Haggai was a prophet during a weird time in Israel’s history. It had been 66 years since Israel was exiled and scattered around the world, and 19 years since a new empire had allowed a small portion of Israelites to return home. Since then, that remnant had been trying to rebuild the temple, but it felt like the whole world was still against them and the work had been stalled. No one really knew what God was doing. But then encouragement came. And the encouragement said God was with them—so be strong, and work diligently.
I imagine that’s not the encouragement we often look for! But we forget that work is and has always been central to God’s blessings on us, from the beginning of the story to the end. Adam and Eve were given a Paradise that involved the central task of working the land, and even in the new Heaven and new Earth to come, God will task us with the same work of making the land fruitful. Yes, work in this sinful world can be toilsome and tiring, but we shouldn’t forget that God designed us to be fulfilled by a great kind of hard work.
But not just any work—specifically the work that brings God glory. Haggai instructed the Israelites to pick up the work of building the holy temple, and they rejoiced at the opportunity to help bring God’s kingdom down with their hammers and shovels! What a joy it is to labor for the glory of our God! It is our very purpose to bless the Lord with our bodies and souls, and lives that fulfill their purpose are lives well lived.
Maybe we feel like our time in history is as weird as Haggai’s was. We’re somewhere between Christ’s two advents, and there’s a lot of uncertainty going on. But we have the same opportunity as the Israelites had back then: the opportunity to work hard for the Lord, because hallelujah, he is with us. Ephesians 2:10 says we are made for good works—and there is much work to be done. Whether at our jobs or for our church or with our families and friends or anywhere else, we have so many opportunities to advance the Lord’s kingdom. So work hard, work well, work for the goal of glory, and rejoice constantly, for the Lord is with you!
