Defiance, Discipline & Deliverance: Haggai – Ashely Bell

The book of Haggai, set in post-exilic Jerusalem, after the people had returned from Babylonian Exile. The prophet Haggai addresses the people’s defiance in neglecting their duty to rebuild the Temple. Haggai concerned by how apathy was affected the people’s worship and service to God, urges them to reprioritize their lives. To be disciplined, and commitment to God's work; urging them to prioritize their spiritual duties over personal comforts. Haggai’s message isn’t just for a post -exilic Jerusalem, but it serves as a timely reminder for us that true deliverance is found in obedience to God’s commands, and that our efforts just like theirs to rebuild and maintain a sacred space of worship will ultimately lead to renewed hope and restoration not just for them, but for the entire community.