Aug 21 – A Bag with Holes!

“You have sown much, and bring in little; you eat, but do not have enough; you drink, but you are not filled with drink; you clothe yourselves, but no one is warm; and he who earns wages, earns wages to put into a bag with holes.” (Haggai 1:6)

Through the prophet Haggai, the Lord places several groups of people before our eyes.

First, he speaks of a farmer. Though he sows abundantly, he reaps very little. Why does his field not yield thirtyfold, sixtyfold, or a hundredfold like the fields of others? Why is his bag full of holes?

Next, Haggai points to another group of people. They have plenty of food, yet no matter how much they eat, they are never satisfied. It is as though an insatiable hunger continually consumes them. Their souls have no peace or contentment. They, too, possess nothing more than a bag with holes.

Then he brings before us yet another group. Though they are clothed in many garments and wrapped in warm blankets, they never seem to feel warm. Their bodies continue to shiver. This, too, is another kind of bag with holes.

The prophet Haggai explains the reason: “Is it time for you yourselves to dwell in your panelled houses, and this temple to lie in ruins?” (Haggai 1:4)

It is their own priorities that have created the holes in their bags. Wealth cannot remain in a bag full of holes. Fish cannot be retained in a torn net. Fire will not descend upon an altar that lies broken in ruins. Those who neglect the house of the Lord cannot expect to enjoy the fullness of His blessing.

When you honour the Lord, He will honour you. When you give Him first place, He will exalt you and establish you in a place of honour. When you faithfully bring your tithes into the house of the Lord, He promises to open the windows of heaven and pour out such abundant blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it (Malachi 3:10).

The Scriptures declare: “Honour the Lord with your possessions, And with the firstfruits of all your increase; So your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wine.” (Proverbs 3:9–10)

Dear children of God, engrave these words firmly upon the tablet of your heart: “The Lord comes first.” As you love Him sincerely, will you joyfully give Him the first portion of all that He has entrusted to you? When you delight His heart in this way, He will delight yours. According to the riches of His glory, He will supply all your needs, and your cup will continually overflow with His blessings.

Verse for further meditation: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)