the people not contented. They ate but were still hungry, they drank but were still thirsty, they were clothed and yet not warm, they earned money but had nothing to show for it. Many people today are foolishly seeking satisfaction in things. But genuine satisfaction may be experienced only when we are actively involved in the work of the church.

Third, consider Haggai’s pronouncement to the people (1:7-8). What was the solution to such a tragic problem? Simply this – get to work! Haggai encouraged to people to get the necessary wood and resume the work of rebuilding the temple.