It Used to Be Better!
The temple built by Solomon and destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar was one of the seven wonders of the world. It was magnificent. David, Solomon’s father, spent decades collecting silver and gold, cedar and other precious woods, and many other articles to build the first temple. God would not allow David to build the temple but had plans for Solomon to do the building. And it would take decades to build this temple. Went it was built there was a great ceremony to consecrate it to the Lord. And the cloud that represented God for the Hebrews in the desert descends upon the newly constructed temple and the presence of God is among His people. Can you imagine what that must have been like?
Different situation into today’s reading from Haggai. The people are sluggish. They look at the huge pile of rubble left from the destruction of the temple, and you can just feel their hearts sinking. So much work to be done. And we must do it. Some of the elderly people may well remember the grandeur of the old temple. They would share stories of how great and magnificent it was. Of course, there would also be the jab, you will never make anything as great as that was. And you know once you complete the work, they would say it used to be better. How quickly we forget when we have God on our side. He purposely starts out small. Then guides us and nourishes us. And when many of us come to Him we can work great and marvelous wonders. This is what faith is all about. Working together in unity to accomplish the Will of God. Do your part today, no matter how great or how small, in the hands of God many wonders will be given us.
May the Lord bless you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen