Going Up the Mountain

Going Up the Mountain

Often when things do not work out as expected we are quick to point to the good things we have done as if to suggest God is being unfair with us. The prophet Haggai lived among people caught up in doing just that. The prophet had to clarify that God looks in disfavor not only when bad things are committed but also when good things are omitted. Demands of positive response from God based on selective obedience are often the pitfall in which many  fall. In Haggai’s case, neglect of the need to build the house of God deprived God’s people of God’s blessings.

“Go up to the mountain, bring wood, and build the house. I will take pleasure in it, and I will be glorified," says Yahweh (Haggai 1:8).   Giving is not always easy. It can be like going up a mountain to cut and bring wood.  Often the mountain is not the work we do in our professions by which God provides for us. The hard part can be the mountain in our hearts we have to climb to bring the wood to the house of God, especially when there are many other pressing needs. We give to God by giving to His work from what He has given to us.

If you bring the wood from the mountain God promises to be with you (Haggai 1:12-13). Being with Him is life in His house where there is no lack. ‘The silver is mine, and the gold is mine,' says Yahweh of Hosts (Haggai 2:8).