It did not take an entire nine days in Israel to discover that Hebrew is not the language of love. It is this phlegm-friendly dialect that brings you names like Haggai. Oh, Haggai, the forgotten little book that makes me want to hold my hands up like claws in the “scary monster” position as I pronounce it. Flipping through my bible this week I came across some sermon notes. Brother Tim preached on Haggai so many weeks ago, he may find it a little strange that I’ve only now decided to get something more out of it. However, life events have a way of slipping lessons in our drink when we aren’t looking.
I write this blog not from my cozy dorm room, nor from the snazzy student house I moved into Sunday, not even the new house I anticipate being relocated to. This comes to you from Parents’ House, Texas, Population: Homeless McGee. As classes began today at my favorite place in the world, three roommates and I remained in student housing limbo. I have to admit that I lost my cool a bit this evening. Everything I own is currently crammed into my magical Mary Poppins car waiting for news. And yet, this is not a sad story. This, my friends, is the good part!
What does housing have to do with Haggai? Well…Everything! You see, Haggai all about building a new house for the Lord. This may be a bit confusing or our post-Christ, you-are-the-temple understanding. Just a little bible history will tell you that the temple is where the people of God (Israel) went to meet with the Most High God. When the temple was destroyed and the people scattered in exile, everything about Israelite life was devastated. When Cyrus, king of Persia, allowed the remnant of Israel to return to their home and rebuild the temple there was much rejoicing. Still, how could things ever be the same?
Haggai comes onto the scene just after this. The foundation for the temple had been laid years ago, but the people had abandoned the project. I encourage you to read it for yourself, it’s only 2 chapters. In short, God through Haggai tells the people they are wrong. Enough excuses, enough indifference. They are so focused on building their own mansions that they have forgotten to build a house for their God. After a good scolding, the people come to their senses. The Lord follows up with encouragement that he will be with them. He’s not a mean, old bearded man in the sky shaking his finger. God wants his people to be excited about the work he is asking them to do.
This book has become so pertinent to both my spiritual and my physical states. Can I rest in Him when I have no place to rest? What is the work he is asking me to do? The foundation has been laid; Jesus Christ redeemed my life and raised me up to walk again. It’s time to put away the excuses and start building. As a new school year begins, there is plenty of construction to go around. *cough*5th Street*cough* I challenge you to take a look at what you’re building. Are you busy putting curtains on your own concerns or are you laboring towards monuments to his glory?
