Investing Well in Times of Uncertainty
The words of the Hebrew Prophets often functioned as a kind of uncomfortable, but necessary, interruption of the status quo in Israel. For the powers that be, their utterances were often met with harsh opposition from leaders as they called out and named patterns of religious, economic and social behavior in Israel that had strayed away from God’s ways. At the same time, their words provided much needed seeds of hope for those who were feeling the pains of economic injustice, pervasive sin, abusive power structures, and cultural capitulation. Despite what it might seem on the surface of things, all was not lost! For those willing to listen, the Hebrew prophets offered the possibility of a different way forward for Israel, a good future anchored in the loving character and abundant provision of Yahweh above all.
Although originally spoken thousands of years ago, the words of the Hebrew Prophets have a surprising relevance to the times we are living in today. They ring true in the kinds of problems they name, the prescriptions they give for positive change, and the promises they offer as a basis for hope. Above all, their words call us back to the enduring love and faithfulness of Yahweh for those who trust and follow Him.
In this third message in this series, Pastor Aaron taught through the Book of Haggai. He shared how Haggai prophesied after the Babylonian Exile during a time of great uncertainty as Israel tried to rebuild a future for themselves and their families. In this time of uncertainty, Haggai interrupted their preoccupations with their own households and their misaligned priorities that focused on personal comforts at the expense of rebuilding their collective worship life. Haggai’s challenge and his words of encouragement and promise during the process of rebuilding the temple are a source of challenge and wisdom for us as we seek peace and fruitfulness in own unstable and uncertain times.
