There they were in their ancestral homeland, and yet the people of God were not really at home. The old timers, perhaps even Haggai himself, told stories about Jerusalem in its glory before the city’s destruction in 586 bc(2:3). But what they found in their return from exile in 538 was dispiriting.
Read More prioritiesEven in moments of eagerness, the spectre of discouragement still dogs the people of God. “Does anyone remember how glorious this Temple used to be? Now it looks like nothing,” the old timers said. One can imagine their commentary. “It’s not nearly as big.” “The old one was full of gold; this is looking rather plain.”
Read More discouragement, nostalgiaThe returned exiles are three months into the rebuilding project. The foundation of the Temple has been laid and, as it is now late autumn, the people have begun to turn their attention to agriculture. Seeds must be sown if there is a crop to be harvested in the spring. Perhaps as a way of refocusing their industry, …
Read More preoccupations, Jesus - the only true foundation