Consider Your Ways

There are Old Testament experiences not dissimilar from our own from which we can learn. The prophet Haggai records the return of God’s people from 70 years in slavery. For seven decades they have been away from their beloved homeland. Now in anticipation they were returning. Many of the younger ones had never seen their ancestral city. Enthusiasm ran rampant.

Their sense of expectancy and excitement was soon abated. As they neared the city, they were consumed with anticipation. A heartbreaking sight awaited them.  During their absence, the tyrant Nebuchadnezzar had leveled the city of Jerusalem. Desolate waste awaited them as they returned to Jerusalem, “the golden.” The house of God built there by Solomon was only rubble. Out of gratitude for deliverance, they set about in gratitude to express their devotion to God by rebuilding His house. Their ardor and zeal is a model worthy of our best.

However, up north the Samaritans resented their efforts (Ezra 4: 1 – 5). Of their detractors it is eternally recorded in the Word of God that they “tried to discourage the people of Judah. They troubled them in building…” (Ezra 4: 4).  It worked. They discouraged the people to the extent that they stopped work.

With their attention diverted from the will and work of God, they soon began to concentrate on their own selfish interests. Work was stopped on the house of God for sixteen years.

* God challenged His people through His prophet, Haggai, “Is it time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, and this temple to lie in ruins?” (1: 4) 

Haggai was one of the few prophets who was privileged to see the people respond positively to his message. (1:12) 

Their obedience was not jump-started by their own initiative. God was at work in their midst. “The Lord stirred up…the spirit of the whole remnant of the people…” (Vs. 14).

“Consider your ways!” (Haggai 1: 4 & 7). Think about it. Give careful thought to your ways.

* God counseled the people. God’s challenge to His people of that day is applicable to us today: “Consider your ways!” (Haggai 1: 4 & 7). Think about it. Give careful thought to your ways.

* God catalyzed the people. God was at work in their midst. “The Lord stirred up…the spirit of the whole remnant of the people….” (Vs. 14)

* God consoled the people. “‘Be strong, all you people of the land,’ says the Lord, ‘and work; for I am with you,’ says the Lord of hosts.”  (2:4)

When we do God’s will, He works with us. He endorses and gives enabling strength for our good resolve.