It is so easy to put off doing the work of God: The time is not right; after the holidays; after the exam; when this job is finished. Somehow, the day never comes and the urgency fades away. Haggai finds the same behaviour among his people. They have placed their physical well-being before God. Somehow, they are never happy or satisfied. There is a gnawing emptiness, for despite their prosperity, something vital is missing. That something is God. Put God first, and we will have both happiness and our material needs. This principle runs like a golden thread throughout the bible, from Genesis to Revelation. God must be the very centre of our lives.

One cannot kill an idea, especially if it comes from God. In his fear, Herod tried to wipe out what he believed to be a threat to his power and prestige. But God's cause continued, and now Herod was even more agitated. We might lash out at something we don't quite understand. Perhaps we are fearful of the changes new ideas might bring about. If it is from God, it will continue. Far better to leave behind our fear, and be one of those bearing God's desire for human progress and change.