"Now therefore, thus says the LORD of hosts: 'Consider your ways." (Haggai 1:5)
God had a word for the nation of Judah: "Consider your ways." The word, "consider" is used 5 times in this short prophecy by Haggai (1:5, 7; 2:15, 18 (2 times). In the Hebrew, it is actually 3 words: set; heart, mind and soul; and upon. In other words, focus your heart.
The nation had returned from Captivity in Babylon after Cyrus issued the decree releasing the Jews to return to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem (II Chronicles 36:23; Ezra 1:1-4; 6:3-5). This band of migrants was led by Ezra, and they began to rebuild the temple. However, they were met with much resistance by their enemies who did not want the temple reestablished, and the rebuilding project was put on hold.
In the face of this opposition, they became discouraged and concluded that it was not the right time to rebuild God's house. God sent the prophets Haggai and Zechariah to the Jews who were in Judah and Jerusalem. Haggai's message was an encouragement to them to get back to the assignment that was originally given to them.
Haggai confronted them with the question: "Is it time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, and this temple to lie in ruins?" (vs. 4). God said to them, in effect, "Get back to work doing what you came here to do."
Under the governor Zerubbabel and the son of the high priest, Joshua, the people feared God and refocused on the task given to them.
As Christians we are given a job to do, but because of opposition or difficulties, we become distracted, and end up doing our own thing instead of what God has called us to do. When this happens, it is time to refocus our hearts, minds, and souls to God's work. As Haggai said, "Consider your ways."
Love, Dad
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