The Stirring of God
When we read the prophets we tend to put ourselves in their place. We read them as if we are Jeremiah, Isaiah or Haggai. We read them as if we see things clearly and shake our heads at the people who are living in rebellion to God. Yet, the reality is we are most often the people not the prophet. We are being assimilated into the sinful ways of our world not rising above the world and speaking truth. As we studied Haggai God spoke powerfully to me about what had happened to the returning people of God. They called to rebuild the temple yet they left the project and took care of their own homes. Even as God punished through a lack of crops and blessing they continued not even realizing God was punishing them. Enter Haggai. Haggai like the other prophets doesn’t beat around the bush he speaks straight to the issue. It is time for you to live in paneled houses while the Lord’s House is in ruins? How could they (after exile) so quickly forget their purpose? The church today has done the same thing we have lost our purpose- Worshiping God by reaching the lost and teaching them to obey ALL He has commanded.
The people’s response was refreshing. They repented and the Bible says God stirred their hearts to complete the project! That is my daily prayer for our church now. I pray God will help us to repent and finish the project we were born to complete- reaching every person for Christ. To do that we need a stirring of the Spirit! Pray with me that God will stir us.
Eddie
Jn 3:30