The Time Is Right

Haggai is a very short book - only two chapters - and one we have probably overlooked studying through the years. I know I have never really read this book before. His name means festival child, so some writers think he was probably born on a holiday.
After returning the Jews from captivity around 538, Cyrus, King of Persia, encouraged them to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. They began this project and built an altar - but then the building stopped because they were fearful and hindered by enemies around them. For sixteen years they neglected the temple, focusing on their own houses - building places of beauty and splendor for themselves while the temple sat in ruins. Their excuse was that the time was not right for them to begin the work.
Enter Haggai in 520 B. C. with his messages of encouragement and promise of blessing from God for obedience. Along with the support from Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah, and Joshua, the high priest, the people began the work on the temple just 23 days after Haggai's message.


Haggai's whole recorded service for the Lord is short - only three months and 24 days (or so say the commentaries). He might have been a devoted servant for years - we don't know. How simple his message was and yet how important. A few short speeches - maybe delivered in a very few minutes - but his service is recorded for us for all time.
Each of us has a chance to be of service to our Lord. At our own church we have an opportunity to sign up for a number of Ministries. Have you chosen one that fits your spiritual gifts and your personality? Has God spoken to your heart about some service He wants you to do? Do you have a heart for missions, or visiting the sick, or are you that friendly face that can greet newcomers who attend our church? What about the Ladies Ministry, decorating, helping with conferences? Do you love little children - how about serving in the nursery or children's choir? Do you play an instrument or love to sing? There's a place of service for you. Examine your priorities and see if the time is right, because you are the one who will receive the blessing by being obedient.
I experienced first hand this week seeing many give their service to the Lord by volunteering to help with the Super Seniors, and we all received a blessing. It is not the quantity, but the quality of work; and not our success, but faithfulness which is acceptable to the Lord (quote from E. Dennett). In this busy generation, let it be our heart's desire and privilege to be of service to the Lord and walk in obedience.