The people of Judah had returned from exile with a monumental task: to rebuild the temple of the Lord. Yet, as years passed, their priorities shifted. They focused on their own homes and livelihoods, leaving God’s house in ruins. Through the prophet Haggai, God confronts them: “Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin?” (Haggai 1:4)
The issue wasn’t their desire for comfort but their misplaced priorities. They were working tirelessly, yet finding little satisfaction. As Haggai points out, “You have planted much, but harvested little. You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it” (Haggai 1:6). Their neglect of God’s temple reflected a deeper spiritual neglect, and their efforts to build fulfilling lives without God’s presence were falling short.
God’s command was simple: “Give careful thought to your ways” (Haggai 1:5) and prioritize rebuilding his house. Remarkably, the people listened. They set aside their personal agendas, and God encouraged them with this promise: “I am with you” (Haggai 1:13).
In Haggai 2, God reassures them again, saying the glory of this new temple will surpass the former one (Haggai 2:9). This was ultimately fulfilled in Jesus, who brought God’s presence to his people in a way the temple never could. Today, we are called to prioritize God’s presence in our lives, making him the foundation of all we build.
When we put God first, he doesn’t just bless our work—he transforms it, filling our lives with his purpose and presence.
Questions for reflection:
1. Are there areas in your life where your priorities might be out of alignment with God’s? What changes could you make to put him first?
2. How do you invite God’s presence into your daily work and routines?
3. Haggai reminded the people that God was with them. How can you carry the reassurance of God’s presence into your current challenges?