DAY 314: JOURNEY THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR – HAGGAI 1-2

November 8, 2024

HAGGAI 1-2
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DAY 314: JOURNEY THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR

Today, we both begin and conclude our journey through the book of Haggai.  Haggai was a prophet who prophesied to the remanent who returned to Jerusalem after it had been destroyed.  Haggai reminded the people of the importance of putting the Lord first. 

Ask the Lord for His understanding of Haggai 1-2. Read Haggai 1-2. Let’s journey!

For some time, prophets had warned of Israel’s coming destruction and captivity, which happened in 587 BC.  But there always we a message of hope that they would one day be returned.  Now, in 520 BC, the Israelites have returned to a ruined Jerusalem, as the Babylonia empire collapsed and was replaced with the Persian empire.

Haggai 1-2: When the Israelites returned to the destroyed city of Jerusalem, they first set about restoring the house of the Lord.  However, their neighbors were unhappy with their progress and actions, eventually causing the Israelites to stop building for 16 years.  Haggai comes at the end of these 16 years, pointing out to the Israelites how their own houses have been completed, yet God’s house remains in ruins.  The Israelites were letting their own desires come before the Lord, therefore, their lives were unfulfilled and unsatisfied.  Haggai assures the Israelites that although the temple may not be as majestic as the one built by Solomon, the Lord will be with them all the same.  (Haggai 1:1-2:23) 

After completing today’s reading, consider the following:  Where does the Lord and spending time with Him fall in your list of priorities?  Is God a priority in your life?  What difference does it make if you place God at the front and center of your life?  Have you ever become discouraged, like the Israelites in this passage, because you think something isn’t good enough?  The Lord, through Haggai, reminds the people that they are working for the Lord, and their focus should be on Him.  How can you apply that to your life?  To your struggles?

Godspeace!