183rd Week, Haggai Intro - Chapter 2 (Click on Title for Video Introduction)

 Click on Title for Video Intro

Monday, Haggai Introduction

Haggai Introduction

Written November 19, 2007

Bart Strayer

THOUGHT

For me, this is a very timely book. The main theme of this book is ‘putting first things first’.  Personally, I need to be reminded of this right now. For all of us, our schedules can get kind of crazy, and it is easy to lose our priorities.  I want to use the book of Haggai and the next two devotions to try to prepare us for this season of celebration and business.  (this thought was written at Christmas time but can be addressed at any time of our lives.)

First, here is the set up for the book.  In 586 BC, the armies of Babylon had destroyed the temple in Jerusalem.  In 538 BC, King Cyrus decreed that Jews could return to the city and rebuild the temple.  So they traveled to Jerusalem and began the work.  But they forgot their priorities, and work came to a standstill.  Then Haggai came on the scene.

PRAYER                                                                 

Father, help us keep our eyes focused on Your eyes as begin the Advent Season.  Help us keep our priorities in line with Your will and way for each of our lives.  May we celebrate this glorious season with sincere, worshipful spirits.  Fill our minds for understanding this short book in Your Word.  In the Name of Jesus.  AMEN

Tuesday, Haggai Chapter 1

Haggai 1

Verse 4

Written November 20, 2007

Bart Strayer

Verse 4:  “Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin?”

THOUGHT

Many of you know I do light programming for our church. The guy I work with spends a lot of time at the church this time of year working on Christmas productions.  Every year at the end of December, he tells me he hasn’t had enough time to purchase meaningful gifts for his wife and grown kids because he spent so much time volunteering at the church.  This goes along perfectly with our Haggai verse.  I tell him that he has done marvelous things for the Lord this month that only he could do.  The Lord will give him favor in the eyes of his wife and children. 

God used Haggai to convey the same message, ‘put my house first.’ Our God wants our total attention, not the scraps at the end of the day.  I truly believe, if we do this, he will lift us up far higher than we can lift ourselves. God wants us to make Him our ultimate priority.

PRAYER

Lord, guide our steps this Christmas season.  Prepare our hearts for the celebration of Your Son’s birth.  Examine our priorities and bring conviction when needed.  We thank You for Your mighty guiding hand.  AMEN

Wednesday, Haggai Chapter 2

Haggai 2 

Bart Strayer

Written December 2, 2007

THOUGHT

December can become so busy. This Christmas season I am trying to begin the month with the end in mind.  On December 31st, I want to look back at the month and think, ‘What a wonderful time of celebration for the Lord.’  Most of the time I look back and think, ‘Well, that was a very blurry mess.’  Too often December can become a scheduled nightmare, becoming so busy that we miss the point of the season. I am trying to put first things first this year, although, so far it is not working out so well.  Let’s try to make this a special time of year for the Lord.

This chapter dealt with the rebuilding of the temple.  We can compare this story and priorities with people who lived BC (before Christ).  Haggai’s message to the people sought to get their priorities straight, help them quit worrying, and motivate them to rebuild the temple.  Like them we often place a higher priority on our personal comfort than on God’s work and true worship.  But God is pleased and promises strength and guidance when we give Him first place in our lives.

Bart’s friend gave his time first to the Lord!!!  Yes, he and his family will be blessed.    

PRAYER

Lord, thank You for guiding us through another book of the Bible. Guide us this season in our time and our gift giving.  Enrich this season with the marvelous reminder of Your gracious gift, Christ our Lord. In His Name we pray.  AMEN

Thursday, Haggai Profile

Haggai was a post-exile prophet from the Neo-Babylonian Exile of the House of Judah  who belonged to the period of Jewish history that began after the return from captivity in Babylon.  His name means "My Holidays".   

God's voice was heard by Haggai, calling men and women to the right priorities.  Haggai knew what was important and what had to be done, and he challenged God's people to respond.   He called them into action.  Haggai shared what the Lord had said,  "Be strong, all you people of the land . . . and work."  Again God promised, "I am with you."  Haggai shared with them that the Lord tied His blessing on them and reminded them that He had made a promise with His people when they came out of Egypt.  His Spirit remains among them.  Haggai helped mobilize the Jewish community for the rebuilding of the Temple of Jerusalem and prophesied the glorious future of the messianic age.  

There is not much written about this prophet but just try to imagine Haggai walking the streets and alleys of Jerusalem, urging people to get back to doing God's work.  And try to hear him speak, urging them to reorder their priorities in accordance with God's will.  Haggai's point is that our choices matter, and the faithfulness and obedience of God's people is part of how He has chosen to work out His purposes in the world.  

Friday, Zechariah Profile

Zechariah's name means "God Remembered".  Not much is known about Zechariah's life other than what may be inferred from the book. It has been speculated that his grandfather Iddo was the head of a priestly family who returned with Zerubbabel, and that Zechariah may have been a priest as well as a prophet.

Zechariah was also a minor prophet like Haggai.  He ministered to the small remnant of Jews who had returned to Judah to rebuild the temple and their nation.  Like Haggai, he encouraged the people to finish rebuilding the temple, but his message went far beyond those physical walls and contemporary issues.  Zechariah had visions.  With spectacular imagery and graphic detail, Zechariah told of the Messiah, the One whom God would send to rescue His people and to reign over all the earth.  He is one of our most important prophetic books, giving detailed messianic references that were clearly fulfilled in the life of Jesus Christ.  Zechariah proclaimed a stirring message of hope to these ex-captives and exiles - their King was coming.  

As you study Zechariah in the next several weeks, you will see details of Christ's life that were written 500 years before their fulfillment.  Therefore, think through the implications of this promised event.  Your King is coming, and He will reign forever and ever.  Read Zechariah and strengthen your faith in God - He alone is your hope and security.