I am giving you a promise now while the seed is still in the barn. You have not yet harvested your grain, and your grapevines, fig-trees, pomegranates, and olive trees have not yet produced their crops. But from this day onward I will bless you.
(Haggai 2:19, NLT)
We are living in a historically most challenging season due to coronavirus. Countries are in great debts because the pandemic has affected the global economy. Millions have lost their jobs. Trillions of dollars have been set aside to sustain the economy. The time and season we are in are fairly similar to the time of famine and drought in 520 B.C. Even though time was tough, God raised His people to carry out the work of temple building. God uses His prophet, Haggai to lead and to encourage them.
Through His prophet, God affirmed the people in Haggai 2:8 by saying, “The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine.” Soon after that, He said through Haggai, “I am giving you a promise now… But from this day onward I will bless you.” That is an awesome decree directly from God. Such a decree is what we need to receive in this downtime. And if we set our hearts, our faith and confidence in Christ, we too could hear the same assurance!
“But from this day onward…” that means to say, starting from today! Now!!! The appointed season and time has arrived, those direct blessings would flow to our paths. Are you ready to receive them? How do you prepare for it?
According to the scripture, the people of God repented by changing their priorities. Instead of looking into their individual welfare, building their own houses and careers, they refocused their schedule by building God’s temple. And because of their heart of worship, attitude to repent and obey God’s instructions, God decided to reverse judgement into a blessing! Their heart attitude pleases God. That is one powerful lesson which we could adopt.
Four levels of ‘Temple of God’
There are four levels of ‘Temple of God’ which you and I could learn to rebuild, and they are:
- Individual body and life, this is described as ‘The Temple of the Holy Spirit’ (1 Corinthians 6:19)
- Immediate family, this is the first institution appointed by God during the Creation (Genesis 1:26-28; Genesis 2:24)
- Corporate family, this is also known as ‘Ecclesia’ (Matthew 16:18)
- Global family, this is nations and kingdoms of the world (Matthew 28:18-20)
As God’s children, it is crucial to recognise our Father’s heart desire. His concern and interest should be ours. When we align our focus and priorities to Him, it is a no brainer that God will channel His resources to us. He wants those who fulfil His Kingdom-will to be completely blessed! Even if it involves a shaking in the heavens and earth, He will!
Scripture reading: Haggai 2
Let’s pray:
Dear God, I am ready to align my life focus and priorities to Yours. I ask for deeper understanding and wisdom to build The Temple of God. Grant me grace so that I could carry out that which is on Your heart. I know Your blessing is coming my way. Starting from today; right now is the appointed time to receive Your resources to build, and to reboot! In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen!