Sunday, May 25, 2014

On 6-1-14, Haggai 1:1-11 will be our Adult Sunday School/Uniform Series/International Sunday School Lesson herein is my commentary. This lesson is known by some as Obey the Lord

Obey the Lord
 Haggai 1:1-11
International Sunday School Lesson
June 1, 2014
                                                                                 


Commentary
By
Jed Greenough

I love history and today’s scripture is pretty cool because we are given the names of three very important people who actually existed on this day on August 29, 520 B.C. 

We also know from history including Biblical (Ezra) that these Jews who are being spoke to here, these returned from exile Jews, were more to blame for the temple not being rebuilt then due to those who opposed them.

So here we are seeing God through the prophet Haggai speak to these people and say in effect, “You’ve got your home which I brought you back to have but where’s mine which I brought you back to build?”

But there was more to it if you notice.  They planted a lot but had little to show for their labor.  Their hunger and thirst is not satisfied.  Never is there quite enough of anything.  This isn't because they are over indulging but because of what they aren’t doing.  As a result God has withheld His bounty because they had forgotten Him.

Here they were returned for a reason and the results they produced were meager.  While God awaited His house verse 9 tells us they were busy with their own.

Besides history I also love how this scripture reminds of us of what, the God who does not change, expects from us today.  Does money run through your pockets?  Do you have a home but there is never an end to what you need to keep it going?  Do you have a church but the harvest is meager?  In whatever the circumstances of your pursuits does it seem that “the heavens have withheld their dew and the earth its crops”?

It could be that God has called for a “drought” on what you produce.  If you are willing to consider that can you examine where or in what way He is waiting for you?


For Discussion:

1.      Research and discuss the history that King Darius is famous for.
2.      Discuss ways you have experienced what these Jews experienced and how things improved for you.
3.      Discuss God’s patience.
4.      Discuss different things God might be waiting on today.
5.      Discuss giving as it relates to this.


Upcoming Lessons


June 8     Trust God’s Promises, Haggai 1:12-2:9
June 15    Live Pure Lives, Haggai 2:10-19            
June 22    Hope for a New Day, Haggai 2:20-23 or Haggai 2:23, Zechariah 4:1-3, 6-14
June 29    A Call to Unity or Pursue Unity in Christ, 1 Corinthians 1:10-17 or 1 Corinthians 1:10-17; 3:4-9

July 6     Glorify God with Your Body, 1 Corinthians 6:12-20



Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 Biblica. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved







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