Today’s Reading, Haggai 1-2
Focal Scripture: Haggai 1:4 ““Is it a time for you yourselves to live in your paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins?””
As a family we have lived in several homes. We have the privilege of having a nice home now, however, our current home is not our favorite. Our favorite home was in Metro Atlanta. It was on a nice sized lot and checked off every box that we ever wanted except for having stairs. The property gave us great views of the sunrise and it was very quiet. We did not live in a place where we had an HOA either. (We have one now for the first time and it is terrible) We loved that home so much that when we sold it we actually both cried at the closing. A home matters and has a profound impact on the people who live in it daily.
In today’s reading we see the prophet Haggai ask the question to the people about the homes they are living in currently. They have nice homes while the Lords house is in ruins. The point of this question is to raise awareness that they are taking care of what matters to them the most. Nice homes for them but a ruined place for the Lords glory to dwell.
Why does this matter? It matters because if we treat the Lord’s house with disdain it affects the entire atmosphere of worship. I can tell you that I used to be for making some aspects of the worship service more modern. However, the older I get the more tradition I desire because it brings more weight to the service.
For instance, I used to be big on getting rid of the pulpit on Sunday mornings. However, now I understand why pulpits were built with such precision because it elevates the task of preaching to its proper place. It hides the minister behind the most sacred calling. I also love hymns especially contemporary hymns. Why? These songs make much of Jesus and he is the focus of worship. My feelings are not important and that is what true worship is all about because it’s based on truth.
When you go to the house of the Lord examine your motives and your heart. Do you want Gods glory to be seen or do you want your preferences to be the priority. Let’s have a heartfelt conversation over making much of The Lords house.
Tomorrow, I plan on reading Zechariah 1-7
