Haggai 1:3-11

v. 3 is a reminder that this is the word of the Lord!

Skewed Priorities (v. 4)

The “ceiled houses” refers not just to finished houses -> context of lavishly built houses

Appears to refer to the interior paneling that is a rather expensive accessory

What about the financial hardship? -> This appears to be directed towards the wealthier leaders (v. 1)

The same people saying that it was a bad time to start a construction project were enjoying the benefits of a recent construction project!

This is as clear of an indicator of the priorities of the people as it gets

The book of Haggai is a sobering book that reminds us to check where our priorities are

This is the total opposite of the one who is a man after God’s own heart (2 Sam. 7:1-2)

Consider Timothy and Epaphroditus, who do not seek their own, but the temple (the body of Christ - Phil. 2:19-30)

Keep a close eye on your priorities, and keep them in line!

Consider Your Ways (vv. 5-7, 9-11)

This is the catchphrase of Haggai -> it is a book of self-reflection in light of the expectations of God

God was communicating something through the hardship, they were just too self-centered to understand the message!

Their financial hardship was not from a lack of effort, but rather poor stewardship

They sowed plenty, ate, drank, clothed themselves, and earned their wages, but it was not enough

No matter how hard they worked to provide for themselves, it just wasn’t enough

They controlled the things they could control, but God withheld the things they could not control

“consider your ways” -> what you are doing is clearly not working, lets consider why

They were essentially fighting against God Himself (vv. 9, 11) -> an unwinnable fight!

God was showing both their need of Him and the need to be a good steward of what God gave them

Being a good steward of what God gives us involves using it for Him (Mk.9:41; Col. 3:22-24)!

Go Up to the Mountain

In their minds, they did their part -> it was the Lord’s turn to plop a temple down on their foundation

“Go up to the mountain, and bring the wood, and build the house” -> there is work to do, so get to it!

We often start and expect some crazy miracle to finish for us, when God usually operates in much more mundane ways

Here, God worked through men and women willing to cut lumber and pick up the hammer

A temple to replace Solomon’s? Impossible! -> cutting lumber? attainable

God is not expecting you to force the results, but sow the seed (Lk. 8:5-8)

You can’t fill the building with other people, but you can be a good steward (Col. 3:5-25)

Get to work, and the Lord will bless it!