Learning from the Prophet’s Message to Build Our Lives on Solid Ground
The Prophet Haggai might not be the most famous figure in the Bible, but his message rings loud and clear, even today. Haggai spoke to a group of people who had just returned home after years in exile. They were trying to rebuild their lives—and their temple—but they were discouraged. Their new temple looked nothing like the grand one King Solomon had built. The people wondered if their efforts really mattered.
God’s Promise: A Time of Shaking
In Haggai 2:6, God tells the people, “Yet once more, in a little while, I will shake the heavens and the earth and the sea and the dry land.” What does this mean in everyday terms? God is letting everyone know that He has the power to turn things upside down. He can move nations and change the course of history. The “shaking” is about God stepping in and making things happen—big things, even if they seem scary or uncertain at first.
The next verse goes even further, saying that this shaking will bring the “desire of all nations” (a phrase many believe points to the coming of the Messiah, Jesus) to the temple, and that the glory of this new house will be greater than the former one. Not because the building is fancier, but because God Himself—through Jesus—will be present there. The lesson? Physical appearances and material things aren’t what matter most; it’s God’s presence that counts.
Why Haggai Still Matters
Haggai’s story isn’t just about ancient buildings or old prophecies. It’s about priorities. When Haggai showed up, the people had gotten distracted. They were busy making their own lives comfortable, fixing their homes, and looking after their needs. Meanwhile, God’s house—the temple—was ignored and unfinished. Haggai called them out: “Give careful thought to your ways. Go up into the mountains and bring down timber and build my house, so that I may take pleasure in it and be honored” (Haggai 1:7-8). In other words, “Put God first!”
The people listened, and as they worked to rebuild the temple, something shifted inside them. Their actions showed that God was becoming the center of their lives again. The prophet didn’t just leave them with a to-do list, though. He kept encouraging them, reminding them that if they made God their priority, He would bring blessings and peace.
Facing Obstacles—Inside and Out
Rebuilding wasn’t easy. The people faced enemies who tried to stop them, and they also struggled with their own doubts and selfishness. Sometimes the biggest challenge isn’t what’s happening around us, but what’s happening inside us. Haggai pointed out that their real problem was forgetting God and putting themselves first.
This isn’t just an old story—it’s a real challenge for us today. Are we so focused on our own plans, achievements, and comfort that we forget about what God wants? Haggai’s message is a wake-up call to check our priorities and make sure God is at the center of our lives.
Building on a Solid Foundation
The apostle Paul later wrote that our lives are like buildings, and Jesus is the only solid foundation (see 1 Corinthians 3:10–17). The question for us is: are we building our lives on things that last, or on things that can be “shaken” and lost? Haggai’s call is just as relevant now as it was then: let’s focus on spiritual truth, not just outward success or comfort.
Encouragement for Today
When life feels uncertain and the world seems to be “shaking,” it’s easy to get discouraged or distracted. But Haggai’s message reminds us that God is in control—even when things feel unstable. He promises that what is temporary will eventually fall away, and what is eternal—His kingdom, His truth, His presence—will last. If we put God first, He will fill our lives with His glory and give us true peace.
So, whether you’re facing tough times or just caught up in the busyness of life, remember Haggai’s simple advice: Consider your ways. Make God your top priority. Build your life on the foundation that will never be shaken. In doing so, you’ll find encouragement, purpose, and lasting peace—no matter what comes your way.
Minister A Francine Green I May 2026