The Israelites returned to their fatherland after seventy years in captivity. The building of God’s temple became their first order of business. This work, however, was opposed and brought to a standstill by their enemies. With nothing to do, they got involved in building their own homes. 

 

When God saw that they soon were more concerned about their own homes than His temple, He allowed hard times to come their way. Then He inspired Haggai to write these words, “Give careful thought to your ways. You have planted much, but have harvested little. You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it” (Haggai 1:5-6). 

 

Then in verse 9, “‘You expected much, but, see, it turned out to be little. What you brought home, I blew away. Why?’ declares the Lord Almighty, ‘Because of My house, which remains a ruin, while each of you is busy with his own house.’”    Not until they heeded Haggai’s challenge to re-examine their priorities and again put first things first did the blessing of God return upon them. 

 

Remember the words of Jesus, “Seek first God’s kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things (daily necessities) will be given to you as well.”