Today is the first day of the year 2017. Today is the day that many people begin that new diet, or exercise program, or budget. It is a day when we reflect on the past year or years, and come to the conclusion that something has got to change. The status quo is unacceptable.
Such was the case when God raised up the prophet Haggai to give a sobering message to the remnant of Jews that had returned to the holy land after being in Babylonian captivity. Initially excited over being back in the land that God gave unto their fathers, they began to rebuild the wall of the temple, only to be confronted by opposition and resistance, both from without and within. For 16 years, the temple was left unattended to, but they went on living their personal lives and building their own kingdom.
Haggai had a three word prophesy from God for them. Consider your ways. Those three words echo the warning of Jesus seek ye first the kingdom of God. When Jesus spoke about the signs that would precede His Second Coming in Mark 13.33-37, He phrased the words consider your ways with one word. Watch.
Beloved, while there is nothing wrong with taking a fresh look at your life and recognizing that some changes need to be made. May I lovingly say to you, that if seeking first the kingdom of God and drawing closer to Jesus Christ is NOT the top priority on your 2017 Resolution list, your life is out of order.
Beloved, consider your ways in your personal life. Consider your ways in your marriage or marital state. Consider your ways in how you are using your God given talents in your personal life and inside the church. Consider your ways. Selah
Late last night I received a call from my son who is in jail as a result of heroin addiction. He wanted to check in to see how things were, wish me the best for 2017, and to say he loved me. A time of both sadness and joy.
Not being a prophet and lacking Haggai’s eloquence, my message to my son was in essence “consider your ways”. The second part of my message to him was that the only way to end the cycle of satisfying the needs of his flesh was to make Jesus his priory and purpose. No secular process, psychologist, councillor, or detox program can provide a long term solution. He must be born again of the spirit- become a new creature. Old things are passed away and ALL things are become new.
Yes, physical detoxing will be required to bring his body to balance. But most important of ALL is giving up our bodies and hearts to our Savior. To consider our ways is the first and foremost step in our journey. If not followed up with repentance and acceptance of our Savior, the flesh wins.
Prison calls have time limits. A warning is heard advising the call will soon come to an end. As we considered these things, an announcement was made that the call had ended. I hope and pray that my son consider his old ways in light of his current state. It does not have to be so. As we all consider our ways, let us remember Jesus is THE WAY, the truth and the life. He awaits with open arms.
Thank you pastor Ray. My encouragement goes out to you as you continue teaching and planting seeds.
JoseM