When a people return to God. Israel has an on and off again history of following God. It’s recorded numerous times throughout the Old Testament. And the book of Haggai is one of those occassions. The prophet urges them to return to their God after a period of exile in Babylon. And their faithful response removes consequences and returns blessings.
When a people return to God. The leaders go first.
“Is it a time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins? (ESV, Haggai 1:4)
It was around 520 B.C. A remnant population of Israel had returned home to Judah after years of exile in Babylon. They rebuilt their lives and their homes. But God’s temple still lay in ruins from its destruction when the city was conquered by Babylon. Now, a symbol of spiritual neglect.
Then and now, a population’s spiritual emptiness frays its moral fabric. More ominous than the surrounding presence of enemies on its borders, it weakens the nation’s character through complacency and indifference among the people. And represents a real, existential threat.
The prophet Haggai woke the people up from their spiritual slumber. Not with words of condemnation, but of encouragement with a challenge. God had not forgotten them. But while they had rebuilt their lives and now lived in comfortable homes, God’s house was still in ruins. Just like their faith in God. So it was time for them to return to their spiritual heritage.
National unity is always stronger when the leaders go first. In this story, that was Zerubbabel, the son of Jehozadak and governor of Judah, and Joshua, the son of Jehozadak and high priest who were first responders.
When a people return to God. There’s a coporate call for repentance.
Thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider your ways. Go up to the hills and bring wood and build the house, that I may take pleasure in it and that I may be glorified, says the Lord. (ESV, Haggai 1:8)
Repentance means to turn away from and turn to. And it can be individual or corporate in nature. But it begins with self examination and acknowledging your ways fall woefully short of God’s ways. The book of Haggai involves the corporate repentance and response of the entire nation of Israel. And the birth of spiritual renewal started with rebuilding God’s temple.
However, true repentance is not measured by merely an action. But a change of heart. And the people of Israel demonstrated a unity of spirit and purpose as they rebuilt the temple in four years.
It is the heart that matters most to God. Sure, he wants us to offer our best. Not warmed up left-overs. But always with a heart that desires to please Him.
When a people return to God. The people respond faithfully and God returns blessings.
Of course there are differences of spiritual fervor among a nation of people. Those who are spiritually on fire with a burning desire to worship, praise, and please God. While others lean towards lukewarm. Some that simply go with the flow and drop out at the first hardship. And always the obstinate. Firmly hardened hearts unwilling to submit before God.
In the story of Haggai, God removed the consequences of the people and returned blessings instead. It is a lesson Americans should consider too. The questions is, are enough people listening and willing to respond?
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
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God’s promise to his people in 2 Chronicles 7:14 is a popular and frequently discussed Bible verse. Here are some lessons it offers us today.
God’s promise to his people. Keep it in proper context.
If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. (ESV, 2 Chronicles 7:14)
It took around seven years for King Solomon to build God’s temple described in 2 Chronicles 3-6. And the dedication service for it described in chapter seven featured animal sacrifices and celebrations that lasted seven days. It concluded with a solemn assembly where Solomon offered a prayer of dedication to God. And God responded with a promise to Solomon and the people of Israel.
God spoke the promise directly to King Solomon and specifically mentioned the people of Israel. They were the only ones considered “His people” at the time. Therefore, we should not pull it from that historical context and arbitrarily apply it to the United States in a like manner.
The promise alludes to Israel’s history of faithfulness and unfaithfulness. They had a pattern of turning away from God and returning when things went bad for them. Therefore, the promise was conditional to their faithfulness. And required action steps on their return. And while the promise itself is not meant for America, the prescription and spiritual benefits still apply.
God’s promise to his people begins with humility.
All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. (ESV, Isaiah 53:6)
Humility is base camp. The launching pad for God’s promise. Both as individuals and a body of believers. And it involves honest, self-examination of our spiritual condition as a sinners before a Holy God. Through humility we recognize the absolute holiness of God. And that even in our best moments of righteousness, we stand unholy and condemned before Him.
However, Satan covers our eyes with the pride of self-righteousness. And the soft whisper that little sins are okay. Just beware of the big ones. Those committed by really bad people who aren’t like us.
And yet, all sins–even the little ones–are unacceptable to a perfect God. And they collect like a measles outbreak. Random spots at first that eventually cover from head to toe. But little sins collect steadily, although perhaps, slowly. Like a gentle current drifting away from the presence of God.
God’s promise to his people involves a prayerful pursuit of God.
A prayerful pursuit of God is intentional and requires daily care and regular attention. But it’s easy to neglect when things are going well. And simply coast on spiritual auto pilot.
However, this lulls us into complacency. And lets Satan quietly plant dandelions in our spiritual lawn. Weeds acting as flower posers that overrun the lawn and create an eyesore.
Therefore, the prayerful pursuit of God requires diligence. A regular routine of spiritual disciplines. Essential worship of the church body. And support and accountability in a community of believers. To form a body of Christ-followers that serve as a lighthouse to the community.
God’s promise to his people embraces repentance.
