Called by God: Haggai

Years ago the toilet in one of my two bathrooms started leaking. I went to the hardware store, bought a wax ring, unhooked the water supply, and removed the toilet from the floor. Everything was set for me to complete the job except for one thing. I lost interest in the project. I’ve never much liked doing home repairs and, truthfully, I’m not very skilled at it. So since the other toilet worked, I left the job undone – for TWO years! Finally, my father-in-law helped me finish the job. This story is similar to the situation in Jerusalem when Haggai served as God’s prophet.

Background
Sixteen years after the Jewish exiles returned from Babylon to Jerusalem, God called Haggai to be a prophet. This story is about how God, through Haggai, called two Jewish leaders.

The first leader was Zerubbabel, Governor of Judah, who was the political leader of Judah. He was of royal blood since his grandfather was the Jewish king dethroned by the Babylonians. Zerubbabel led the first group of released captives back to Jerusalem. The second man was Joshua, spiritual leader of Judah, who was the first High Priest after the exiles returned.

Upon their return, Zerubbabel and Joshua led the from the effort to rebuild the Temple. But 12 years later the people had lost interest and were in no hurry to complete it. Instead, they had built expensive, paneled houses for themselves. So God sent the prophet Haggai to chastise the leaders and people for their self-centered attitudes. God wanted His house to be completed!

Calling
God issued the calling through the prophet Haggai to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua, the high priest. “‘Go up into the mountains and bring down timber and build the house, so that I may take pleasure in it and be honored,’ says the Lord.” ¹

Haggai revealed that, as a result of their disobedience, God had caused a drought that led to poor harvests, economic turmoil, and labor shortages. ²

Response
The leaders and people obeyed God because they recognized that God sent Haggai and they feared God. In response to this changed attitude, God told the people through Haggai, “I am with you.” ³ Then God stirred up the spirit of the leaders and people to complete the project. They came together and started rebuilding the Temple, completing the project in just 23 days.

Meaning

• A delay in pursuing your calling will have negative consequences
• A calling may have multiple parts – obtain lumber & build the Temple
• God’s power is essential to fulfilling your calling
• Obedience to your call will result in the release of God’s power
• The power of God will be evident to all in pursuing your calling
• God will be with you as you fulfill His call

Summary
You will recognize God’s calling as authentic. God issues a calling, including yours, to accomplish His purposes. Once you receive your calling, begin immediately and continue faithfully. As you pursue your calling, the results may be immediate and powerful.

Prayer
“Lord, the more I study this topic, the more I understand that your call is short and simple.  Let me hear Your call clearly, and obey it immediately.  Amen.”

1. Haggai 1:8
2. Haggai 1:5-6; 9-11
3. Haggai 1:13

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