Reading
SAA Notes
This is the time of Ezra and Nehemiah. Iran rules from Turkey to Egypt to India. The concern of Haggai is for more than bricks and mortar. However, the physical condition of a church building is a good indicator of the congregation’s spiritual condition.
SJA Notes
* God Above, please show us Your wisdom from Your word today.
“Thus says the LORD of hosts: Consider your ways.”
We read here today about the jealousy God has for His HOUSE.
Israel asked why God punished them (being very quick to forget the many generations of prophets who warned them of the coming punishment).
God’s answer is clear,
“Why? Declares the LORD of hosts. Because of my house that lies in ruins, while each of you busies himself with his own house.”
What is God’s house? We can be reminded that Jesus opened our eyes deeper, that His house is stones that are alive!
We read in Isaiah chapter 28 we read of Jesus,
“Behold, I am the one who has laid as a foundation in Zion, a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation: …”
This is our King. The Cornerstone. He is the foundation and the root and the cornerstone of God’s House (His people).
But what of us?
Haggai tells us of the importance for us to take care of God’s house.
In 1 Peter chapter 2 we read,
“… You yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, …”
We are living stones, part of God’s house!
So.
What are we doing to take care of God’s house today?
* Gracious Father in Heaven,
Your word is clear – Jesus is the cornerstone of Zion, a living stone rejected by men, but in Your sight chosen and precious.
Thank You that through Jesus we are living stones making up Your house.
Please convict us in our care for Your house Lord God.
Amen.