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“Thus says the LORD of hosts: Consider your ways.” Haggai 1:7
EXAMINATION
The exiles of Israel had returned; however, they were dragging their feet on rebuilding the temple (Hag 1:2). Their priority was their own homes and their supply through their efforts, yet, it was never enough, neither did it fulfill or satisfy (Hag 1:4-6). Before they were directed to build the house of the LORD in order to please God and glorify Him (Hag 1:8), the LORD of hosts told the people, “Consider your ways.” In Hebrew, God literally told them to search deeply and inventory what was within the heart which had set them upon their way. In other words, before they could glorify the LORD and please Him by their worshipful service in building the temple, they must examine themselves in light of the rebuke they just received.
Likewise, we are to examine ourselves to consider whether we are in the faith (2 Cor 13:5). Though we’ve been saved by God’s grace in Christ Jesus, the corruptions which still remain in our mortal flesh will cause us to prioritize our own homes, our own supply, and the works of our own hands in attempting to fulfill our needs. What is needful to our souls is eternal strength. What we need more than anything is heavenly wisdom to keep us lined up with gospel perspective. In other words, we need to see Christ and His cross through the eyes of faith. Jesus must be our priority, always in all ways. Had Israel, even Haggai the prophet, gone up to dutifully build the house of the LORD without considering their ways, examining their hearts, and prayerfully seeking YHVH’s utmost priority, they would have been legalists, attempting to appease their guilt and justify themselves before a holy God. On the other hand, humble, heavenly, and thorough examination will produce holy worship and gospel works because they spring forth from God’s grace in Christ. Hallelujah! What a Savior!
“Confirm your ways, inspect your hearts,”
Says Haggai to God’s saints;
For if you don’t before you start,
True worship, folks, it ain’t.
Online Bible Audio/Readings Links (ESV)
12/12 Reading Portions: 2 Chronicles 13; Revelation 3; Haggai 1; John 2
