“Consider your ways” were words spoken to some 42,000 people who had returned to Jerusalem in 538 BC after spending seventy years in captivity in Babylon.
The king told them to go back to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple that had been destroyed, and he gave them all the supplies necessary to do it.
Fast forward 18 years. The people had only the foundation of the Temple built. But they had built themselves fine cedar-lined houses fit for a king. They had plenty of food and drink but were still hungry and thirsty. They had plenty of clothes but were not warm. And plenty of wages, but they were put in a bag with holes.
God said to them, “You, you have built your fine houses, and My house still lies in ruins. Consider your ways!”
What was the problem? What did they need to consider? Was it their priorities? They had lived to please themselves instead of pleasing God.
The Temple was the place where they could come to hear the words of God, read, they could pray, and feel His presence. God wanted the people to have that beautiful fellowship with Him as they worshipped. The younger generations could hear Him say, “Love Me with all your heart, soul, and might.”
The Scrolls containing His words had not been read, nor had they sung the Psalms together for seventy years.
The words in this little two-chapter book in the Bible took place over 2,500 years ago. What is it saying to us today? He is still saying, “Consider your ways! Examine your priorities. He is calling you to come closer to Him. To really get to know Him and love Him with all your whole heart, soul, and mind.”
The time is now, not next week or 18 years from now. He is waiting with open arms.
Photography by Lori Garner
Bible collaboration & Written by - Joann Turnbull
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