Under Construction: Lessons From the Book of HaggaiSample

God changes us gradually

At first glance, today’s verse does not seem very interesting. It just mentions the date of Haggai’s next message. But this phrase teaches us how God is at work in the lives of His children.

Haggai’s first message was stirring the people up because they had neglected their task to rebuild the temple. They started the work, but were quickly discouraged. So, God spoke again to encourage them by promising that the new temple would be filled with God’s glory. And now, three months after the first “sermon,” the word of the Lord comes again by the mouth of Haggai. He addresses a serious problem, namely the people’s half-heartedness. This issue had probably been there from the beginning. It needed to be dealt with.

But God does not require people to solve all their problems before they can have a relationship with Him. He does not wait till they are holy and perfect, but calls sinners to come as they are. And then, in His wisdom, He gradually sanctifies them by addressing the sins in their lives that they might not even be aware of, one by one. He knows when they need encouragement and when it is time for correction. His timing is perfect.

Are you ready to receive ongoing correction and teaching from God?