Daily Manna: Obedience Brings Blessing

Sunday, May 26, 2013

TEXT: HAGGAI 2:10-23

Key Verse : “Is the seed yet in the barn? yea, as yet the vine, and the fig tree, and the pomegranate, and the olive tree, hath not brought forth: from this day will I bless you” (Haggai 2:19).

Joni Eareckson, at age 17 had a terrible accident in a mucky water where she dived and broke her neck. Unable to feel or move her arms and legs, she persistently asked: “Why me?” At last, she was able to see reality. “The suffering and pain,” Joni explained, “have helped me mature emotionally, mentally and spiritually. Pain and suffering have purpose. I believe God was working in my life to create grace and wisdom out of the chaos of pain and depression.”

Our text revealed the horrible experiences the people of Judah went through. Theirs was because of disobedience. They thought that, even though they were walking in disobedience, their sacrifices would make them acceptable before God. But Haggai’s message proved the opposite. The prophet pointed out that their disobedience had already made their sacrifices unclean and unacceptable before God.

To make the message clearer, Haggai asked the priests: “If one bear holy flesh in the skirt of his garment, and with his skirt do touch bread, or pottage, or wine, or oil, or any meat, shall it be holy?” Again, he asked: “If one that is unclean by a dead body touch any of these, shall it be unclean?” The priests answered in the affirmative, “It shall be unclean.”

Haggai told them that their disobedience was what attracted divine discipline. When Judah repented, God forgave them and reversed their situation.

Many people today, have put their selfish interests and will above God’s. They think they can cover sin with good and religious practices. But if they repent of pride, submit to God and obey Him in all sincerity, He will forgive and they will have the fullness of His blessings in their lives.

Thought for the Day : The power of obedience makes things easy which seem impossible.