23 September 2021
Thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider how you have fared. Go up to the hills and bring wood and build the house, so that I may take pleasure in it and be honoured, says the Lord.
Haggai 1: 1-8, NRSV
After their return to Jerusalem from their exile in Babylon, the Jewish people met with resistance from the people who now lived there. This may in part have explained why they had not got on with rebuilding of the temple for which they had been given permission and funding. However, as the prophet Haggai points out, they themselves have also been the reason for the prolonged delay. Haggai challenges the people to realise that the temple had been ignored while they built themselves “panelled houses” to live in. He also challenged them to reflect on their poor harvests and unprofitable lives and to see these as a result of God’s disfavour with them. He repeats God’s message for them to get on with the task with which they have been charged without further delay.
- How do you suppose Haggai’s words would have been received ?
- What might God need us to get on with and not delay today?
Give thanks for those who build and maintain our churches and places of worship and consider how you might be able to support this work.
