| Series | New settings, new challenges |
|---|---|
| Theme | 1. A travelling, wandering race - 1. O TAGATA FAIMALAGA MA MAUMAUSOLO |
| Colour | Lanu Pa’epa’e |
Scripture Focus: Hakai 1:1–11
In the second year of Darius the king, in the sixth month, in the first day of the month, came the word of the Lord by Haggai the prophet unto Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, saying,
- Hakai 1:1–11 (KJV)
Study:
Haggai 1:1–11 captures a divine message delivered to the leaders of Judah, Zerubbabel and Joshua, at a critical moment post-exile. The people had returned to Jerusalem and started rebuilding their lives, but they had neglected the reconstruction of God’s temple. Through the prophet Haggai, God calls them to reconsider their priorities. The passage reveals that while the people worked hard on their own homes, the house of the Lord lay in ruins. This neglect affected their spiritual well-being and even their material fortunes, as God points out how their efforts yielded little blessing. The central theme calls for a reordering of priorities—putting God’s work and presence first, understanding that true prosperity flows when God is honored above all else.
Application:
Today, this passage challenges us to evaluate what occupies the first place in our lives. In busy and demanding settings, it is tempting to focus on personal comfort, career success, or material gain, neglecting our relationship with God and spiritual growth. Like the people of Judah, we may find our efforts fruitless when we forget to seek God’s kingdom first. This study reminds us to prioritize God’s work—through prayer, worship, serving others, and honoring His commandments—knowing that spiritual priorities shape every aspect of our lives, including our peace and success. Let us be intentional in placing God at the center of our daily routines and decisions.
Reflection Questions:
- What are some ways I may be neglecting God’s priorities in my life right now?
- How can I realign my daily activities to put God’s work first?
- In what areas have I experienced limited blessings that might be linked to misplaced priorities?
- How can I encourage others to focus on spiritual priorities amid life’s distractions?
Prayer:
Lord God, help me to set the right priorities in my life. Teach me to seek Your presence above all else and to trust that when You are first, everything else falls into place. Strengthen my heart to honor You in all that I do. Amen.
Tags: Bible study, Haggai, priorities, spiritual growth, God first, worship, reflection, Christian life, Old Testament, faith application