We Suffer From A Not Yet Disposition

Haggai.

Such a necessary book for us in these difficult times.

A call to rebuild the temple.

And I feel it in my own self.. a need to “rebuild my temple.”
Because isn’t it what the scriptures say…my body is a temple? 1 Cor 6:19, “Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself.”

And quite honestly, it’s time for some rebuilding.

We would see it in the first chapter of the book that bears His name, Haggai says to the people in verse 2, “This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says, ‘The people are saying, ‘The time has not yet come to rebuild the house of the Lord.’’”

The remnant… those living in exile… the very ones who were rescued and redeemed for the purpose of giving God glory… had failed not by lack of provision, but rather by a spirit of passivity.  They lacked sustainability, consistency, and the skill of recognizing the importance and urgency of their calling.  Of their having been “called out.”

Those who have been called by God and employed by Him for His service, may at times be driven from their work by a storm.  An unexpected setback may occur that threatens our hope and our joy.  But the affliction, often disguised as a misfortune, has most certainly been assigned as an opportunity.  An opportunity for growth, advancement… a second chance to get it right. 

And in the midst of the hardship we hear Him whisper… “you must return.”

The people didn’t say they wouldn’t rebuild the temple… they simply said, “Not yet.”
And the same is true for us.
The assignment has been given… return to the Lord, rebuild the temple… and we say, “Not yet.”

It’s not full disobedience… but partial defiance is just as bad.  Perhaps worse.
Because the Israelites… just like we, the Jesus-people… have seen provision at it’s finest.  We've seen the answered prayers, we’ve seen the miracles of healing, we’ve seen the abundance, and we’ve experienced the undeserving grace… and even with the enormous head-knowledge, we refuse the heart-change that He’s really after.

And it’s our words that convict… “Not yet.”

The commission was clear.  “Now go up into the hills, bring down the timber, and rebuild My house.  THEN I will take pleasure in it and be honored says the Lord.”

My commentary says, “Whatever God will take pleasure in when done, we ought to take pleasure in doing.”
And so when He says, “return” I know I must go.

And so I place before me today, the hard questions,
What is He asking me to do for Him?
What do I need to rebuild for Him?
How will this prove to give Him glory?

Because the truth really is that so often the glory is delayed by a “not yet” disposition.
Let us return to God, and to do it with all that is in us, while there is still time.
“Turn to Me now, while there is still time.  Give me your hearts.”  (Joel 2:12)