Connect Haggai 1:6 with Matthew 6:33 on seeking God's kingdom first. Setting the Scene Haggai confronted returned exiles who rushed to panel their own homes while God’s temple lay in ruins. Jesus, centuries later, spoke to listeners anxious about daily necessities. Both moments highlight a single issue: priorities. Key Passages Haggai 1:6 — “You have planted much but harvested little; you eat but never have enough; you drink but never become drunk; you put on clothes but are not warm; and he who earns wages puts them in a bag with holes.” Matthew 6:33 — “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.” Symptoms of Misplaced Priorities • Meager harvest after strenuous labor • Food that fails to satisfy • Drink that does not refresh • Clothing that gives no warmth • Wages disappearing as if stuffed into a hole-ridden purse Jesus listed parallel concerns—food, drink, clothing—in Matthew 6:25-32. Lack persists whenever self-focus eclipses God-focus. Root Cause • Haggai’s audience delayed rebuilding the temple, proving their hearts centered on personal comfort (Haggai 1:4). • Jesus identified anxiety over earthly needs as the rival of kingdom pursuit. Both point to unbelief in the Father’s provision. Deuteronomy 6:5 anchors the remedy: wholehearted love for God. Promise of Reversal • Haggai 1:7-8—God invites action: “Bring timber and rebuild.” Haggai 2:19—“From this day on I will bless you.” • Matthew 6:33—Seek first, and “all these things” follow. When God is first, provision is no longer porous; abundance holds. Supporting Scriptures All reinforce that honoring God precedes sustained supply. Practical Ways to Seek First • Start the day in Scripture and surrender. • Gather faithfully with the local church, echoing the temple priority. • Dedicate the first portion of income to kingdom work (Malachi 3:10; 1 Corinthians 16:2). • Evaluate plans by kingdom impact, not personal comfort. • Replace worry with thankful prayer that trusts the Father’s care (Philippians 4:6-7). Fruit of Kingdom-First Living • Contentment replaces restlessness (1 Timothy 6:6). • Generosity flows because God supplies. • Peace steadies the heart as needs are met. • God’s glory becomes visible through His faithful provision. Haggai exposes the leaking purse; Jesus offers the overflowing one. Make His kingdom the priority and watch Him fill every gap. |
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