Haggai 1:12 – The Beauty of Obedience

I remember sensing from the Lord that He wanted me to develop a ministry to men at the church I was serving. I didn’t follow through and had deep regret for that. Equal to that regret is the joy I have experienced when I have obeyed God. It brings a sense of being part of something bigger than me and of great purpose in my life. I’m guessing the same was true for the remnant of Israel.

Then Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, Joshua son of Jozadak, the high priest, and the whole remnant of the people obeyed the voice of Yahweh their God and the message of the prophet Haggai, because Yahweh their God had sent him. And the people feared Yahweh. (Haggai 1:12)

Though the message of Haggai was directed to Zerubbabel and Joshua alone, they no doubt shared it with the people as they addressed rebuilding the temple. They obeyed the “voice of Yahweh” and the “message of Haggai,” two things that were basically identical. Yahweh’s voice was made known through Haggai’s message. The people believed Yahweh had sent Haggai and so they obeyed His voice.

And there was another change in attitude that the people experienced – they feared Yahweh. They had a new and profound respect for Yahweh and a realization of how extensive His concern, His power, and His judgment was. The attitude and behavior of the people was known to Him and mattered to Him, and He was not impassive about what He saw. He reacted with loving discipline. The people could clearly see this now and this earned a new respect for who God is.

Have you learned this respect or fear for Yahweh? Do you understand that the Lord Jesus is not unfeeling about how you lead your life? It matters to Him. There is no room for nonchalance in living for God, no place for benign disregard of your Savior. Be uncomfortable knowing He wants what He wants for you and that He will not stop until He gets it. Render to Him the obedience He well deserves, because He has done the ultimate sacrifice to rescue your soul. How could we do less than obey such an amazing God?