It is easy to put ourselves first, before thinking about others. We live in an age that operates according to a me-first attitude. We think it’s my money, my time, my plans, my life! Such self-centred attitudes result in the pursuit of self-serving agendas… even for Christians! What does God say about this? Is he satisfied with receiving our leftovers? Haggai addresses the importance of God’s presence among His people. While they were working on rebuilding their own houses after coming back home from the Babylonian exile, God’s house was still in ruins. The people of Judah forgot that meeting with Him was the most important blessing they could have.
This ancient prophet reminds us to reprioritise our lives. When we put the things of God first over our individual wants, He takes care of the rest—even better than we can. This full-colour Bible study will help any Sunday school class, small group, or individual learn how God withdrew his blessing from his people to get their attention. He caused trouble for His people so they would return to Him and rebuild His temple—His dwelling place. One day, He would even send His own Son to dwell among His people. God loves us too much to leave us in our tiny thoughts about taking care of our selfish wants first. As Haggai shows, sometimes He might intervene in ways we don’t understand, but it is for our good and His glory.
