How do you participate in God’s kingdom purpose in the world, whether it’s arts & entertainment, business, education, family, government, media and religion? Prioritize seeking and building God’s kingdom by obeying and recognizing His presence. Be strong and steward God’s resources by turning to Him and meditating on His word.
Prioritize Seeking God and See Your Needs Met
God told Haggai during Darius reign to speak to Zerubbabel, Judah’s governor, and Joshua, the high priest. People said their time had not come to build the Lord’s house. God revealed to Haggai that they were living in paneled houses while His house remained a ruin. They were to consider their ways because they planted much, but harvested little, ate, but never enough, drank, but never satisfied, put on clothes, but not warm. They earned wages but it dissolved like falling through a purse with hole in it (Haggai 1:1-6). Prioritize seeking God and see your needs met.
Prioritize Building God’s Kingdom for Spiritual and Economic Prosperity
Haggai said that building God’s kingdom honored Him. Building their own saw it blow away. Being busy with their concerns apart from building His kingdom caused ruin, drought and unemployment (Haggai 1:7-11). Prioritize building God’s kingdom to assure spiritual and economic prosperity.
Obey and Recognize God’s Presence for Empowerment
Zerubbabel, Joshua and the remnant obeyed God through Haggai’s message because He sent him and feared Him. He said, “I am with you,” and stirred their spirits to work on the house of God 23 days later (Haggai 1:12-15). Obey and recognize God’s presence who empowers you to build His kingdom.
Be Strong and Steward God’s Resources for His Glory
One month later Haggai asked who saw this house in its former glory. They were to be strong and work since God was with them. Haggai reminded them of His covenant with those who came out of Egypt along with His Spirit that remained in them. In a little while, God would again shake the heavens, earth, sea and dry land so the desired of all nations would come and fill His kingdom with glory. The silver and gold was His. The glory of this present house would be greater than the glory of the former one (Haggai 2:1-9). Be strong and steward God’s resources for His glory.
Turn to God Instead of Trusting Yourself
Two month later Haggai asked the priests if the law taught that consecrated meat touching another article could consecrate it as well. They answered no. Haggai asked if a person defiled by contact with a dead body would defile another article by touching it. The priests answered yes. Haggai said their actions and what they offered were defiled. They were to consider how God struck all their work with blight, mildew and hail, but still did not turn to Him (Haggai 2:10-17). Turn to God and do not trust yourself, which leads to corruption.
Meditate on God’s Word for Blessing
They were to give careful thought to the day when the foundation of the Lord’s temple was laid. They were to consider whether there was any seed left in the barn since every plant did not bear fruit. From this day on, He would bless them (Haggai 2:18-19). Meditate on God’s word to receive blessing from Him.
Glory in God’s Choosing You to Participate in His Purpose
God’s word came to Haggai a second time on the same day to tell Zerubbabel that He would shake the heavens and earth, overturn royal thrones, shatter the power of foreign kingdoms and overthrow chariots and their drivers so they were killed. On that day He would make His servant Zerubbabel like His signet ring since God chose him (Haggai 2:20-23). Glory in God’s choosing you to participate in His kingdom purpose.
Participate in God’s kingdom purpose in the world by doing the following:
1. Seek God
2. Obey and recognize His presence
3. Be strong and steward God’s resources
4. Turn to Him and meditate on His word
