Haggai 1-2  This short book contains 4 prophecies, all within a 4 month period.  The first and third messages ( 1:1-15; 2:10-19) rebuked the Israelites for neglecting the rebuilding of the temple.  They were not prospering because they were not honoring God.  "Consider your ways!" the Lord instructs them.

Everything they did was in vain:
"You have sown much, but harvest little; you eat, but there is not enough to be satisfied; you drink, but there is not enough to become drunk; you put on clothing, but no one is warm enough; and he who earns, earns wages to put into a purse with holes." ( v6)

The leaders, Zerubbabel, the governor, and Joshua, the high priest,  heard Haggai and responded in obedience. " So the Lord stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel.... and the spirit of Joshua.. and the spirit of all the remnant of the people; and they came and worked on the house of the Lord." 

The 2nd and 4th prophecies were words of  encouragement and assurance.  The Lord proclaimed His presence with them and the glory that He was going to bring to His temple and to His people.  God was going to bless their vines, fig tress, pomegranates, and olive trees... with fruit.  He was going to "overthrow the thrones of kingdoms and destroy the power of the kingdoms of the nations.. " 

Zerubbabel was given a great word of blessing, " I will make you like a signet right, for I have chosen you,"  the Lord declared.   Matthew 1:12 lists Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, in the lineage of Jesus.
What a privilege and blessing he had when he chose to put God first in humble obedience.

Father in heaven, help us each to consider our ways today.. to be obedient to Your holy word.  To put You first and to seek You always. Stir up our spirits with the power of Your Spirit in us, that we might walk in Your ways and glorify Your Name in all we do.  I ask this in the Name of the Savior, Jesus Christ. amen.