The Jews who returned from exile in Babylonia find it difficult to establish Jewish life in Judah. They had been blocked from re-building the Temple but now under Darius they are given permission to resume the work. However, they themselves make excuses that the time is not right. Life is difficult for them. They feel they are too poor and don't have the strength for this undertaking.

This is where Haggai, the first prophet after the exile, steps in. He is very direct in his approach, and after asking the people to reflect on their lives and how things have gone for them, he tells them to go to the hill country, fetch wood and rebuild the house of God. The people need this challenge and encouragement.

Perhaps it is when life is difficult for us, when we don't seem to have the energy to continue, that we too need prophets among us to invite us to reflect on what place God has in our lives. Are we perhaps trying too hard ourselves, forgetting that God is greater than we are? Just as for the Jews the Temple was the focus, so for us, if we place God at the center of our lives other things will fall into place for us, and we will have the strength to face the difficulties and challenges of each day.