Haggai 1 Devotional

When Our Own Houses Come First

“Haggai, the messenger of the LORD, delivered the message of the LORD to the people: “I am with you,” declares the LORD.”Haggai 1:13 (BSB)

God's house still lies in ruins, and the people say the time has not yet come to rebuild it (1:2). God asks whether it is time for them to live in finished, paneled houses while his house stays a ruin (1:4). Twice he tells them to think carefully about their ways (1:5, 1:7). They have planted much and harvested little, eaten without being filled, and earned wages that seem to drain through a bag full of holes (1:6). God says plainly that he has held back the harvest because each of them is busy with his own house (1:9-11).

The response is swift. Zerubbabel, Joshua, and the remnant of the people obey and fear the LORD (1:12). Then Haggai brings a short message from God: he is with them (1:13). He stirs up their spirits, and they begin the work (1:14). Even their energy for the work comes from God. When your priorities drift, the way back starts with his presence, and he moves your heart to follow.

To think about: What have you been putting ahead of God while telling yourself the time is not yet right?