December 20

Haggai 1:1-2:23; Revelation 11:1-19; Psalm 139:1-24; Proverbs 30:15-16

Two messages, and we need to hear and believe both.

First, in this season of preparing to celebrate Jesus’ first coming, the so-appropriate reminder of Immanuel, God with us.  Three of our four readings rehearse this truth to us.  “I am with you,” God says through Haggai (Hag. 1:13, 2:4).  He continues: “My Spirit remains among you” (2:5); “From this day on I will bless you” (vs. 19); “I have chosen you” (vs. 23).  Words that declare God’s with-ness; we are not alone.  We are not unseen.  The psalmist, too, knows that God is present.  “You are there,” he writes (Ps. 139:8; see also vs. 9-10 and 12).  No matter where he goes or what he does, God is with him.  The loud voices in heaven repeat this truth, proclaiming that God is “the One who is and who was” (Rev. 11:17) and that his kingdom is over all the world (vs. 15).

A beautiful message of encouragement and hope and security, one we need to remember.

But there’s also another message given in today's reading. “Give careful thought.” Over and over in our Old Testament reading, Haggai speaks these words from God.  Haggai 1:5 and 7 and 2:15 and 18 (where it is said twice!) all give this sober warning.  “Give careful thought to your ways,” to the cause and effect you see happening as a result of your disobedience to the Lord.  “Give careful thought to [the] ways” you are honoring yourselves above God.  “Give careful thought” to the plans you have made, to see if they align with his plans.  “Give careful thought” to the reality of the world around you, and act accordingly. 

A message of challenge and warning, one we also need to remember.

Lord, as we go into this day, show us where you are with us. Keep us attentive to the Spirit who remains among us.  Bless us this day; let us rejoice that we are chosen.  May we know that you are the God of this world and you are present.  And teach us to give careful thought to our ways and to the world around us, responding with obedience and faithfulness.  Amen.

- Sarah Marsh 

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