Nurturing Abundance through Obedience

In our never-ending pursuit of wealth, it often feels like there is never enough money to satisfy our desires. We live in a culture where money is spent even before it is earned. A similar predicament was faced by the people in Haggai 1, who found that their efforts and finances were falling short, leaving them perpetually unsatisfied.

Haggai, a prophet of God, provided insight into their dilemma. This account takes place during the reign of King Darius, who had conquered the Jewish people. Those addressed by Haggai were the ones who had not been taken captive, remaining in Israel for various reasons, unlike Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah who were taken away.

Now therefore, thus says the Lord of hosts, “Consider your ways! You have sown much, but harvest little; you eat, but there is not enough to be satisfied; you drink, but there is not enough to become drunk; you put on clothing, but no one is warm enough; and he who earns, earns wages to put into a purse with holes.” Haggai 1:5-6NASB95

Despite experiencing a season of prosperity, they were unable to truly enjoy it. Haggai conveyed God’s message, revealing the reason behind their plight: “Because of My house which lies desolate, while each of you runs to his own house” (Haggai 1:9b). God emphasized that they had neglected His desires for the nation and the people. He longed for His creation to worship and serve Him, not only during times of hardship but also during times of abundance.

Haggai urged them to make a change, refocusing their lives on the God who loved them enough to discipline them. A few key individuals heeded this warning and rallied others to rebuild a place for God in their nation and their lives.

It is essential to recognize that God loves and cares for us, overseeing both our prosperity and financial challenges. He allows these circumstances to arise so that we may acknowledge His existence and experience the rewards of seeking Him (Hebrews 11:6).

While God’s love and care can bring about material prosperity, His ultimate gift is His Son, Jesus. God’s desire for a close relationship with His creation led Him to provide a way for it to happen. He sent Jesus, His One and Only Son, to fulfill this purpose.

Jesus faithfully followed His Father’s commands and sacrificed Himself on the cross. His death granted us access to the Father and the Holy Spirit, allowing us to become one with God.

In response to financial prosperity and spiritual fulfillment through Jesus, believers are called to obey His commands. This is the crux of the matter—loving God wholeheartedly, loving one another, and diligently seeking after Him.

This was the missing piece for the people in Haggai’s story. They enjoyed God’s blessings but failed to walk in His ways. Yet, God desires something different for us, and He sent Jesus to make it all possible.

So, as we experience both financial abundance and spiritual enrichment, let us live in accordance with Jesus’ teachings. By following His commands, we embrace the fullness of life and the deep connection with God that we were created for.

Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash