Year of the Bible: Part Eight of TwelveSample

We Need a Wake-Up Call

Our emotions can be easily tied to our physical perception, even though what we see is temporary and the unseen is eternal.

After being in Babylonian captivity for 70 years, Israel was permitted to return to Jerusalem and rebuild. Imagine being someone who could remember the gold and glory of Solomon’s temple! When the Israelites saw a comparatively feeble structure raised from the ground, they battled shame and disappointment. No doubt their countenance fell, but the Lord would have none of it.

“Wake up! Don’t be fearful or troubled. I’m here, and I am with you. Isn’t that enough? The time for grieving is over. Get your eyes off the loss and fix your eyes on Me!”

Sometimes prophetic words have more than one application; this is one of those cases. Haggai’s words spoke to God’s people as a smaller temple was rebuilt where Solomon’s was destroyed; it is also a powerful message to us in this New Testament era, speaking to us of a latter glory-filled “temple”—a place of peace.

With an awareness of our weaknesses and those of the church, it is easy to be discouraged. God says, “Keep your eyes on me, and you will always be encouraged!” We are now “the temple of the Holy Spirit” and the carriers of God’s message to our generation. God promised to complete the work He has begun in us and the Church of Jesus. We are “under construction,” and God is no less in love with His bride because of her imperfections. Your temple and the temple of the church today are glorious, not because we’ve got it all together but because of His presence. Because of God’s covenant promise to remain with us, be strong in the Lord, at peace, and free from all fear.

Question: What difficult situation do you need to look at with God-inspired insight?

Prayer: Ask the Holy Spirit to show you where you’ve taken your eyes off of Him and where doubts have resulted, and consciously place your eyes back on the God of the impossible.