Housegroups 

Series: Living for god’s Glory
Theme: The time has come
Reading: Haggai 1 v. 1-15

Sermon date: Sunday 17th November
 
Icebreaker
Have you ever been involved in a “project” which has been delayed?
What was the cause of the delay?
Did you eventually complete the project and, if so, how did it make you feel?
 
OR
 
If you have the technology, on YOU TUBE search “Field of Dreams” trailer (2 minutes). The film stars Kevin Costner who starts to build a baseball field in a corn field after hearing a voice: “If you build, he will come.”
 
Have you ever made a big decision which seemed crazy/over ambitious to others? Did you have any doubts? Were you prepared to listen to what others had to say? Did you feel God was present and faithful? Did it turn out to be the right decision?
 
A little background information.
Not too much but if you want more there are plenty of commentaries to turn to.
 
The nation of Judah was taken into exile in 586BC – captured by the Babylonians (modern day Iraq). Then later Cyrus of Persia (modern day Iran) defeated the Babylonians in 539BC and allowed Jews to return to their homeland where they started to rebuild the Temple; they gave sacrificially, the altar was rebuilt and the foundations laid. They even had time for a celebration. But then came opposition and the work stopped. There was no work on the Temple for the next 17 years, though they did build their own homes.
 
It is worth noting Daniel’s prayer (9.16-19) in the first year of “Darius the Mede”, c539 – God’s answer (and Cyrus’ decree) came the very next year. Cyrus allowed various deposed people who had been taken captive to return to their homelands, with a specific focus on rebuilding houses of worship. God was very much at work (Ezra 1.1).
 
Q.1 you may like to consider whether (a) as a group and (b) as a church – do we take intercessory prayer seriously enough.
 
The Promised Land they returned to was not one flowing with milk and honey. 1st exiles (about 50,000) returned in 538, led by Sheshbazzar, a prince of Judah (Ezra 1.8) and a 2nd  group returned in 522, led by Zerubbabel and the new High Priest, Joshua.
 
It was in 520 that the prophet HAGGAI appeared on the scene. Of all the OT prophets, Haggai is the most chronologically and historically specific as exact dates of his prophecies are recorded. 1st message was on 29 August 520 (using modern calendar) and another three over a space of just four months.
 
Please read together Haggai 1 v. 1-15
 
Verse 2. The people had not totally given up rebuilding – just that the timing was not right. The benefits did not outweigh the risks. Before being critical, it is worth reflecting on the challenge being faced and what it would mean if they truly stepped out in faith. The people who now lived in the area – who had occupied it after the exile – now saw it as THEIR LAND. The people of Israel, despite a heritage of some 900 years, were now the foreigners.
 
Q.2 do you have any sympathy (a) with the Israelites for not building the Temple and (b) for the people who had settled in the land after the exile?
 
The work had begun but (Ezra 3.3) the people were fearful of the nations around them; they faced hostile opposition as soon as the rebuilding of the Temple began. Even 60 years later when Ezra and Nehemiah arrived in Jerusalem, opponents were still seeking to stop the building of the city.
 
They were back in their homeland but where was the peace, the prosperity, the global impact? Where was the long-awaited Messiah? It was into this reality God chose to speak through Haggai. And it was to the leaders (Zerubbabel and Joshua) who in turn spoke to the people.
 
Q.3 do you think there was any significance in the fact that the LORD spoke through Haggai to the leaders, who in turn passed the message on? Do we expect God to work in this way today?
 
Verses 3-4. The issue was that “panelled houses” were reminiscent of the very Temple that they were neglecting – this had been finished with planks of cedar – very expensive (1 Kings 6. 9, 15). They were living in their own “little temples” while rendering God “homeless”. Is there a challenge for us in these verses?
 
Verses 5-7. The people were busy looking after their own lives; they were trying to do things in their own strength, but what was the result?
 

  • They planted their crops but poor results – it was harvest time when Haggai first spoke.
  • They had food and drink, but never enough.
  • They had clothes to wear, but they did not keep them warm.
  • They were earning money but faced inflation.

 
The people thought they were in control, but God was behind the hardships they were facing. It was the only way he could get their attention!
 
Q.4 does this challenge us about our own priorities in life? To what extent do we “plan our own lives”?
 
Q.5 are these verses an accurate description of our affluent society where people are always looking for more?
Do you think this might be the reality for many living in Ashtead? For your family and friends? Even for yourself?
 
Verses 8-12. God may have been angry with his people, but he still offers a way forward and a very practical way. The rebuilding of the Temple was to focus on its true purpose. Not a magnificent building to amaze outsiders or bring glory to Jerusalem but to bring glory to God.
 
The people listened and obeyed and as a result the Temple was completed within 4 years. They could have saved so much time and pain by simply getting on with the work God had called them to.
 
Words from previous prophets had often resulted in the prophets being persecuted – but not here. Response is one of total obedience to the challenge. And why? Was it because of the modelled obedience shown by Zerubbabel and Joshua, their leaders?
 
Q.6 do you think there would ever have been a “convenient” time to rebuild the Temple? Or was it that after 17 years they hardly thought about it anymore?
 
The answer was for the people to step out in faith. To realize that they were building a house for the LORD of Hosts. How easy it is for zeal to be replaced by tepid belief (Rev 3.15). This called for real work, real sweat, and real sacrifice. God’s love and grace demands a response of action; of works (“faith without works is dead” = James).
 
Verses 13-15. Note that after the rebuke comes encouragement - I am with you.
 
Q. 7 can you think of another occasion when these words were spoken, and what was the context?
Matthew 28:19-20. It would be good at this stage to encourage members of the group to testify when they have found Jesus’ promise to have come true in their own lives.
 
“Thus says the LORD of hosts” – in just 38 verses this phrase, or a variation, is used 29 times! No doubt where the message has come from; an authoritative word of God. The people had no army, but they had the LORD of hosts on their side, the captain of the armies of heaven.
 
Q.8 can words of rebuke ever be an encouragement?
 
Prayer
You might like to focus on our church’s new vision strategy – can members of the group remember the 4 key words!        Connecting, Gathering, Growing & Serving
If the vision is to succeed then it needs to become part of the DNA of everything that we do as a church. Before praying perhaps a discussion as to what part your group can play in this process.
 
And a time of reflection – is God really a priority in my life?
 
Malcolm Raby
 


Malcolm Raby, 25/10/2019