Haggai 1.14 records, the LORD sparked the enthusiasm of Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the enthusiasm of Jeshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and the enthusiasm of the whole remnant of God’s people. They began to work on the house of their God, the LORD of Heaven’s Armies.
The modern vernacular of, ‘God sparked enthusiasm’ is revival. We could use a revival. This movement of God followed His rebuke of Israel for doing nothing to build His temple while they spent their time and money on building their houses and fields.
While many Christians complained about their choice of candidates this past election both the democrat and the republican candidates, along with the current president, proclaimed to be Christians. If these people reflect the state of Christianity in America what state are we in? It is fair to say we could use a lot more Jesus in the house.
Have we not spent these past decades focused on building our homes and our fields? Have we not increasingly neglected the work of building God’s Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven? Christians are increasingly mute about their faith having cowered to the politically correct bullying of the pagans who tell them they are not allowed to speak of their God in the public venue. Really?
This was never the opinion of the founding fathers. Neither has it been the opinion of any of the great saints from any age in the history of the Church. The need of the hour is for men and women of faith to regain their courage and stand with Jesus in the marketplace, in the government and in the classroom. It is time to confess again that we are Christians believing in Jesus Christ as Savior of the world Who also created our world and values the life of every person regardless of color, age or ability.
The silence of Christians over these past 70 years has resulted in our need to almost completely start over in presenting Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord to our world. Like the Apostles before us we must engage the culture with service, love and testimony of God’s work in our lives.
Perhaps though step one in this work is to seek God for a renewed enthusiasm for Him and His glory on earth as it is in heaven. Then perhaps we will set about the business of building God’s Church as our first priority.
Wow. You have a way of hitting it right on!
Thanks, Mike.