August 25, 2026 - Haggai 1-2

The prophet Haggai preached and encouraged the people to do what they should do, i.e., to rebuild the temple.  They had begun the project, but became discouraged.  And when completing the work, the people were promised by the Lord:  “And in this place I will give peace” (2:9).  A couple thoughts.  One, Israel had received so much from God, she was so blessed, what a small thing for her simply to give back and to build God’s temple.  Two, when we are obedient to the Lord, we can be confident of his blessings.

We give thee but thine own,

whate'er the gift may be;

all that we have is thine alone,

a trust, O Lord, from thee.

May we thy bounties thus

as stewards true receive

and gladly, as thou blessest us,

to thee our first fruits give.   -- William Walsham How (1858)