Until Now | Pastor Craig Rice | January 14th, 2024
Bible Reading: Haggai 1:2-9
2 “This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: The people are saying, ‘The time has not yet come to rebuild the house of the Lord.’”
3 Then the Lord sent this message through the prophet Haggai:
4 “Why are you living in luxurious houses while my house lies in ruins?
5 This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: Look at what’s happening to you!
6 You have planted much but harvest little. You eat but are not satisfied. You drink but are still thirsty. You put on clothes but cannot keep warm. Your wages disappear as though you were putting them in pockets filled with holes!
7 “This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: Look at what’s happening to you!
8 Now go up into the hills, bring down timber, and rebuild my house. Then I will take pleasure in it and be honored, says the Lord.
9 You hoped for rich harvests, but they were poor. And when you brought your harvest home, I blew it away. Why? Because my house lies in ruins, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, while all of you are busy building your own fine houses.
Devotional:
The call to rebuild God's temple was a pivotal moment for the Jewish people. In today's passage, God challenges the people for prioritizing their own comfort over His dwelling place. Reflect on what it means to build God's house today. How can we sometimes put our own desires before God's work? Consider the ways you can prioritize God's mission in your life.
Question for Reflection:
What does "building God's house" look like in your personal life?