A Call to Prioritise God's Work
A Call to Prioritise God's Work
Today, we're diving into a powerful message from the book of Haggai, where the prophet Haggai delivers a wake-up call from God. This message urges the people to reconsider their ways and prioritise God's work above all else.
Haggai 1:5-7 (NLT): "This is what the Lord of Heaven's Armies says: Look at what's happening to you! 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! This is what the Lord of Heaven's Armies says: Look at what's happening to you!"
These verses challenge us to examine our own lives and priorities, ensuring we are aligned with God's will.
Consider Your Ways
In Haggai 1:5 (NLT), God says, "Look at what's happening to you!" The people of Israel had returned from exile and were focused on rebuilding their homes while neglecting the temple of God. Through Haggai, God calls them to "consider their ways" - to reflect on their actions and the state of their lives.
The Hebrew word for "consider" is "sim" which means to set, put, or place. God is asking His people to set their minds on their current situation and recognise the consequences of their misplaced priorities.
Reflecting on Lamentations 3:40 (NLT), "Instead, let us test and examine our ways. Let us turn back to the Lord," we see a call for introspection and realignment with God's purposes.
Rick Warren once said, "You were made by God and for God, and until you understand that, life will never make sense."
Imagine a farmer who works hard but neglects to water his crops. Despite his efforts, the harvest is poor. If we do not prioritise God, our efforts may feel futile and unfulfilling.
Acknowledge the Futility of Self-Reliance
In Haggai 1:6 (NLT), God highlights the people's frustration despite their hard work: "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!"
Their efforts without God's blessing led to dissatisfaction and unfulfilled needs. The word "holes" (naqab in Hebrew) implies a sense of emptiness and loss.
John 15:5 (NLT) reminds us, "Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing."
Consider a person who invests in the stock market without proper knowledge, hoping for high returns but ends up with significant losses. Without seeking God's guidance, our efforts can lead to similar outcomes.
A.W. Tozer said, "God is looking for people through whom He can do the impossible. What a pity that we plan only the things we can do by ourselves."
Prioritise God's Work for True Fulfilment
Haggai 1:7 (NLT) reiterates, "This is what the Lord of Heaven's Armies says: Look at what's happening to you!" God desires for His people to prioritise rebuilding His temple - a symbol of His presence and their worship.
Prioritising God's work means putting Him first in our lives. The Hebrew word for "ways" (derek) implies a manner of life or conduct. By focusing on God's commands, we find true fulfilment and His blessings.
Matthew 6:33 (NLT) advises, "Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need."
Think of an orchestra tuning their instruments before a concert. Without tuning, the music would be chaotic. Our lives, too, need to be in tune with God's will to produce harmony and fulfilment.
Charles Stanley said, "When we focus our attention on God, life's problems seem to fall into their proper perspective."
Trusting in God's Promises
When we prioritise God's work, we can trust that He will fulfil His promises. God's faithfulness is unwavering, and He honours those who honour Him. The Israelites needed to trust that rebuilding the temple would bring them closer to God's blessings and presence.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT) encourages us, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take."
This trust requires faith and obedience. When we step out in faith, prioritising God's work above our own desires, we witness His faithfulness in our lives. As we align with His will, we see His promises unfold in ways we could never have imagined.
Max Lucado says, "Faith is not the belief that God will do what you want. It is the belief that God will do what is right."
In conclusion, Haggai 1:5-7 calls us to consider our ways, acknowledge the futility of self-reliance, prioritise God's work for true fulfilment, and trust in His promises. This ancient message is still relevant today as we navigate our busy lives.
Application:
This week, take time to reflect on your priorities. Are you putting God first in your life? Seek His guidance and make any necessary adjustments to align with His will.
Let us go forth with renewed dedication to God's work, trusting in His provision and guidance.