24 September 2021

24 September 2021

My spirit abides among you; do not fear. For thus says the Lord of hosts: Once again, in a little while, I will shake the heavens and the earth and the sea and the dry land; and I will shake all the nations, so that the treasure of all nations shall come, and I will fill this house with splendour, says the Lord of hosts. The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, says the Lord of hosts. The latter splendour of this house shall be greater than the former, says the Lord of hosts; and in this place I will give prosperity, says the Lord of hosts.

Haggai 1:15-2:9 , NRSV

In yesterday’s reading from Haggai, we heard him chiding the Jews for not getting on with the reconstruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. Today his words are more encouraging. It would seem that work has started and the prophet promises further progress and splendour. Not only will treasures come flooding in but more importantly, the Temple will be filled with the Lord’s glory. Through the prophet, the Lord assures the people and their leaders that they have nothing to fear and that they will achieve the con a place worthy of its purpose.

    • How might it have felt to be part of this project to rebuild the Jerusalem Temple?
    • What place do you think silver, gold or other treasures should have in our places of worship?

Give thanks for the ways in which the places of worship you have entered have brought you closer to God.

Image – Rebuilding of the Temple – Gustave Doré from the 1866 Le Sainte Bible

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