I have been teaching through the minor prophets for nearly a year now at Oak Run Bible Church. Most recently I have been studying Haggai. The prophet relays God's word to the people in four different messages, each dated to the day in relation to the reign of Darius, king of Persia. He tells them to get their priorities right. Which, essentially means rebuilding God's temple.
In chapter two the older generations cry because they remember the former glory of the temple. This version of it must have paled in comparison. I can imagine those who spent so much time building it being quite discouraged. However, God gives them courage by saying that He is abiding in it and that He will be bring them peace.
This got me thinking about two things. First, as a Christian each of us is God's temple. 1 Corinthians 6:19 says, "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?" How often do we (do I) neglect the Holy Spirit and introduce impure thoughts, actions, or objects into His temple? More often than we are comfortable admitting, I am sure.
Second, it is comforting to note that God never gave up on Israel. He still has a plan for her. He also does not give up on us. 1 John 1:9 says that "if we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness." That gives me courage.
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