December 20

Missing Out on the Blessing 

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 144:1-8 | Hag 1:1-2:23 | Revelation 11:1-19 | Proverbs 30:15-16

Today’s Scripture Focus: Haggai 1-2

This is what the Lord Almighty says: “These people say, ‘The time has not yet come for the Lord’s house to be built.’ Then the word of the Lord came through the prophet Haggai: [4] “Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin?” (Haggai 1:2-4 NIV).

God had been faithful to remember the Jewish exiles. They began to return to Jerusalem from their exile in Babylon and began the task of rebuilding the temple. Opposition arose and the job turned out to be much more difficult and more costly than they had imagined. They became discouraged and gave up on their God-given vision and mission.

The people procrastinated their obedience. They told the Lord, “Yes we will build the temple someday, but not yet.” They became more concerned with their own personal pleasure and building their own houses, while they neglected their call to rebuild the temple. Delaying their obedience, they lost out on the blessing of God.

Haggai calls the people to return to their God-given mission. He encourages them that as they do, the blessing of God will return. “From this day on I will bless you” (2:19b).

We often get sidetracked from what we know we should be doing by our own self-interest (our paneled houses). We get discouraged from our mission by opposition and trials. Focusing on the circumstances, we give up. God calls us to return to our mission and purpose and to be about the work he has called us to do. His blessing is bound to follow if we don’t grow weary and give up. 

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” Galatians 6:9 (NIV).

Heavenly Father, keep me focused on the mission you have given rather on personal pursuits. Help me not to be sidetracked by self-interest nor discouraged by opposition or trials. Help me to press forward to the goal. Amen.