Haggai: Put God first
"Put God first and everything will follow."
What is your priority in life? This was the first question I asked during our Bible Study last Friday, and by the way, it was my first time leading a bible study group (Yay!).
But before I continue, let me tell you that I did not enroll in a Bible college or studied theology, so everything that I say here is my own interpretation of the verses. I also did some reading and research just to be able to know more about the book.
Anyway, just to give you a small overview, Haggai was a prophet that was sent to Jerusalem in 520 B.C. This book was a collection of God's messages to the the people after they returned from exile. The Jews were actually held captive by the Babylonians for quite a long time. So when they returned, they were busy restoring their city.
Haggai 1:2-4
2 This is what the Lord Almighty says: "These people say, The time has not yet come to rebuild the Lord’s house."
3 Then the word of the Lord came through the prophet Haggai:
4 “Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin?”
On Verse 2, the Lord already knew what the people were thinking and saying. The people were more concerned on their own houses more than the house of God. That also means that God already knows what our excuses are, our reasons, in other words, He knows our hearts.
Haggai 1:5-6
5 Now this is what the Lord Almighty says: “Give careful thought to your ways.
5 Now this is what the Lord Almighty says: “Give careful thought to your ways.
6 You have planted much, but harvested little. You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it.”
In this part, God asked them to think about their ways. Their misplaced priority has caused God to withhold their blessings. Have you ever stopped and examine your life? Did you ever feel like all your hard work doesn't pay off?
Haggai 1:9
9 “You expected much, but see, it turned out to be little. What you brought home, I blew away. Why?” declares the Lord Almighty. “Because of my house, which remains a ruin, while each of you is busy with your own house.
There is nothing wrong in being a hardworking person. It becomes wrong, when you put your work first before God. Human beings are selfish by nature.
When we achieve something, we do not settle and just be contented. Instead, we strive harder and try to reach the next step. Sadly, in that process, we sometimes forget God. We fix our attention to our goals and dreams in life that we set aside God.
Prioritizing God doesn't mean we must leave our work, businesses, or studies and just focus in Church alone. What He wants is for Him to be honored and glorify in your life. Every moment of your life, you must think of Him first before deciding anything.
I know some of the workaholics there would be asking, "If I focus on the Lord, will I still be able to earn? to eat? to live?"
Haggai 1:13
13 Then Haggai, the Lord’s messenger, gave this message of the Lord to the people: “I am with you,” declares the Lord.In this verse, the Lord is simply saying that if you fix your eyes on Him, He will be with you, He will bless you. He will not just provide for you, but He will give you the best.
Continue being faithful in Him!
God bless you!
