What other Scriptures emphasize putting God first in our resources and time? Haggai’s Wake-Up Call Haggai 1:9 exposes the root issue behind Judah’s stalled harvests and empty purses—self-priority over God’s priority. The LORD “blew it away” because “My house lies in ruins, while each of you is busy with his own house.” Scripture repeats this warning and promise throughout both Testaments. The Principle Established From the Beginning • Genesis 4:3-5—Abel’s best portions receive God’s favor; Cain’s casual offering does not. • Exodus 20:3—“You shall have no other gods before Me.” The first commandment grounds every other stewardship text. • Psalm 24:1—“The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof.” Ownership belongs to Him; stewardship belongs to us. The Law of Firstfruits • Exodus 34:26—“Bring the best of the firstfruits of your soil to the house of the LORD your God.” • Leviticus 27:30—“Every tithe of the land... is holy to the LORD.” • Deuteronomy 26:1-11—Israel was to bring first harvests to the sanctuary before enjoying any themselves, confessing that God alone gave the land. Wisdom’s Counsel on Prioritizing God • Proverbs 3:9-10—“Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your harvest; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.” • Ecclesiastes 12:1—“Remember your Creator in the days of your youth.” Time as well as treasure belongs first to Him. Prophetic Reminders • Malachi 3:8-10—Failure to tithe is called “robbing God.” Obedience opens “the windows of heaven.” • 1 Chronicles 29:14—David models generous giving for the temple: “Everything comes from You, and from Your hand we have given to You.” • 1 Kings 17:13-16—The widow of Zarephath feeds Elijah first; God keeps her jar of flour and jug of oil supplied. Jesus’ Teaching on Kingdom First • Matthew 6:19-21, 24—Treasures in heaven last; earthly riches cannot share lordship with God. • Matthew 6:33—“Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.” • Mark 12:41-44—The widow’s two coins outweigh rich gifts because she gives “all she had to live on.” • Luke 12:15-21, 34—The parable of the rich fool ends with the warning that life’s value is measured by being “rich toward God.” Early Church Practice and Instruction • Romans 12:1—Worship begins by offering ourselves as “living sacrifices.” • 2 Corinthians 9:6-8—Cheerful, willing generosity invites abundant grace “so that in all things, at all times,” needs are met and good works abound. • Colossians 1:18—Christ must “have preeminence” in everything—the ultimate statement of first place. Putting It Into Practice • God owns it all; we manage it. • Firstfruits—whether paychecks, harvests, or schedules—signal trust and gratitude. • Generosity flows from worship, not surplus. • When God is first, provision follows; when He is second, lack exposes misplaced priorities. • Evaluate calendars and budgets: do they declare that Christ has preeminence? Realignment invites the blessing Haggai’s generation forfeited. |
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