A time of Rebuilding

Studies in the book of Haggai I: A time of Rebuilding - A call to rebuild God's house
Scripture reading: Haggai 1: 1-11

The Setting: The Christian faith is historic faith
- 2nd day of King Darius, 1st day 6th month = 29 Aug 520BC
Ref: Isaiah 45:13)

God's Word: Our behaviour must be consistent/match our faith/belief
- To Haggai for Zerubbabel, the governor and Joshua, the high priest

What the people say:
- That the rebuilding of God's house can be postponed/delayed
- That it is not so important yet to be rebuilding God's house

God's reply: Great achievements does not equal to great relationships
- Is it time? A question of priority
- You yourselves living ... while this house remains a ruin: A question of devotion

God's reasoning:
- Give careful thoughts to your ways twice = think very carefully
- 1st time: poor harvest
unsatisfied with food, drink and clothings
monies dwindling
- 2nd time: Expectations unmet
Things brought home disappeared
- Reasos for the lack of poverty: Could I be the problem?
--> Because my house is still in ruins: Go and rebuild God's house first, that He may take pleasure in it and be honoured
--> Because of you and your wrong priorities

Consequences of the disobedience
- The heavens are shut up
- There is drought in the land
- There is poverty and a lack of productivity with the land, people and animals

Applications:
- To examine our priorities in life: what do we talk the most about? How do we use our time? How do we use our talents/gifts/money? Are we smart investors?
- To examine our devotions in life: Am I investing in something that is everlasting? The church of God always prevails and eternal

What am I committed to? When we are divested properly in life, the legacy lives on. When we invest in the church of God, it's an everlasting investment.