When We Don't Consider God's Ways, We'll Have to Consider Our Own
Good day friends. Can I ask you a question? Do you ever miss it? When I say, "Miss it!" ...I'm not referring to stuff, like things we once had and no longer possess, but missing things that are happening with us and around us, the kind of things we miss the point on. Clues that were happening right before our eyes, but we missed all the indicators and explained them away. I'm sure you can think of things you've done this with. I think it happens to all of us, from time to time, and this is exactly what was going on with the people in the days of Haggai.
At a glance it can look a bit trivial... that God would be that upset over them not building His temple. But it's much much deeper than that. It's not ABOUT the temple, as much as, it is about the work... the lack of concern and obedience to the assignment God gave them. It's really about them be acceptable before Him (Isaiah 66:1-4). Which is never based on our performances or actions or attitudes but utterly dependent upon our faith and trust in Him, His promises and His ways.
Instead of doing God's work they had gotten crossed up along the way and refocused their attention on their own work and agenda. Which is manifested and illustrated in neglecting God's house, while they placed their energy, thoughts and resources to build their own houses. Their attention was consumed with what they wanted and it revealed their heart and lack of faith. And the grace needed to fulfill the assignments of God were replaced with human grit to get their purpose done, their way. And when God's children neglect the school of grace... He, like any caring teacher, sends |