The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel. (ESV, Mark 1:15)
We often associate repentance with the emotion of feeling sorry. But it’s more than that. Because saying you’re sorry can be meaningful or meaningless words. Your actions that follow define which one.
The Greek word for “repent” in Mark 1:15 is mĕtanŏĕō, which means to think differently, reconsider, or feel compunction. And it involves an action. To turn from and turn towards. It requires exercising your will followed by purposeful actions that support it.
Furthermore, repentance is not a one time act. Because even God’s faithful people turn from and break God’s law. But when we confess our sin, repent, and turn back to God, He extends His grace and restores us.
God’s promise to his people includes hearing and healing.
But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. (ESV, Ephesians 2:13)
The recipients of the Old Testament promise eagerly awaited the coming Messiah while today, we celebrate the saving work Jesus completed. Old Testament people looked ahead. New Testament people look back. But it’s towards the same, significant event. And in both cases, we must repent and seek God,
When we do, God’s promise is the same for everyone on both sides. He hears and spiritually heals. And it includes us all as God’s people.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
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When church people hurt you it can be a painful experience. Because the church is supposed to be a community of faith. The Bride of Christ. A spiritual hospital for sinners. And yet, the haven for spiritual recovery can also dish out the spiritual hurt. And when you’re the victim, you may feel angry, abandoned, and betrayed. Here are some thoughts to guide in your recovery.
When church people hurt you, don’t blame God
Whenever we suffer it’s natural to ask God why? Sometimes even blame him for it. But it’s not God’s fault when church people hurt you. Why? Because…
God gives us free will
Church people exercise free will like everyone else
Free will and the decisions we make are influenced by a sinful heart
That means when people exercise their freewill–even church people–their words and actions are sometimes harmful. God may have permitted it, but he didn’t cause it. Nor is it His will. So don’t blame him for something people are responsible for.
It’s also natural to direct anger toward the church. And to punish it by dropping out, which only makes Satan celebrate. However, your pain was likely caused by one or maybe a few people. Not EVERYONE at church. So don’t cut yourself off from those who want to support, encourage, and walk alongside you.
When church people hurt you, trust God’s faithfulness and promises
When you are hurting, turn towards God rather than away. You’ll find truth and comfort from his word and soothing encouragement from His Spirit through prayer. The more you seek Him, the more you discover His…
Also, don’t forget Jesus understands unjust treatment. But he endured it on our our behalf. That’s genuine love!
When church people hurt you, ask God for a spirit of forgiveness
Don’t wait for church people to apologize, but actively forgive them. If they are led by his Spirit, he will convict them, and they will seek reconciliation. But not everyone at church is led by the spirit. Some are not even true followers of Christ. So don’t count on everyone at church to act in a Christ-like manner. Even though they are supposed to.
Also, remember that forgiveness is not so much for the offender as it is for you. Yes, you may be an innocent victim of unfair treatment. But after a while, your pain turns into anger followed by a spirit of bitterness that takes root and grows. And that bitterness becomes your sin.
That’s why Jesus commands us to forgive. Because otherwise, the pain and hurt we carry eventually becomes a heavy chain of anger and bitterness that binds us. Forgiveness is the key that sets us free.
Even in the midst of a torturous death of crucifixion, Jesus forgave those who perpetrated evil against him. And he intervened for them to his Father.
Trust God and move forward by faith
Church people can inflict deep, serious wounds that may take a long time to heal. But God is the great physician. While those injuries may slow you down, keep moving forward. And don’t let your feelings guide you because they are unreliable. Especially when they are bruised and bleeding.
Instead, let God’s Word be your trusted guide and faith the engine that moves you forward. God will lead the way, make you stronger, and equip you to encourage and support another spiritual casualty.
How God’s people navigate troubled times is demonstrated in the book of Ruth. How to remain faithful to God during a time of civil and moral uncertainty.
The story revolves around the Old Testament Jewish law of redemption.
According to the law, the nearest male relative was responsible for preserving the family name and property when there was death in a family. It included buying back property (Lev. 25:25) and marrying a childless, young widow to preserve the family name (Duet. 25-5-10).
How God’s People Navigate Troubled Times. They fully commit to following the one true God
The book of Ruth occurs during the period of the Judges. It was a time marked by a lack of civil authority and moral disorder (Judges 21:25).
The story begins with an Israelite man named Elimelech who moves with his wife Naomi and two sons to the foreign land of Moab. Then Elimelech dies, the two sons marry Moabite women, and ten years later, they die too.
Elimelech’s widow, Naomi, decides to return home to live near her family and she encourages her two daughter-in-laws, Orpah and Ruth, to go back to their families in Moab. Orpah reluctantly agrees, but Ruth is determined to stay with Naomi.
She explains why with these words: “Your people shall be my people and your God my God.” (ESV Ruth 1:16)
Ruth’s family in Moab worshipped idols. But Ruth had committed her life to following the one true God that Naomi worshipped. She exchanged living among family and friends for living among strangers. Protection for danger. Comfort for hardship.
