Self-centered, Haggai 1:2; 4

This post concerns the self-centered attitude of the children of Israel after they returned from Babylonian captivity.

Self-centered discusses the feelings of the remnant of the Israelites that God freed from captivity, Haggai 1:2; 4. “These people say the time has not yet come to rebuild the house of the LORD…

…Is it a time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins?”

These Israelites lived as Babylonian slaves for 70 years until God blessed them with liberation to go back to Palestine. Once back in their home country, they busied themselves with their own houses and did not expend effort to rebuild the temple destroyed by the Babylonians. God sent Haggai to preach to them and arouse them to do the work of building again God’s house.

God had warned them earlier that if they were unfaithful, He would not bless them. Haggai reminded them of their current situation, Haggai 1:5-6; 8. “…Consider your ways. You have sown much and harvested little. You eat, but you never have enough; you drink, but you never have your fill…

…Go up to the hills and bring wood and build the house, that I may take pleasure in it and that I… glorified,”

Thereafter, the people listened to Haggai, did as God directed, and began rebuilding the temple.

This post alerts us when our lives mimic the Israelites. We can selfishly spend our efforts, our self-interests, and activities on self rather than on serving God’s interests.

Let us evaluate ourselves and renew our work and interests in God’s work to give Him proper glory.

So, what did we learn?

1.The redeemed Israelites were more concerned with their own houses and affairs than in rebuilding God’s house.

2.Haggai reminded them of the need to put God’s work ahead of their own self-interests.

3.We need to also put God’s glory above our interests.

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#IsraelitesSelf-interests #renewingTemplework