“A Befitting Temple For The LORD!”

“A Befitting Temple For The LORD!”(Hag. 2:1-9)[03/12/2024].
Today, we are reading from prophet Haggai. Obadiah is the shortest book in the Old Testament with just thirteen verses.
The second shortest is Haggai with two chapters.
But like a short man once said, “Short people become tall through their words.” It is not how long. It is about content.
Haggai’s prophecy was to give great encouragement to those who were rebuilding God’s temple after the fall of Babylon to king Cyrus of Persia. Haggai encouraged those people building God’s house under difficult conditions, assuring them that the future glory of that modest temple will be greater than that of the magnificent Solomon’s temple that was destroyed.
The verses for today’s reflection talks of the reward for obedience. Obedience to build God’s house brings glory.
Peace is what we crave for, though situations often crop up to disrupt such peace.
To those who struggle to build new structures for the LORD, this is what he declares, “… In this place, I will grant peace.”
Haggai is prophetic in that Jesus Christ declares himself to be the temple which he could destroy and build in three days – as indeed he did through his death and resurrection. Again, we are told that our bodies are the temples of the LORD. How we struggle to build it by overcoming temptations and living for the Lord Jesus Christ is what brings us greater glory than the former temple.
Prayer: Holy Spirit, help us to build our lives to be befitting temples for the Lord of peace. Amen!
Have a blessed day! Peace be with you!
Rev Babila Fochang.