‘You looked for much, but indeed it came to little; and when you brought it home, I blew it away. Why?’ says the LORD of hosts. ‘Because of My house that is in ruins, while every one of you runs to his own house.
Haggai 1:9
I used to find it difficult to read the detailed descriptions of the Tabernacle and all that was constructed alongside it. The Bible goes into extensive detail on how it was to be crafted, what materials would be used, and the dimensions and proper use. I think of these details whenever I hear someone say that “God doesn’t care about the building”.
If this were true, why does the unfailing word of God give such details concerning the Tabernacle and the Temple of God? Reference 1 Kings 6, and you will see long descriptions on the Temple that King Solomon built for the Lord, while the book of Exodus contains detailed descriptions of the Tabernacle.
In Haggai 1:6-7, the Lord tells the people that they lack what they need because they were refusing to build the temple and make the worship of the Lord a priority. Money was being spent to build their own houses, but nothing was being done to build the Lord’s house. He was purposely frustrating the work of the people; He consumed their produce rather than multiplying it and drained their finances rather than blessing it. The Lord’s house lay in ruin because each person was tending to their own home and disregarding what belonged to God.
Are things any different today? When did giving the Lord our first and best become uncommon? When did it become okay to build our luxurious homes while our churches remain in need? To say God does not care about His own house is a deceptive lie, and those who obey His truths will reap blessing through obedience.
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Matthew 6:33
