The prophet Haggai accompanied the Jewish exiles when they returned from Babylon and began to rebuild their lives in Israel. He fussed with them because they seemed to be more concerned with building their own houses than in re-building the temple of the Lord. While you can sympathize with the people who don’t feel they have anything to spare since they are starting anew, you understand the point of view of the prophet as well. When look around Chicago you see that point in brick and stone. As each ethnic group came into the city they build a large and impressive church to say “we are here.” Haggai wanted the returning exiles to make that kind of physical statement with a rebuilt temple.
