Haggai

In this chapter, God speaks to Zerubbabul, Governor of Judah under King Darius, and Joshua the high priest through Haggai the prophet. God tells them that they have been living in nice houses while the temple is in ruins. God says that is why they have not been prospering. God tells them through Haggai to go and get timber and materials to repair the temple. In about three week’s time, they had started the process of working. God communicated to them through Haggai that He was with them.

Principles: Focus on the structures that connect you with God.

There are three words from God, through Haggai, to Zerubbabel and Jeshua, to the people of Israel in general, and then to Zerubbabel across December 17 and 18. In the first message, God pointed out that the temple may seem less than what it used to be but He was about to restore it and make it even stronger than before. God said that He was still with them. In the second message, God noted how the people’s crops, etc had been weaker in the past because of their sin. However, God was going to restore their returns as they stayed obedient to Him. In the final message, God speaks to Zerubbabel specifically saying that He would use him despite God tearing down other nations.

Principles: God manages the fortunes we acquire according to His plans. God uses us even when others are being judged by God.