Marking the Day
In the second chapter of Haggai, the prophet circles a very specific date on the calendar: the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month (which, on our modern calendar, aligns with December 18). For eighteen years, the people had lived in a state of "almost." They were almost going to start. They almost had enough money. They almost felt ready. But on this specific day, they finally stopped talking and started stacking. They laid the first stone of the foundation.
And then, God says something that changes the rules of the game:
"Consider now from this day forward... from this day on I will bless you." (Haggai 2:18-19)
To be completely vulnerable here, I often start my blog posts at least a week in advance or even earlier to be scheduled. I have an insatiable need to be engaged in some form of work. When I’m not with my little patients, I’m either at home writing, crafting, volunteering, studying, cooking, cleaning, or doing something else (read that as a run on sentence!). I keep myself busy at all times! When I finally had a moment to begin this study on the Book of Haggai, I simply chose it because it’s a two-page story in my Bible. I was feeling burnt out from all my writing. Who even reads it? I write so much, do people even take the time to read? I’m studying the Bible, trying to follow my own advice, and working on growing and transforming into the woman I love. I’m working more shifts and sleeping less because I’m switching from nights to days. I just wanted to avoid writing or reading anything “deep.” And God, well, as we learned in the Book of Esther, my choice of this book wasn’t an accident!
We see in Haggai 2:18-19, God didn't say, "Once the Temple is finished and the gold is on the walls, then I'll bless you." He said,
"From the day the foundation was laid."
In our world, we are used to "Performance-Based Blessing." We think we get the reward after the job is done. But with God, the blessing is triggered by the direction of our hearts. The moment you decide to clear the rubble and put Him first, the "leak" in your bag begins to mend.
Why This Date Matters to Me
Remember how I picked this book at random? I was studying late at night and going through the passage, praying, flipping pages, and I read December 18. I think the irony of me choosing this book and writing and reading is too good not to point out the fact that it was 12/18! From this reading, I can see that God is saying that I am putting my energy into things of my own comfort, and because I am reading the Bible and doing acts of good, it doesn't mean I will be righteous if my heart still holds onto the selfish parts, but I am obeying, and God says I am with you. I need to put God first in all things rather than what I am doing now, which is some things. It’s no coincidence that you are reading this now! Perhaps you’ve been living in your own "18-year delay." Maybe you’ve been waiting for your stress to go down, your kids to grow up, or your bank account to go up before you truly commit your life to Christ.
Haggai’s message is that today is your December 18! You don't have to have a "finished temple" to show God. You just have to lay one stone. That might mean:
Finally starting that prayer habit.
Making the hard choice to forgive.
Deciding that your worth comes from the Cross, not your career (at me)
In this same passage, Haggai talks about how "unholiness" is contagious, but "holiness" isn't (Haggai 2:11-17). You can't catch "goodness" just by being near it, but you can choose to turn toward it. When you "Mark the Day," you are telling the enemy, the world, and your own wandering heart: "The old cycle ends here. From this day forward, I am building on the Rock."
Consider Your Ways
If you were to "Mark the Day" today, what is the one "foundation stone" you are laying?
Can you trust that God is already blessing you the moment you start, even if you can't see the full building yet?
A "Mark the Day" Prayer
"Lord,
I am tired of waiting for the 'perfect time' to follow You. I am marking this day on my calendar as my turning point. I am laying the foundation of my life on Your Word and Your Grace. I thank You that Your blessing starts now, in the middle of my unfinished mess.
Amen."
Next Post: The Signet Ring: How your small obedience creates an eternal legacy.