THURSDAY May 26, 2022
Times of Awakening
In the second year of King Darius, in the sixth month, on the first day of the month, the word of the LORD came by Haggai the prophet....
Haggai 1:1
It has been recorded, that among God’s people in Babylon, estimated to be 3 million people, only 50,000 Jews decided to return to Jerusalem––a destroyed city. As we turn the pages of history and enter into the book of Haggai, we now have a good understanding of why the Jews were in captivity, and, in witnessing their return, the fulfillment of prophecy.
In captivity in Babylon, the Jews learned how to become great businessmen. When they returned to their land, they became so busy––farming and building their beautiful homes––that they forgot about God’s house. In the book of Haggai, we shall see how the people of God will be awakened.
However, in Psalm 137, we find a reminder was written of the Jews pain and suffering in captivity. The people lamented for what they had lost:
By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept when we remembered Zion. We hung our harps upon the willows in the midst of it. For there those who carried us away captive asked of us a song, and those who plundered us requested mirth, saying, “Sing us one of the songs of Zion!”
How shall we sing the LORD’s song in a foreign land?
If I forget you, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget its skill!
If I do not remember you, let my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth—if I do not exalt Jerusalem above my chief joy.
Is it not true that when we sin against God, we lament as we reap the consequences of our sin? How much time is wasted because of sin in a person’s life? However, we see through Israel’s history and God’s mercy, it is never too late to return to the Lord. This very moment, if you repent, He can restore you, and your life begins anew. Be honest with God, and He will awaken you––start a new revival in your life through the power of the Holy Spirit.
There has never been a spiritual awakening in any country or locality that did not begin in united prayer.
~Arthur Tappan Pierson~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
