The older prophet, Haggai (somewhere age-wise in the range
of seventy to eighty) recorded his four messages to the Jewish people of
Jerusalem in 520 BC, eighteen years after their return from exile in Babylon
(538 BC). Haggai explicitly dated his prophecies, down to the day. His name
literally means “festival,” perhaps because he was born on the day of a major
festival. He ministered during the reign of King Darius I (522-486 BC).
Haggai gave four separate messages, the first on August 29,
520 BC (Haggai 1:1);
the second on October 17, 520 BC (2:1); and the final two on December 18, 520
BC (2:10, 20). These messages encouraged the people of Judah to finish building
the temple and to have hope in God for the promise of blessings in the future. Haggai
had an important message for the Jews who had recently returned from exile.
They had forgotten their God, choosing instead to focus on their own interests.
What can we learn from the book of Haggai? Here are three essential
takeaways:
1.
Bible prophecy
can make all the difference spiritually-To
instill a hope in the people, Haggai informed them that one day in the future,
the Heavens will be shaken (Haggai 2:20-21). Evil people will be overthrown
(2:22), and the Messiah will be exalted (Haggai 2:23). Zerubbabel, a leader among
the people, was portrayed as a symbol of the Messiah who is coming.
This future
hope motivated righteousness among Haggai’s contemporaries. The same is
true of God’s people today. Titus 2:12-13 exhorts believers to “renounce
ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and
godly lives in waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our
great Savior Jesus Christ. The
prophetic future gives hope to those living in the present.
2.
It is good to review your priorities occasionally-Haggai
reminded the people that while they busied themselves with their own houses,
the house of God (the temple) was laying in ruins. The people cared more about
themselves than they cared for God. This showed that their priorities were out
of balance. Haggai put the people back on track, keeping God and His temple the
top priority (Haggai 1:9-11). Haggai exhorts, “Think very carefully about your choices.” (Haggai 1:7, VOICE). Let us make every effort to keep our priorities straight on a daily
basis.
3.
We pay a price when we procrastinate on spiritual matters-Haggai reprimanded the people for procrastinating in
building the temple (Haggai 1:2-6). They had built their own houses, but were
indifferent about God’s house. They were exhorted to begin rebuilding
immediately (Haggai 1:7-8). Haggai said the reason God had not blessed them was
because they had forgotten Him (Haggai 1:9-11). God rewards those who put Him first and seek to do His will.
“You have
planted a large crop, but your harvest is small. You have food to eat, but it
is never enough to satisfy. You have something to drink, but you are never
filled. You have clothes to wear, but they are not enough to keep you warm. You
earn a salary, but the money runs out quickly, as if there are holes in your
pocket.” (Haggai
1:6, VOICE)[i]
[i] Sources used:
·
“3
Big Lessons from the Little Book of Haggai” by Harvest House
·
“Haggai” by Charles R. Swindoll
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