Habakkuk 1:1 – Zechariah 10:12
Overview
Several more small prophets are included in today’s reading. Habakkuk writes about a coming judgment from God. This is a judgment day for the whole earth. He also proclaims a judgment to the surrounding nations and a call to repent is given to Judah. God promises that a remnant will be saved and restored. Haggai is the next prophet we read. He writes after the exile has taken place. The people had begun rebuilding the temple BUT their excitement had worn off. Now the people seemed to be satisfied to live in their homes and not work on the temple. They seemed as if they didn’t care if the temple was completed. God used this lack of zeal to bring punishment on the people by ruining their crops. Zechariah’s message brings judgment on the people of Judah. He foretells the destruction of Jerusalem because of their corruption and disobedience. He also prophesies future blessings for the nation.
Scripture Haggai 1:2-4
2 This is what the LORD Almighty says: “These people say, ‘The time has not yet come to rebuild the LORD’s house.’”3 Then the word of the LORD came through the prophet Haggai: 4 “Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin?”
Observation
The people have been freed from 70 years of captivity and returned back to their land in Israel. They initially have a zeal & joy to be home and rebuild the Temple of the Lord. After some time passes, the people become “comfortable” in their homes yet the Temple is still in ruins.
Application
When we surrender our lives to the Lord there is an initial excitement. A heavy burden has been lifted from our lives and the realization that we will have eternal life with our Lord motivates us. After some time, we find that our new faith isn’t so new and the excitement has worn off. This is what the Israelites experienced after their return from exile. God does not want us to be comfortable and sit in our homes when we should be sharing our faith and also filling ourselves with God’s word. Our faith should be growing and alive. God wants us to have a “zeal” for Him. Our zeal should also be expressed outwardly towards others.
Prayer
Thank you Lord for the promise of eternal life with you in heaven. I praise you for the joy, peace and zeal you have given me for your kingdom. Help my zeal to remain and grow!
