In a missions magazine recently, I read that only 4% of Americans follow God (truly follow God). I am blown away by this, yet I am aware of the decline of the churched and true knowledge of the truth. What are we to do? Haggai asks questions too. In chapter 1:4, he says, "Is it time for you to dwell in paneled houses, while the temple lies in ruins?" Mr. Poole says, "You unthankful, forgetful ones living in richly adorned homes while God's house is in rubbish, bare and without superstructure." If only 4% of America are true followers, I would say our "superstructure" needs to be considered. What can we do about it?
"Consider your ways." In verse five, "the great God speaks; hearken. Ponder well the course taken and the success and how you have succeeded...how fruitless your labor has been." Verse six: "you have sown much and brought in little, you eat and are empty, you drink and are thirsty, you are clothed and find no warmth and what you earn is put into a bag with holes." (sounds so familiar) In the article, it states that we as a church do not replicate. We are not growing. Why? A bag with holes? Worthless, heartless, works without the power of God?
God tells us again in verse seven. "Consider your ways." And in verse eight, God gives His people directions: Go...Bring wood....Build. The foundation of the temple was there but without the "superstructure, the power is omitted. And this very gracious promise revived an assurance that God will dwell and afford His presence". "I will!" says God. I will!"
In verse eleven, God calls for a drought. This is very important for us to get into our brains! God is sovereign over ALL things!! We must not mourn when it oppresses us nor should we forget to be thankful when it delights us! We bow and worship! And that is what the political power, the priest and the people did. They obeyed the voice of the Lord, and God assured them: "I am with you!" This confirmation of God from Haggai, Mr. Poole writes, "contains all they can need or desire; it insureth God's presence is always with them and His assistance always to them and His blessing, always upon them. He will be always for, as well as always with them."
And lastly, (I sound like a preacher) "the Lord stirred up the spirit of Zeurbbabel, the governor, and the spirit of Joshua, son of the high priest and the spirit of the remnant of the people; and they came and did the work in the house of the LORD of hosts, their God." Poole writes: "This is the first notable effect of God's presence...a sensible performance of His promise, God inclined their minds, fixed their resolutions and inspired them with courage. God stirred their heart, mind, and inclinations."
I'm definitely not a preacher, but I'm a remnant! And I'm stirred up! Now what? We have the ingredients as laid out in 2 Peter 1:3: "everything we need for life and godliness." Let us be stirred and "do the work". We must replicate through the power of God's Spirit! Lead us, Sovereign God!
No comments:
Post a Comment