Scripture Union Daily Guide 17th December 2024 (Tuesday) Devotional Message
TOPIC: Getting Our Priorities Right
OPENING PRAYER: Oh Lord, grant me divine guidance as I read and meditate on your word in Jesus name.
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TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: HAGGAI 1:1-15
Question(s) for Reflection
* Q2: Is there any example for me to follow or not to follow?
INTRODUCTION TO THE BOOK OF HAGGAI
The timing of Haggai’s messages is of major importance in understanding this book. In 586 BC, the Babylonian army attacked Jerusalem and destroyed the city and the Temple. Most of the population of Judah was taken into exile in Babylon. Medo-Persian King Cyrus conquered the Babylonians and in 536 BC, he issued a decree that allowed about 5,000 Jews to return home under the leadership of Governor Zerubbabel and High Priest Joshua.
These returnees began work on rebuilding the temple, but the work soon stalled because of staunch opposition from external enemies. The Jews turned to building luxurious houses for themselves while neglecting God’s house. It was not until the second year of the reign of King Darius (520 BC), that God stirred up Haggai and Zachariah, two prophets who had been part of the first group of returning exiles. The book of Haggai, then, is a record of what God did through one of these two prophets.
Scripture Union Daily Guide 17th December 2024 Outline
God, through the Prophet Haggai, commanded the people of Israel to rebuild the temple of Solomon which was destroyed following the invasion and destruction of Jerusalem by the King of Babylon. On the return of the exiles from Babylon, their priorities changed. Instead of completing the rebuilding of the temple, they rather focused on rebuilding their luxurious houses. God disapproved of their misplaced priorities. Notice the consequence of their action in vs.6,9-11.
The response of Zerubbabel, the Governor and Joshua, the High Priest, to the message from God and ultimately the whole nation showed true repentance. True repentance could bring healing and restoration to a nation. If we pretend that we are too busy or too poor to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, our possessions and all that we have acquired will witness against us (Matthew 6:33).
Let us stop giving God our scraps or spare time and let us start obeying and doing His will. If we honour the Lord with our resources, time and energy, He will stir us and enable us to do His will by working in us that which is pleasing in His sight (Proverbs 3:1-6).
Practice/Word Application
Thought: “Your priorities must be God first, God second, and God third, until your life is continually face to face with God” (Oswald Chambers).
* Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Closing Prayer
Lord, help me to get my priorities right by seeking first your kingdom and your righteousness.
Offer a prayer of faith in line with Acts 27:24
One Year Bible Reading Plan
Daily Bible Reading Plan: Day 352- 1 Timothy
NATIONAL PRAYER BULLETIN 17 DECEMBER 2024
And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.
Matt. 24: 14
THANK GOD FOR:
‣ S.U not relenting in spreading the gospel.
‣ Thank God for all that came through our various means of Evangelisms to meet Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior.
PRAY FOR:
‣ That this gospel of salvation will not cease from our lips.
‣ Ask God for grace and continued zeal to preach the gospel.
‣ God will revive the evangelism teams in our fellowship groups.
Scripture Union is an international, interdenominational, evangelical Christian organization. It was founded in 1867, and works in partnership with individuals and churches across the world. The organization’s stated aim is to use the Bible to inspire children, young people and adults to know God. (Scripture Union Daily Guide 17th December 2024)
