(An audio recording of the sermon will be uploaded here after the Sunday service.)
Brothers and sisters, the month of March has arrived so quickly. Last month, I spoke about the day of the Lord. It is when Christ will return and execute righteous judgment on the whole world. I believe without a doubt that this day will come. Therefore, until that day comes, I hope to live with humility and gratitude, to worship God, and to be a light in this world. I shared this before, but: I have been starting each day with a prayer of thanks. As I wash the dishes and clean up after breakfast, I thank God that I can move my fingers and my legs. As I move my body, I pray that I can live this day with God. I pray earnestly that until I meet the Lord face to face, I will be able to live in healthy ways, to be humble, and to have a grateful heart.
Today, we will read the book of Haggai. The theme for today is “Give careful thought to your ways.” This was the challenge of Haggai to his people. He challenged them to build the temple. To not forget their mission and to stand firm. This challenge from God is the message for today.
Let’s start with a bit of historical background. The southern kingdom of Judah was conquered by Babylon in 586 BC. Many people of Judah were taken to Babylon as captives, but there they repented, studied the law of God, and were transformed into a people who worship him again. The book of Haggai, which was written in the same period as the book of Ezra, covers the time from his people’s return to Jerusalem until the rebuilding of the temple was completed. In 538 BC, King Cyrus of Persia issued a decree allowing the people of Judah to return to Jerusalem. At that time, about 42,000 people returned home with joy. And they began rebuilding the temple of Jerusalem. But after some time, their work was interrupted and the reconstruction came to a halt. About 18 years passed. It was during this period that the prophet Haggai arose. He spoke God’s message to the governor Zerubbabel and to the chief priest Joshua. Let us now read Haggai chapter 1 from verses 2 to 5.
“This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘These people say, ‘The time has not yet come to rebuild the Lord’s house.’ Then the word of the Lord came through the prophet Haggai: ‘Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin?’ Now this is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘Give careful thought to your ways.’”
These people had been saying that it wasn’t time to rebuild the temple. They lived in paneled houses while the Lord’s house remained in ruins. To such people, Haggai said, “Give careful thought to your ways.” By the way, one of the most beautiful passages in the Old Testament is found in Jeremiah 29:10-11. It says that God has a plan. He has a plan to give his people hope and a future. It is a plan that brings peace. Let me read that passage from Jeremiah.
“This is what the Lord says: ‘When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place. For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’”
Rebuilding the temple was supposed to be a foundation for the exiles’ new beginning. But they stopped the construction for 18 years and returned to self-centered living. Naturally, a large emptiness remained in their hearts, so no matter how hard they worked, there was no joy. This was the state of the people of Judah, who forgot their mission of offering worship to God.
Chapter 1 verses 6 and 7 describe their problem: “‘You have planted much, but harvested little. You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You put on clothes, but are never warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it.’ This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘Give careful thought to your ways.’”
This description reveals not only their outward situation but their also their inner condition. Verse 7 repeats, “Give careful thought to your ways” (in other words, consider what you ought to do). Then, verse 8 says, “‘Go up into the mountains and bring down timber and build my house, so that I may take pleasure in it and be honored,’ says the Lord.” Brothers and sisters, why were the people of Israel chosen by God? It was so that they could be a holy nation, a kingdom of priests. For that reason, they were given the Ten Commandments through Moses, the Tabernacle was built, the rituals of worship were established, and they were changed into a people who worship based on the Word of God. That is who they were meant to be.
Verses 12 to 15: “Then Haggai, the Lord’s messenger, gave this message of the Lord to the people: ‘I am with you,’ declares the Lord. So the Lord stirred up the spirit of Zerubabbel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua son of Jozadak, the high priest, and the spirit of the whole remnant of the people. They came and began to work on the house of the Lord Almighty, their God, on the twenty-fourth day of the sixth month.” Both the leaders and all the people listened and obeyed the message of Haggai. They believed that God was with them. And they took up the work of rebuilding the temple again. That happened on the twenty-fourth day of the sixth month, meaning that after a period of preparation lasting three and a half weeks from the time of verse 1, they resumed construction on the temple.
Today I would like to talk about this word from the Lord which says, “Give careful thought to your ways.” Living as Christians, we all encounter all kinds of trials and difficulties. You have surely experienced many good things as well as bad. But I would like to challenge you to not lose sight of the goal.
Let me take a moment to ask: how do you understand the Bible? Let me briefly summarize the key themes which help us understand the Bible. First, there is God’s creation, and secondly the fall of humanity. Third, Israel is chosen. God intended for them to become a kingdom of priests. But they failed this mission and lost their nation. As a result, we have the fourth theme, the promise of the birth of the Savior, Christ. Through Jesus Christ who died on the Cross, the work of redeeming humanity was accomplished, providing us a path to salvation. Fifth, the Church was chosen to proclaim this message. Through the Church, this good news has spread throughout the world. Sixth, creation will be renewed. God is restoring and renewing creation. Even now, we live in the time of God’s renewal. We are called to live out the mission of trusting in Christ and stewarding God’s creation. The reality is that difficulties and suffering are taking place everywhere. As we pray and receive wisdom from God, we begin the journey of bringing reconciliation and peace to this earth. Now is exactly the time that believers need to both pray and take action.
I desire to experience the joy of worship together with all of you. I also desire to share in the mission of sharing the good news. What a privilege it is to be part of God’s work of renewing creation! Friends, let us earnestly take to heart this Scripture: “Give careful thought to your ways.” Let’s ask for the help of the Holy Spirit. If some part of you is unfulfilled, restore your relationship with God. For you have received forgiveness of sins and been given new life.
Last week, our denomination held its annual meeting at the Covenant Seminary on February 23. At the meeting, a letter of apology towards one pastor was read aloud. Just to summarize what happened, during this person’s exams to become a probationary pastor and a full pastor, this person was subjected to harsh words from an instructor. This happened over 25 years ago. Our denomination formed a committee to take measures against such harassment. After an expert investigation and final report, they decided that the right course of action was to apologise to the pastor who had been wounded by verbal abuse. And so, the denomination apologized. As far as I know, this is the first time that this has ever happened in our circles. None of us are perfect. But as we have been forgiven by Christ, we can forgive each other and continue walking as his disciples. In all kinds of events, each of us can stand before God, think about what is right, and live accordingly. May each of us give careful thought to our current situation and make decisions that will please the Lord.
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