Work, For I am With You – Hag. 2:4
Haggai was probably born
in Babylon during the captivity, and appears to have been the first prophet
sent to the Jews after their return to their own land. He was sent particularly
to encourage the Jews to proceed with the building of the temple which
had been interrupted for about fourteen years. Cyrus had published the
edict that the Jews could return and rebuild their temple. Because of opposition
from neighboring peoples the work had stopped (Ezra 4:4-5)
The prophet reproves the people, and particularly their ruler and high priest, for negligence and delay in rebuilding the temple; and tells them that their neglect was the cause of their having been visited with unfruitful seasons, and other marks of the divine displeasure. (Hag 1:1-11) He encourages them to set about the work, and on their doing so, promises that God will be with them (1:12-15). (Clark’s Commentary Can we learn a lesson from this today? I believe
we can. The church is in a weakened state today. We have our buildings,
but Christ’s church needs to be built up. Are we busy? Yes, we are.I hear about luncheons for the “Past 55 and Alive”, Birthday parties for the members, Roasting for the Elders, “42 Parties”, Purple Hat Parties, Secret Pal Clubs, Lock-Ins for the teenagers, Road trips to Branson, Mo. (good family entrainment),”Banquets for this, banquets for that, etc. Sisters, most of these social things are planned by us, the women of the church. Haggai says, “Thus says the Lord of Hosts, “Consider
your ways! (1:7) Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. II Cor. 13:5) I don’t hear of invitations for Personal Workshops, door knocking, Bible studies in the homes, teacher’s workshops, advertising for correspondence courses, etc. Haggai states by the Word
of God: “My house lies desolate while each one runs to his own
house.”(Hag.1: 9b) We spend so much time decorating our own
house, while the lost stay lost. He asks, “Is the seed still in the
barn?”(2:19) Sisters, we know from studying God’s word that the seed is the word of God. (Lk 8:11) We must sow the seed to save the lost. We need not
fear. God will be with us. Hag 2:4- O Joshua, son of Josedech, the high priest; and be strong, all ye people of the land, saith the LORD, and work: for I am with you, saith the LORD of hosts: Jer 1:7-8- But the LORD said to me: "Do not say, 'I am a youth,' For you shall go to all to whom I send you, And whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of their faces, For I am with you to deliver you," says the LORD. Acts 18:9-10Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision,
"Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent; for I am with you,
and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in this
city."
Heb 13:5-6For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you
nor forsake you."So we may boldly
say:"The LORD is my helper;I will not fear. What
can man do to me?"
Sisters are
we too busy doing the things that will not accomplish the work we are called
to do? We need to build each other up and we must, but we are also called
to share the precious message of Jesus and His saving power that is in
the gospel.
Let us and set our mind to work as Ezra did. (Ezra 7:10)
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