Priorities

The prophet Haggai's book might be the second shortest in the Old Testament but that doesn't mean it is short on wisdom for us today. As the book opens in the opening verses we find a message that digs right to our own hearts. Take a look - Haggai 1:2-9

“The Lord of Hosts says this: These people say: The time has not come for the house of the Lord to be rebuilt.” The word of the Lord came through Haggai the prophet: “Is it a time for you yourselves to live in your paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins?” Now, the Lord of Hosts says this: “Think carefully about your ways:

You have planted much but harvested little.

You eat but never have enough to be satisfied.

You drink but never have enough to become drunk.

You put on clothes but never have enough to get warm.

The wage earner puts his wages into a bag with a hole in it.”

The Lord of Hosts says this: “Think carefully about your ways. Go up into the hills, bring down lumber, and build the house. Then I will be pleased with it and be glorified,” says the Lord. “You expected much, but then it amounted to little. When you brought the harvest to your house, I ruined it. Why?” This is the declaration of the Lord of Hosts. “Because My house still lies in ruins, while each of you is busy with his own house.

The people had been back in Jerusalem for 18 years and their homes were finished and luxurious but the temple was in shambles. "The time has not come" is the excuse they have been using for all these years while they worked and worked securing their own all while neglecting the Lord's.

The Lord explains through Haggai that all the work they were doing for their own benefit was for naught. When we toil and labor for ourselves and neglect the Lord we expect much from our toils but actually see very little fruit. Why? Because we've neglected the Lord. 

We need to put the Lord first in all we do -- when we do so the result? Well simply put - Haggai 1:13 says, Haggai the Lord’s messenger, delivered the Lord’s message to the people, “I am with you”—this is the Lord’s declaration.

When we put him first he is with us and we find our satisfaction in him and him alone... 

see ya Sunday!