Getting to Know the ProphetsSample

Haggai

If I’m being honest, until recently, I couldn't have told you much about the prophet Haggai. In fact, every time I saw his name, I thought about my friend, Mallory, who bravely ordered a Haggis sandwich when we were on a student mission trip to Scotland. But, wow, I’m so thankful to finally be acquainted with this post-exilic prophet, beyond that strange word association. Haggai is in his 70s when we’re introduced to him in 520 BC. (Fun fact: Haggai uses specific dates in his writing, which is super helpful.) He was a prophet to the humbled, fragile Jewish people in Jerusalem – referred to as Judah – who survived Babylonian captivity but who struggled to rebuild their lives and, most importantly, the temple of the Lord. (See today’s reading for more details.)

Haggai delivered a convicting message from God: Consider your ways. And guess what? They did. Judah listened. How do we know? Because they rebuilt the temple and turned their hearts toward God. Haggai served as a passionate and faithful prophet who spoke and encouraged Judah to consider God first.

1. When was the last time you took a spiritual inventory of your life? Take a moment to consider your ways in light of God’s ways.

2. Haggai called Judah to rebuild the temple. Why do you think this was important, and what might it signify?

Prayer: Thank You, Jesus, that You restore lost and broken things. Do this in my own life.