The prophet Haggai was sharing a message from God to the Israelites. They had recently come back to their homeland from years of Babylonian captivity and he was prophesying to them to rebuild the temple, but the people claimed “it wasn’t the right time” (Haggai 1:2). Their unwillingness to make God a priority was a problem that needed to be addressed.
“Then the word of the Lord came through the prophet Haggai saying, ‘Why are you living in luxurious houses while My house lies in ruins?’ The Lord Almighty says, ‘Give careful thought to your ways. You have planted much, but harvest little. You eat, but never have enough. you drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it” (Haggai 1-2-6).
By prioritizing our own lives, and our own goals, above the things of God, we deny the blessings that come from seeking His Kingdom. Self-protection over our time, our finances, and our energy, only brings a leanness to our lives, and a fear that our own kingdom could easily crumble and fall. But God encourages us… “Fear not little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the Kingdom” (Luke 12:32).
Friends, this world and all its wealth is failing. Whether it is burnt up, washed away in a flood, or stolen, it’s all only temporary. May we lift our eyes to the Real Kingdom - the abundant, eternal life He has for us, where joy and righteousness dwell in the peace of His presence. And what a blessing to know that this Kingdom can never be destroyed. “May Thy Kingdom Come.”
(Devotional by Cheryl Hall-Laos)
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