Haggai: What's Next?Sample

Put God First

In the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, perhaps you’re asking, ‘What’s next?’ Life isn’t what it once was. You’re not sure what it will be. You’re not even sure where to begin rebuilding. Maybe you’ve been left isolated, grief-stricken, or facing financial devastation, and you need faith to step into what’s next.

The question ‘What’s next?’ was at the forefront of the Israelites’ minds at the start of the book of Haggai. Their temple in Jerusalem, and their national identity, lay in ruins. They were overwhelmed and distraught. Haggai stepped into that context and made a clarion call for them to rebuild the temple. But the Israelites didn’t heed Haggai’s call, because they faced threats, conflict, and harassment from those who had inhabited Jerusalem since the exile. They felt abandoned and afraid, and they reacted to opposition by disobeying God. So, He sent Haggai to rebuke and exhort them to rebuild the temple, prioritising this above all else. God is likely prompting you to rebuild in this season, to reflect His presence in your life, to inspire worship and service, and to foster your relationship with Him.

Twice in the first chapter of Haggai, God says to His people, ‘Consider your ways!’ (Haggai 1:5, 7) The literal translation is, ‘Set your heart on your ways.’ God is asking them to reflect on what they’re setting their hearts on. Like the Israelites, we tend to set aside what is of ultimate importance in favour of our own personal desires. The Israelites had fallen into the trap of living life on their own terms, thus abandoning God. The fight to keep God at the centre of your life is the most important fight you’ll ever face, and although you’ll be challenged to concede this fight as you head towards eternity, it’s a fight worth fighting.

Haggai begins and ends with implications of God’s might and faithfulness (Haggai 1:1, 2:23). He stepped into the fight to be at the centre of His people’s lives, so they might truly live. He steps into your fight too, regardless of your circumstances. Your faithful response to anything God calls you to be or do isn’t something you could ever initiate, sustain, or complete without Him. Thankfully, He’ll use the tools of your current season to remind you that you’re His child, and to call you back into close, covenantal relationship with Him.

God paved the way for His people’s faithfulness and obedience by moving Cyrus to release them to their homeland. He also provided the rebuilding resources. Consider how God has provided all you need to prioritise Him. If you’re grieving what you’ve lost in the past, if you’re afraid of an uncertain future, or if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the pressures of today, know that the first answer to the question, ‘What’s next?’, is to put God first. May you know, every moment, that Jesus is your compass and your comfort. He is with you, He is for you, and His faithfulness never ends.