June 13, 2021: Build My House –Michael Hidalgo

The temple in Jerusalem was the center of Jewish life. When Babylon sacked Jerusalem they destroyed the majestic temple, built by King Solomon. The Babylonians exiled the Jewish people, and they hung up their harps - refusing to sing. Eventually, Babylon was sacked by Persia, and the Persian King Cyrus allowed the Jewish People to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the city and its temple. There was some opposition, along with discouragement that the second temple would never be as majestic as Solomon’s.

Enter Haggai. He brings words of encouragement to the people. It expresses God’s longing to have a house, a place where the people are able to once again enjoy fellowship with one another and with the Divine. There is something beautiful about this. A God who sends a prophet to strengthen and encourage people so they can spend time together.