Prophetic Encouragement to Rebuild the Temple

Text: Haggai 1:1-2:9

Reflection and Question: In a style similar to Luke telling the story of Jesus’ birth (Luke 2:1-2), highlighting the historical context, the preacher Haggai writes of the return to Jerusalem of the exiles from Babylon. He chastises the people for providing houses for themselves before rebuilding the temple, God’s house. And through his words, the spirits of the leaders and the people were “stirred up” to rebuild God’s house. As a result, God’s promise is reestablished, as well, for Haggai proclaims, “In this place will I give prosperity, says the Lord of hosts.” For what pieces of God’s work does your spirit need to be stirred, and what promise from God is embedded in that work?

Prayer: Almighty God, we consider how we have fared. We see how we have sown much and harvested little; have eaten, but never have enough; have clothed ourselves, but no one is warm. Save us from ourselves; mend our bag of holes. Amen.

This meditation is based on the Daily Lectionary Year 1 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).