Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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The Gift of the Holy Spirit given for common well-being
Haggai 2: 1-7
V:5 This is what I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt. And my spirit remains in you. Do not fear.

In 586  BC the Babylonians attacked Jerusalem, destroyed the temple and took most of the Jews in exile.   50 years later the  Persian King Cyrus who took over Babylon allowed the Jews to return to their homeland and rebuild the temple of Jerusalem.  Now the prophet Haggai , along with Zechariah  were sent by God to assist the Israelites to rebuild the temple. This book is clearly divided into 4 distinct messages from God. The second message starts with 2:1-9
                            
According to the first verse, the message came a little less than a month after the people began to build the temple. The workers were discouraged because the memory was still alive of how glorious the temple used to be about 70 years ago. It used to be the magnificent  achievement of Solomon, used for  centuries, as the holy place of worship. People were perplexed  because they could not match the glory of Solomon's temple. They lost hope, and their hands were slack to work. Haggai's message came at that point that they should take courage and not to fear.  Lord God is reminding them that the ever protecting presence of the Holy spirit   is going to strengthen their efforts.

God did not  agree with their assessment of the situation. Lord was giving them two arguments why they should take courage and work heartily. 1. “ work for I am with you.” 2.” Fear not, because my spirit abides in you.” Even though the laborers saw their works  were insignificant, God's promises  filled it with His glory through his Spirit, and made  their work a million times more valuable than they ever imagined.

Here we see a principle that applies to you and me. God takes our small and imperfect things  and builds them into a temple for His glory, provided you trust him.  What are our convictions about the Holy spirit. ? It is God's divine energy and authority released unto you to do a fruitful service for Him.
 
Prayer
Dear Lord, We are sorry that oftentimes, we lose our courage and hope in fulfilling our obligations to you. May the message of Prophet Haggai, strengthen our hearts and minds to work for the glory of your church meaningfully.
 
Thought for the day
Indifference to the growth and spiritual prosperity of the church and its mission is always a sign of failure to love the glory of God.
 
Dr. John K Thomas
Tabor Mar Thoma Church, Staten Island

Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church

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