But that is what God’s people do. Because there is no true satisfaction apart from the one true God. And ultimately, no safer place than covered in the shadow of his hand.
How God’s People Navigate Troubled Times. They pursue righteousness despite an immoral environment
It was a struggle of survival for Naomi and Ruth. Two widows with no means of support. But Ruth remained faithful to her God despite the immoral environment around her. She demonstrated a godly character and walked a path of righteousness.
It was legal for the poor to glean wheat in the fields that was missed by the reapers. And Ruth worked in the fields of a Jewish man named Boaz. Although she did not call attention to herself, her diligent work ethic and reputable character caught Boaz’s attention.
And he invited her to stay in his fields where he protected her from harm. Of course, we acknowledge in today’s environment, there is no complete assurance of God’s protection in this life. And we grieve the injustice when evildoers harm the innocent.
Still, God calls us to pursue Biblical righteousness rather than cultural correctness. To seek His truth rather than social acceptance. And to please God over people.
How God’s People Navigate Troubled Times. They call on their redeemer for salvation
It turns out that Boaz was a distant relative to Naomi, and a potential kinsman redeemer by Jewish law. Ruth 2:1 calls him a “worthy” man. In other words, the kind of man that makes a good husband. And in Ruth 3:11, Ruth is called a “worthy” woman. It’s clear the two are meant for each other. And Naomi advises Ruth on how to move the relationship forward.
When Boaz goes to sleep at night on the threshing floor, Ruth sleeps at his feet as a signal to him she would like to be redeemed. So he takes the necessary steps and marries her.
The story not only shows God’s people how to navigate trouble times, but also weaves a beautiful love story. Because it symbolizes the love of God who sacrificed his son to redeem us from sin.
But there’s a final twist.
Because Boaz and Ruth had a son named Obed who was the father of Jesse, the father of David. In whose line was born Jesus Christ, the Son of God. A savior and redeemer. “For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (ESV Romans 10:13)
When God’s people pray He does crazy, amazing things, This was impressed on me when I attended Southwestern Baptist Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. Here’s my story.
When God’s people pray He does crazy, amazing things. Especially when we pray in agreement.
I was a first semester seminary student in a Survey of the New Testament class. The professor was about to start class with a prayer and asked if anyone had a prayer request. A woman raised her hand and requested prayer for a friend. Her friend was married to a man who graduated last year and they had moved to California to plant a church.
The woman said he turned down the opportunity to pastor an established church in Texas to follow this calling and didn’t even have support from the Home Mission Board or other parachurch organizations. His plan was simply to canvass neighborhoods, knock on doors, and build a church from the ground up.
So the woman asked us as a class of future ministry workers to pray. She didn’t say it, but it was written all over her face. The guy was crazy.
When God’s people pray He does crazy, amazing things. Especially when we follow His leading
I related to the guy and was living it myself. A midwestern boy from Cincinnati, Ohio who had traveled to Fort Worth, Texas to attend seminary. When I felt God calling me to ministry I met with my Southern Baptist church pastor who advised me that seminary was the appropriate step for me to take. Southern Seminary was just down the road in Louisville, Kentucky, but I sensed God leading me to Southwestern.
So here I was staying with the friend of a friend. An outsider in this foreign land of Texas where common wardrobe included cowboy boots and hats. And a new language that called long distance a “fur piece” and a crowd of people “Y’all.”
I think my family and friends thought I was a bit crazy too.
But I’ve learned since then that trusting God and exercising faith often appear that way. Just consider Joshua and the Israelites marching around the walls of Jericho for seven days and Gideon taking on a Midianite army of thousands with 300 men carrying torches and blowing trumpets.
What crazy ways to wage war!
Joshua and Gideon both probably felt a little foolish following God’s direction, but they obeyed anyway. And God amazingly delivered on His promise. If this man was truly following God’s will in this church plant, then I believed God would provide. So I joined with everyone else in the class and prayed for him.
When Christians pray God unleashes His power
It was several years later after I graduated from seminary and began working in church ministry that I heard about a growing church in California that was gaining attention in the Southern Baptist Convention. And the name of the pastor was the guy we prayed for in that seminary class.
The church he planted was thriving and growing like…well, crazy.
I was still in Texas and serving at a church too. Nothing sensational like his ministry, But he had followed God’s leading and so had I and that was the important thing. We both went beyond our comfort zone and responded to God in obedience.
I celebrated what God was doing in his ministry. And I smiled to myself as I remembered the distress in the woman’s voice in that seminary class sharing her prayer request.
I’m sure our class prayer was only one of thousands that was lifted up to God on his behalf.
And I remember how the professor smiled at the woman with love and wisdom. That said he also knew we served an Almighty God.
“What’s your friend’s name?” he asked.
“Her name is Kay,” the woman replied. “And her husband’s name is Rick Warren.”
In case you don’t know, Rick planted Saddleback Community Church in Lake Forest, California and later authored the best seller The Purpose Driven Life. He pastored Saddleback until he retired in 2022. Today it averages over 20,000 people in weekly attendance.
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