The prophet Haggai goes directly to the point. ‘Is it time for you?’ It is a call to self-searching.
They had forgotten the objective, but it is a challenge for us also. We do not exactly parallel that generation, but we too need to think hard about where our priorities lie. How much time do we give to Scripture reading? Almost none, or just occasionally? Is all the application of our thought connected to our homes or to our jobs? Do we organize our lives so that we maximise the time we spend on relaxation, ease? Christian service is costly in terms of time and effort. We may have to part with something that we rather like, if we are to serve the Lord effectively. We too may need a jolt to get down to work. It is a wonderful thing when there is a culture of service in a local church. The people of God assume that it is part of the normal Christian life to be sacrificing for the Lord.