In 586 B.C., the armies of Babylon had destroyed the temple in Jerusalem—God’s house, the symbol of his presence with them. In 538 B.C. King Cyrus of Persia overthrew Babylon and decreed that the Jewish exiles could return to their beloved city and rebuild the temple. So they traveled to Jerusalem and began the work. But due to opposition and confused priorities, nearly 18 years had passed and the work was still at a standstill (Ezra 4:4-5). Then a voice was heard, the Lord spoke through the prophet Haggai calling God’s people to consider their priorities. They were saying it wasn’t time to rebuild God’s house, but God disagreed. God spoke through Haggai telling His people, “It’s Time to Be Strong, Do the Work, and to Be Fearless!” Although Haggai is a small book, it is filled with challenge and promise, reminding us of God’s claim on our lives and on our priorities.

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