Get to Work

Read Haggai 1-2, Zechariah 1:1-6
 
Haggai 1:1-3  On August 29 of the second year of King Darius’ reign, the LORD gave a message through the prophet Haggai to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Jeshua (Joshua) son of Jehozadak, the high priest. 2 “This is what the LORD of Heaven’s Armies says: The people are saying, ‘The time has not yet come to rebuild the house of the LORD.’” 3 Then the LORD sent this message through the prophet Haggai: 4 “Why are you living in luxurious houses while my house lies in ruins? 5 This is what the LORD of Heaven’s Armies says: Look at what’s happening to you! 6 You have planted much but harvest little. You eat but are not satisfied. You drink but are still thirsty. You put on clothes but cannot keep warm. Your wages disappear as though you were putting them in pockets filled with holes!”
 
AS you read the two chapters of Haggai, did you notice the three prophecies or, as some say, sermons? They were spoken in August, October and December. What was God’s message to Israel?
   In short, God told them, “Get to work, and I will bless you.” We have read how Darius of Persia had ordered the Temple to be built and Persia would pay much of the cost. But still construction had stopped. Zerubbabel, the Jews’ governor and Jeshua (Joshua), the priest, were not leading their people to rebuild. Instead the Jews were building their own homes.
   It seems the Jews learned little in the exile. Disobeying God’s commands sent them to Babylon. And then as they returned, God’s commands were again ignored.
   And what was the result? As before, God withheld his blessings. Reduced crops and economic struggles were the rule because they did not give to the LORD’s work.
   But unlike their ancestors, the Jews believed the prophet: Ezra 1:12 Then Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and the whole remnant of God's people began to obey the message from the LORD their God. When they heard the words of the prophet Haggai, whom the LORD their God had sent, the people feared the LORD. 13 Then Haggai, the LORD’s messenger, gave the people this message from the LORD: “I am with you, says the LORD!”
   God’s faithfulness to his eternal purpose remained secure. He worked to restore his people to do his will. He graciously rebuked and forgave them. Once again the LORD invited prodigal Israel home into his blessed care.
   Following God is listening to his corrections, believing his encouragement and trusting his promises. It is living more and more into his purpose for your life. The good Father lovingly desired a close relationship with his people. They needed to do as he said. And so do you. 
 
Hebrews 10:24 Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.