“Notice what happens from this day forward: Your seed for planting is still in the barn. And look at the vines, the fig trees, and the pomegranate and olive trees. They have not yet produced any fruit. But beginning today, I will bless you.” (Haggai 2:18-19)
God is good. He offers his grace to people who have been unfaithful, who have wandered away from him. On the very same day when He has pointed out that the people’s hearts are unclean and therefore their work is unclean as well, He promises to make a new beginning and to bless them. His grace and mercy are not changed by the people’s unfaithfulness.
God invites them to turn back to him, not by threatening warnings of coming judgment, but by his offer of joy and abundance.
As the apostle Paul reminds his readers: “God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance” (Romans 2:4). Experiencing God’s goodness can kindle the flame of our love for him. This truth still holds. For God remains the same. His offer of reconciliation to the people in Haggai’s day is still valid. We are invited to turn back to him and to see his blessing in our lives.
“Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!” (Psalm 34:8)
Are you willing to turn back to God so that He can bless you?