Transformed by Truth: A Call to Prioritise God's Work Haggai 1:5-7
Introduction:
Today, we are diving into the powerful message of Haggai 1:5-7. The prophet Haggai brings a wake-up call from God to His people, urging them to reconsider their ways and prioritise God’s work. This passage challenges us to examine our own lives and priorities, to ensure we are aligned with God’s will.
Haggai 1:5-7 (NLT): "This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: Look at what’s happening to you! You have planted much but harvest little. You eat but are not satisfied. You drink but are still thirsty. You put on clothes but cannot keep warm. Your wages disappear as though you were putting them in pockets filled with holes! This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: Look at what’s happening to you!"
Point 1: Consider Your Ways
Haggai 1:5 (NLT) - "This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: Look at what’s happening to you!"
The people of Israel had returned from exile and were focused on rebuilding their own homes while neglecting the temple of God. Through Haggai, God calls them to "consider their ways" — to reflect on their actions and the state of their lives.
The Hebrew word for "consider" is "sîm," which means to set, put, or place. God is asking His people to set their minds on their current situation and recognise the consequences of their misplaced priorities. This is a call for introspection and realignment with God’s purposes.
Lamentations 3:40 (NLT) - "Instead, let us test and examine our ways. Let us turn back to the Lord."
Imagine a farmer who works hard but neglects to water his crops. Despite his efforts, the harvest is poor. Similarly, without prioritising God, our efforts may feel futile and unfulfilling.
Rick Warren, a renowned Christian pastor and author, expressed a profound truth when he said, "You were made by God and for God, and until you understand that, life will never make sense."
Let's unpack this quote a little further:
"You were made by God and for God..."
Genesis 1:27 (NLT) states, "So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them." This reflects the intrinsic value and purpose embedded in our creation. We are not accidents of nature but intentional beings with a divine purpose.
Colossians 1:16 (NLT) reinforces this by stating, "For through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see... Everything was created through him and for him." This verse echoes Warren's sentiment, underscoring that our existence is tied to God's will and purpose.
"...and until you understand that, life will never make sense."
Without recognizing our divine origin and purpose, life can often feel chaotic and directionless. Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NLT) mentions, "Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end."
We have an innate longing for eternal significance that exists within us.
When we acknowledge that our lives are part of God's larger plan, we gain a sense of direction and purpose. Romans 8:28 (NLT) provides assurance by stating, "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." This reaffirms that understanding our divine purpose helps make sense of the complexities and challenges of life.
To internalize this truth, it is essential to seek a relationship with God and align our lives with His will.
This short quote from Rick Warren succinctly captures a vital Christian truth: understanding our divine origin and purpose is key to finding meaning in life. By recognizing that we are created by and for God, we can navigate life with a clear sense of direction and fulfillment.
This understanding transforms our perspective, aligning us with God's greater plan and bringing profound clarity to our existence.
Point 2: Acknowledge the Futility of Self-Reliance
Haggai 1:6 (NLT) - "You have planted much but harvest little. You eat but are not satisfied. You drink but are still thirsty. You put on clothes but cannot keep warm. Your wages disappear as though you were putting them in pockets filled with holes!"
The Israelites were experiencing frustration and lack despite their hard work. This was a direct result of their self-reliance and neglect of God's house. Their efforts without God’s blessing led to dissatisfaction and unfulfilled needs.
The futility described here is a consequence of ignoring God's priorities. The word "holes" (in Hebrew, "naqab") implies a sense of emptiness and loss. This passage reminds us that true fulfilment comes from aligning our efforts with God’s will.
John 15:5 (NLT) - "Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing."
Consider a person who invests in the stock market without proper knowledge, hoping for high returns but ends up with significant losses. Without seeking God's guidance, our efforts can lead to similar outcomes.
A.W. Tozer said, "God is looking for people through whom He can do the impossible. What a pity that we plan only the things we can do by ourselves."
Point 3: Prioritise God's Work for True Fulfilment
Haggai 1:7 (NLT) - "This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: Look at what’s happening to you!"
God reiterates His call for the people to reflect on their ways. This repetition underscores the importance of this message. God desires for His people to prioritise rebuilding His temple — a symbol of His presence and their worship.
Prioritising God’s work means putting Him first in our lives. The Hebrew word for "ways" (derek) implies a manner of life or conduct. By focusing on God’s commands, we find true fulfilment and His blessings.
Matthew 6:33 (NLT) - "Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need."
Think of an orchestra tuning their instruments before a concert. Without tuning, the music would be chaotic. Our lives, too, need to be in tune with God’s will to produce harmony and fulfilment.
Charles Stanley said, "When we focus our attention on God, life’s problems seem to fall into their proper perspective."
Point 4: Trusting in God's Promises
When we prioritise God’s work, we can trust that He will fulfil His promises.
God's faithfulness is unwavering, and He honours those who honour Him. The Israelites needed to trust that rebuilding the temple would bring them closer to God's blessings and presence.
Likewise, we must trust that aligning our lives with God's priorities will lead to greater blessings and fulfilment.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT) - "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take."
This trust requires faith and obedience.
When we step out in faith, prioritising God's work above our own desires, we witness His faithfulness in our lives.
As we align with His will, we see His promises unfold in ways we could never have imagined.
Max Lucado says, "Faith is not the belief that God will do what you want. It is the belief that God will do what is right."
In conclusion, Haggai 1:5-7 calls us to consider our ways, acknowledge the futility of self-reliance, prioritise God’s work for true fulfilment, and trust in His promises.
This ancient message is still relevant today as we navigate our busy lives.
Application:
This week, take time to reflect on your priorities. Are you putting God first in your life? Seek His guidance and make any necessary adjustments to align with His will.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word that guides us. Help us to consider our ways, to recognise the futility of relying on ourselves, and to prioritise Your work in our lives. May we seek Your Kingdom above all else and find true fulfilment in You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Let us go forth with renewed dedication to God’s work, trusting in His provision and guidance.
