You looked for much, and behold, it came to little. And when you brought it home, I blew it away. Why? declares the LORD of hosts. Because of my house that lies in ruins, while each of you busies himself with his own house. Therefore the heavens above you have withheld the dew, and the earth has withheld its produce. And I have called for a drought on the land and the hills, on the grain, the new wine, the oil, on what the ground brings forth, on man and beast, and on all their labors. Haggai 1:9-11
I resume my study of Haggai - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book. For today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Haggai 1:7-11, the fourth sub-division. The commentary entitles this subdivision as Repenting Will Point Them to God’s Pleasure. Here, God calls Israel to repent and to resume rebuilding of the temple (vv7-8). He then reminds them of how a pursuit of self-desire and self-worship led to God turning away and withholding His provision. Excerpts from the commentary:
- Believers should heed this message to consider our ways - our sin of course - and turn towards God to transform our hearts and lives to be more like Him. Repentance and heart change is key (see also Proverbs 4:23 and Matthew 5:21-30) as behavior change follows heart change.
- VV9-11 describes that if you don't repent God withholds the blessings that flow from fellowship with Him.
- "[People] can repent, follow God’s way, and flourish as they find themselves in harmony with the world as God intended it; or they can reject repentance and risk God’s wrath as He actively works against them, keeping them from flourishing."
Comment and discuss this post.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God and I have experienced with my own eyes how obedience to Your commands and a relationship with You is good and You satisfy as no other can - You ARE the Living Water! Thank You Jesus for the blessings You pour out daily for me. I am not deserving of such blessings nor my salvation. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.