“Thus the work on the house of God in Jerusalem came to a standstill until the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia. At that time the prophets Haggai and Zechariah son of Iddo prophesied to the Jews in Judah and Jerusalem. They prophesied in the name of the God of Israel who was over them.” Ezra 4:24, 5:1
“On August 29 of the second year of King Darius’s reign, the LORD gave a message through the prophet Haggai to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Jeshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest. 2This is what the LORD of Heaven’s Armies says: The people are saying, ‘The time has not yet come to rebuild the house of the LORD.’” 3Then the LORD sent this message through the prophet Haggai: 4“Why are you living in luxurious houses while my house lies in ruins? 5This is what the LORD of Heaven’s Armies says: Look at what’s happening to you! 6You 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! 7“This is what the LORD of Heaven’s Armies says: Look at what’s happening to you! 8Now go up into the hills, bring down timber, and rebuild my house. Then I will take pleasure in it and be honored, says the LORD. ” Haggai 1:1-8 NLT
God of Israel,
I love the prophet Haggai. No flowery language, no illustrations with parables and stories. Just a straight forward message. You simply say through him, never mind building posher houses look at my Temple. And then the command – just get on with building it!
I would rather a friend come and be honest with me than faff around the problem. I may not like it at the time but then as Solomon says, “Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy” (Proverbs 27:6). Sometimes we have to learn the accept discipline.. Jesus told us not to worry about the trivialities of everyday life just to get on and seek first the Kingdom of God.(Matthew 6:25). Find out what You are doing and help? And not give You our second best?
Haggai’s message stands the test of time. God’s people had been called to return and to rebuild the Temple. He told them to get on with it and stop being distracted. Another ‘dis’. We need to find out what we need to be doing or see what he has put in front of us to do (We don’t all get Damascus Road callings . . . ) and get on with it.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Monday 22nd September 2025
Unchanging prayer.
Master, speak! thy servant heareth,
waiting for thy gracious word,
longing for thy voice that cheereth,
Master, let it now be heard.
I am list’ning, Lord, for thee;
what hast thou to say to me?
Speak to me by name, O Master,
let me know it is to me;
speak, that I may follow faster,
with a step more firm and free,
where the Shepherd leads the flock,
in the shadow of the Rock!
Master, speak! tho’ least and lowest,
let me not unheard depart;
Master, speak! for oh, thou knowest
all the yearning of my heart,
knowest all its truest need;
speak! and make me blest indeed.
Master, speak! and make me ready,
when thy voice is truly heard,
with obedience glad and steady,
still to follow ev’ry word.
I am listening, Lord, for thee:
Master, speak, oh speak to me!
Lyrics:Francis Radley Hivergal