S) "7 Thus says the Lord of hosts, 'Consider your ways! 8 Go up to the mountains, bring wood and rebuild the temple, that I may be pleased with it and be glorified,' says the Lord. 9 'You look for much, but behold, it comes to little; when you bring it home, I blow it away. Why?' declares the Lord of hosts, 'Because of My house which lies desolate, while each of you runs to his own house.'"
Haggai 1:7-9 (NASB)
O) This was some of the prophecy by Haggai the prophet, to the high priest Joshua, and the governor Zerubbabel, after the return to Jerusalem. They had begun to rebuild the temple upon their initial return (during Cyrus' reign), but it was halted by political adversaries. So, the foundation had been laid, but the temple work neglected. Meanwhile, the people were still inhabiting the city. They were trying to restart their lives, but they were effectively leaving the LORD by the wayside. They were struggling to succeed, and with this prophecy, God was telling them that they will never be successful until they got their priorities straight.
A) This is a pretty specific warning to the Israelites of the time, and as such, it can't be taken as a literal warning for me to maintain the building of my church. However, the first verse is a very clear, applicable warning. I need to consider my ways! I need to be sure that my priority is on the LORD and His will. My body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, though, so I should be concerned with that. Also, my prosperity is not built on the perishable, and the promises of His prosperity is an eternal promise of eternal prosperity. Whether or not I ever achieve financial successes is irrelevant in light of His eternal grace.
P) Father, show me my ways, that I may consider them rightly according to Your wisdom and understanding. You are sovereign in my life, so I choose Your will over my own. If I may, let me be financially prosperous. I would love to be used to bless others financially, but I know I can be used to bless others regardless. Help me keep my eye on the eternal reward, my imperishable inheritance, as a co-heir with Your Son. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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