Rededicated to God's House

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Haggai 1:12–15 (NASB95)

12 Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, with all the remnant of the people, obeyed the voice of the Lord their God and the words of Haggai the prophet, as the Lord their God had sent him. And the people showed reverence for the Lord. 13 Then Haggai, the messenger of the Lord, spoke by the commission of the Lord to the people saying, “ ‘I am with you,’ declares the Lord.” 14 So the Lord stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and the spirit of all the remnant of the people; and they came and worked on the house of the Lord of hosts, their God, 15 on the twenty-fourth day of the sixth month in the second year of Darius the king.

We must refocus priorities

We must reverently obey God’s word

We must believe in God’s promise

We must be stimulated

We must rebuild the Lord’s House

I want us to imagine our parents or past guardians are living in a house, and we have the responsibility of taking care of them and that home. Then we decide to take a month vacation out of the country, but unexpected circumstances hit us on the vacation, causing us to extend our stay for 3 years and nearly emptying our checking and savings accounts. Returning, we find our own home in fair condition needing some repairs. But our parents’ home has been abandoned 3 years, utilities off, water and weather damaged, and is falling apart, foreclosed, and they’re living with another relative. We attempted to repair some of it, but it’s costly, and the city has condemned it. And because funds are short, it seems most logical and time efficient to us to just focus getting our home straight. But our parents house holds family history, it’s where they always lived, and where they are really supposed to be. And they are displeased at not being in their home.

This was much the case in Haggai 1. They have spent 70 years in captivity, punishment GOD declared, but has brought back a remnant to Jerusalem, by his grace as he promised. They relaid the foundation of the temple with excitement and praise, in Ezra 3. But neighboring nations stood in the way, and construction stopped for 16 years. They lost all dedication toward God’s house, yet they found much commitment to their own houses. So I intend to teach from this passage that God’s remnant people, are A Community Rededicated to God’s House.

We must refocus priorities

How the remnant become rededicated to God’s house? It requires a refocus of priorities. That is, a correct focus on what or who comes first. To do that, GOD rebukes them to understand what’s needed:

Self-examination

Two times, in verse 5 and 8, GOD says “Consider your ways”. My house, that is the temple, has fallen apart while each of you focuses on your own homes. You’re working hard but getting little in return, because my house is neglected.

Application: This means we must each examine the attention we give and effort we give to ourselves versus GOD.

Seek God’s Glory and pleasure

The aim of this self-examination is to reorient their minds to his pleasure and glory (v. 8).

Application: We must ask ourselves, with everything that we’re currently doing, especially in light of how these times have impacted us, is the time and effort I’m spending in what I’m doing to please my GOD and bring glory to his name? Am I bringing GOD attention?

We must reverently obey God’s word

The praise is how the remnant responds, which demonstrates the path to rededication. The community prior to exile were stubborn, but the remnant respond well by first a reverent obedience.

Application: We all at times, have periods of not listening with respect. Re-dedication says, I didn’t tremble and listen before, but I am today. (Today, if your hear his voice, harden not your hearts.)

We must believe in God’s promise

Rededicating ourselves also involves a renewed faith in the promises of GOD. After dealing with 70 years of captivity, and then opposition to initial efforts, it can become easy to feel like GOD has abandoned them. GOD assures and promises, “I am with you, declares the Lord”.

Application: Somebody today needs to hear, know, and believe in that promise. When our trials have challenged us so hard, take a moment to remember and say “I believe… the Lord is with me!!!”

We must be stimulated

Rededicating ourselves isn’t just our work either. Listening, reverence, and faith in GOD can move GOD to move on our behalf. It’s necessary. GOD sparked enthusiasm, a strong interest. Paul says in Php 2:12-13, it is GOD at work in you to desire!!

Application: How many of us recognize a lost of interest? I have. Some days I don’t feel it. Let’s ask GOD to stir or wake up the desire we use to have.

We must rebuild the Lord’s House

So we have refocus priorities (the heart), reverent obedience (the heart ready to move), faith (the heart ready to move), stimulation or inspiration (the heart desiring to move), and then there’s action that meets the command. What’s the command? In verse 8, go to the hills and get wood, and build (or rebuild).

Application: The house we build is a spiritual one, consisting of our souls (Eph 2:18-22). How do we rebuild? The term edify is exactly that. Teaching and preaching (Eph 4:11-12), ministry (Eph 4:12), love (Eph 4:16), and every spiritual gift (1 Co 14:12).