Priorities

The Israelites seemed to be powerless pawns. They were in exile in Babylon, trapped many miles from their homeland, with limited resources, and an unclear future. They had minimal harvests and were never satisfied. “You put on clothing, but no one is warm enough; and he who earns, earns wages to put into a purse with holes” (Haggai 1:6).

Faced with their limits, the thought of rebuilding God’s house must have seemed unrealistic. Probably with good reason some felt that “the time has not come.”

But God had a different perspective. He challenged them to start by being honest about their own lives. They were living in “paneled houses” while His house “lies desolate.” Their needs were being met, but they were not concerned about God’s Kingdom.

They might have thought that they had good excuses and that their objections were practical, but God reminded them that the key to receiving blessings was putting Him first, even while they were in exile. To remember that He had no limits and that His Word was always true.

Jesus underscored the same principles when He taught that we are to “seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33).

These principles are still true. This means trusting trust in God, and having faith in Him, for everything in our lives. It means always seeking first His Kingdom, and always Sowing Seeds from the resources He has given us.

Don’t make excuses. Make sure that God has first place in your life. Dedicate your life and resources to Him, confident that He will open windows of blessings for you.