“Consider Your Ways!”

Haggai 1:7

Haggai prophesied during the reign of King Darius (Haggai 1:1). This man was referred to elsewhere as “Darius the Mede” (Daniel 5:31) and “Darius king of Persia” (Ezra 4:24). He was the head of the Medes and Persians when they overthrew Babylon (Daniel 5:28, 30-31).

Haggai prophesied about the need to rebuild the temple. This was necessary because the temple – as well as the city of Jerusalem – had previously been destroyed by the Babylonians (2 Kings 25:8-9). Later, God called Cyrus king of Persia to allow the temple to be rebuilt (Ezra 1:1-2). However, these reconstruction efforts were stopped by threat of force (Ezra 4:4-7, 23-24). Work on the temple would not resume again until the reign of Darius (Ezra 4:24; Haggai 1:1).

As the people were instructed to rebuild the temple, they were also told to consider their ways (Haggai 1:5, 7). It is important for us to consider the lessons revealed by the prophet Haggai.

Do Not Make Excuses

The people were saying, “The time has not come, even the time for the house of the Lord to be rebuilt” (Haggai 1:2). Why were they saying this? It could have been because of the opposition they experienced previously (Ezra 4:4-5). It could have been because they simply lacked the desire to rebuild the temple. Whatever the reason, God told them: “Consider your ways!” (Haggai 1:5, 7). God had already determined that it was time for His house to be rebuilt (Ezra 1:1-2). If the people thought otherwise, it was due to the fact that they were making excuses for not doing what God expected them to do.

Too often God’s people are quick to make excuses as to why they cannot engage in spiritual works. They say they cannot study the Bible because they do not have enough time. Yet they could do as David did – waking up early or going to bed late to focus on God’s word (Psalm 119:147-148). They say they cannot attend worship services because they have too much going on. Yet Paul, even though he was “hurrying to be in Jerusalem, if possible, on the day of Pentecost” (Acts 20:16), took the time to stop seven days in Troas so that he could be in an assembly of the saints on the first day of the week (Acts 20:6-7). Rather than coming up with excuses for not doing God’s will, we should be determined to simply do all that we are capable of doing in service to God.

Get Your Priorities in Order

The people said that it was not time to rebuild the temple (Haggai 1:2). But God asked, “Is it time for you yourselves to dwell in paneled houses while this house lies desolate?” (Haggai 1:4). God’s question implied that they were unconcerned with the temple. They were comfortable enough in their “paneled houses” to ignore it.

God did not condemn them for enjoying a level of comfort. Instead, He condemned them for their misplaced priorities. Why should their houses have come before the Lord’s house, especially since God arranged for them to return to the land for the purpose of rebuilding His house (Ezra 1:1-2)? Their priorities were not in order. We must be careful that we always “seek first His kingdom and His righteousness” in our lives (Matthew 6:33).

Having the right priorities requires work. God commanded them, “Go up to the mountains, bring wood and rebuild the temple, that I may be pleased with it and be glorified” (Haggai 1:8). It was not enough for them to simply remember God or to talk about how they gave preference to Him. They needed to do the work God called them to do. In the same way, our preference for God and for spiritual things must be demonstrated in our actions. Jesus said, “Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” (Luke 6:46). We cannot legitimately claim to be putting the Lord first in our lives if we are not obeying Him.

Remember Your Dependence Upon God

These people were comfortable living in their “paneled houses” (Haggai 1:4), yet they were not blessed as richly as they could have been. “You have sown much, but harvest little; you eat, but there is not enough to be satisfied; you drink, but there is not enough to become drunk; you put on clothing, but no one is warm enough; and he who earns, earns wages to put into a purse with holes” (Haggai 1:6; cf. 1:9-11). They were in this condition because of their failure to put God first [see previous point].

The point of this is not to promote the “prosperity gospel” as some falsely preach today. Under the Old Law, prosperity was often connected to one’s obedience to God (cf. Deuteronomy 28:1-14). This same connection does not always exist today. Paul warned Timothy of those who advocated a “different doctrine” that did “not agree with sound words” (1 Timothy 6:3). At the root of this error was the belief that “godliness is a means of gain” (1 Timothy 6:5). While some Christians may be wealthy (1 Timothy 6:17-18), most will not be. Yet there is still a lesson to be learned from the words given to the prophet Haggai. We must always remember that our blessings come from God (James 1:17). The kindness God shows toward us through His blessings ought to motivate us to serve Him (Romans 2:4).

Obey the Word of God

Upon receiving the instruction to resume work on the temple, “Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, with all the remnant of the people, obeyed the voice of the Lord their God” (Haggai 1:12). They did not offer anymore excuses. They did not continue to put themselves ahead of God. They simply obeyed.

By their obedience, they “showed reverence for the Lord” (Haggai 1:12). They did not offer half-hearted service. Instead, they wholeheartedly and sincerely followed the Lord’s commands. Reverence (fear) and obedience go hand in hand. The wise man wrote, “The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). We must also fear God and obey Him today, just as Peter told the household of Cornelius: “I most certainly understand now that God is not one to show partiality, but in every nation the man who fears Him and does what is right is welcome to Him” (Acts 10:34-35).

Conclusion

You have a responsibility to serve the Lord today. Do not make excuses. Do not let anyone stand in your way. Do not put your will ahead of God’s will. Instead, serve the Lord with reverence so that you might be saved by Him.


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Comments

  1. Excellent thoughts, Andy! We do need to consider our ways in every way possible. We must be busy about doing God’s work in God’s way. I am always encouraged by reading your articles and I want to thank you for the time you spend putting your thoughs on “paper” for others to read.

  2. Larry DeVore says

    Another good article, Andy!

  3. Thank you, gentlemen.