Priorities: A Study in HaggaiSample

What does it say?

Haggai urged the people to carefully consider the effects of their disobedience before rebuilding the temple. God revealed that He would bless them from that day on.

What does it mean?

Verse 15 marks a turning point for the remnant in Jerusalem. God used symbolism in Haggai’s final two messages to help the people see the significance of their previous actions. Their disobedience before work on the temple had rendered their sacrificial worship unacceptable. Their economy still suffered the consequences of the Lord’s correction. Their future would hold the blessings of obedience just as past actions had negatively affected their current circumstances. The correlation between the faithfulness of God’s people and His blessing was worthy of deep thought.

How should I respond?

Disobedience will always affect your relationship with the Lord negatively. In addition, those actions always have consequences. The best way to avoid falling into the same pattern as the Israelites is to think carefully about what happened when you previously disobeyed God’s Word. What lessons can be learned from looking back on past faithful obedience versus procrastination and disobedience? Where do you need to improve? Determine to make today a turning point in that area of your life. Commit your work to the Lord and trust Him to guide, direct, and bless “from this day on.”