Haggai

1. Write one paragraph explaining the historical background and purpose of the prophet.

The prophet Haggai was given the prophesies in the book of Haggai in a span of 4 months during the reign of King Darius (1:1; 2:1, 10, 20). The words were specifically for Zerubbabel and Jeshua, but in essence to the people of Judah who have returned from Exile, telling them that they need to rebuild the temple because they have yet to do it. He says, “Why are you living in luxurious houses while my house lies in ruins?” (1:4) and shows them that they are not living fruitful lives, physically or spiritually, because they have neglected to put Him first. (1:4-11). God blesses obedience and He wants His people to build what He has asked of them. (1:12-13)

2. What does this book show you about the character and nature of God?

We catch a glimpse of God's heart in 1:4-11. He desires to be honored but He is being neglected; The very one who saved them and redeemed them from their enemies, the one who has walked them through thick and thin and allowed them to be delivered from Exile and to live in the land that they are now in. They're pushing him to the wayside!

3. What does this book show about God's redemptive plan for mankind?

2:9 says, “The future glory of this Temple will be greater than its past glory, says the Lord of Heaven's Armies. And in this place I will bring peace. I, the Lord of Heaven's Armies, have spoken!” The temple was built by Solomon and was a place where the Lord was highly honored and respected, people turned to the temple to seek the Lord and found Him there. But during the time that Judah was captured and taken into Exile the temple was destroyed and left in ruin, but now the Lord says it will hold more glory in the future than it did in the past!
And in 2:18-19 He speaks of a promise given while the seed is still in the barn. They haven't planted or harvested their crops yet, but the Lord promises that from this day forward He will bless them.

4. Point of Passion: Family.

Focusing on the point of the people taking care of their own needs and pleasures rather than first giving back to God, I see the need for us to make God the first priority in our families. As couples begin to merge their lives in marriage, get higher paying jobs and begin to lay foundations as a new family it's so easy to get caught up in the “good things” of this life. We buy nice houses, cars, appliances, furniture, etc but so often fail to recognize the God from whom all that came. It is our duty as Christians to give back the first fruits of all we have gained, so whether that be through tithing (even more than the 10%) to be sure that the Lord's work is being sustained, through dedicating all that we have to Him, opening the doors of our home to the community for Godly fellowship and gatherings, sharing some of our wealth with the poor, or making our home a safe haven for those in distress we should be certain that we are not neglecting the Lord and making sure that He receives from everything we have and that His kingdom is taken care of. After all, all that we have has been given to us by Him!! We are to give back to Him and give Him praise with everything we have and everything we do.

As families, whether brand new and just laying the foundations, or families that have long since been established we need to be sure that we are not neglecting our responsibilities to our Father in heaven. And continually evaluating to be sure that we are doing everything we can to honor and glorify Him with the gifts He's given us.