5 results when putting God First

Haggai 1.

When the Medes and Persians conquered Babylonia, Cyrus became the ruler of the Empire.  In 2 Chronicles 36:22-23, he acknowledged that "the LORD God of heaven has given me all the kingdoms of the earth."  Then, he encouraged the captive Jews to return to their homeland and rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem.  About 50,000 people left under the leadership of Zerubbabel, the governor, Joshua, the High Priest, and some teaching priests led by Ezra.

As the work began, local opposition and political changes in the Empire resulted in a delay in completing the Temple.  The project sat idle for some fourteen years.  To motivate the people to get back to the reason God sent them there, the LORD delivered His messages through two writing prophets.  Zechariah spoke of finishing the Temple in preparation for the coming Messiah.  Haggai preached a short, sharp, direct message concerning their priorities.

God demands to be first and foremost in every area of life.  That requires each individual to know their assignment and why God placed them where they are at this point of time.  Haggai's message reveals that instead of putting God first in their use of time and money, they spent both on themselves.  This displeased God to the point of withholding His blessings and provisions for them (vv.9-11).

This is very similar to Malachi's writing concerning the obedience of tithing.  "Bring the full tithe into my storehouse, that there may be food in my house.  And thereby put me to the test, says the LORD of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.  I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not destroy the fruits of your soil, and your vine in the field shall not fail to bear, says the LORD of Hosts."  (Malachi 3:10-11)

When the people heard the message, five things happened (vv.12-15).
1. They obeyed and went back to work on their priority assignment.
2. They feared the LORD and the potential consequences of disobeying Him.
3. God assured them of His personal presence.
4. God stirred up the spirit of (or gave energy to) all involved.
5. The project was underway.

Lesson learned:  God does not want our leftovers.  "Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce..." (Proverbs 3:9)  "...that in everything he might be preeminent." (Colossians 1:18c).