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 the, 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 are reminded that Jesus showed a deeper understanding, that His house is made up of stones that are alive!
In Isaiah 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 and capstone of God’s house (His people).
What then of us?
Haggai tells us of the importance of taking care of God’s house.
In 1 Peter 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 then. What are we doing today to take care of God’s house?
* 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 in Jesus we are also living stones making up Your house.
Please teach us how to take care of Your house, and convict us of the importance of doing so.
Amen.