We began a new series for the new year from the book of Haggai entitled: “Bring Back the Glory.” It highlights the life of the nation of Judah 500 years B.C. God’s people had gone from enjoying the grandeur, the fame, might, the Glory of being a superpower. But because of disobedience and idolatry she had gone into captivity for 70 years and now was returning to the Holy Land. The glory had departed; could she once again attain the glory of yesteryear?
Last week we talked about the fact that the people had been home for 18 years but still had not engaged in rebuilding the temple… The word of the Lord challenges the people to take a candid look at reality: they were living in comfort, ease and relative extravagance while the house of God was lying in ruins. God is asking the people to consider these things in an attitude of self-examination.
This week, we look further at this indictment given by God, that they were not experiencing His blessings because they had neglected the work.
Haggai 1: 9“You looked for much, but indeed it came to little; and when you brought it home, I blew it away. Why?” says the Lord of hosts. “Because of My house that is in ruins, while every one of you runs to his own house.
God says to the people: You have not been blessed, as a matter of fact you are under a curse because of your neglect for the house of God and your spiritual lives. “I blew it away”, God says. I made your earnings and your resources scarce. I reduced your way of life. I caused you to live in poverty. God speaking. But if they would begin to do the Lord’s work, then they would be blessed by God, He would be pleased and His name would be glorified.
Haggai 1:8 Go up to the mountains and bring wood and build the temple, that I may take pleasure in it and be glorified,” says the Lord.
God’s command is to once again Begin the work…go up to the mountains; Bring wood…have an attitude of obedience and humility; and Build the temple…restore the place of worship. As they would do these things, God would be well pleased.
Join us in person on Sunday at 10:00 a.m. or via livestream by going to https://www.firstbaptistsudbury.com and clicking on livestream for “It’s Time to Get to Work.”
(Social distancing and face covering requirements are in effect)
Kevin
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