While the Jewish people were banished in exile away from the Land of Israel, they longed for their return to Zion. It was always in their prayers, on their hearts, and in their minds. This week we’ll learn about the return of the exiles in the book of Haggai. The Jewish people returned to the land anxious to rebuild Jerusalem and the Temple. However, soon after the return, they misplaced their spiritual priorities.

In the book of Haggai we see how God heard the cries of His people and returned them to Jerusalem to rebuild. What is sad is that within a few short years those who returned to the land became apathetic to the things of God and focused only on their own selfish gain.

Chris will also show us that as believers in Jesus we too can get our priorities in the wrong order. We often put things we see as needs above what God has called us to. Don’t miss this important lesson we can learn from the Jewish people in the book of Haggai.

by David Levy

Do you find it hard to relate to the people and times of the minor prophets? Books, like Habakkuk, Zephaniah, and Haggai? These were prophecies written thousands of years ago, but the truth is the spiritual issues surrounding their circumstances are similar to what you may be facing today.

In the book When Prophets Speak of Judgment, we see how the messages of Habakkuk, Zephaniah, and Haggai are warnings that challenge us to see life from God’s point of view. This book is an encouragement to “redeem the time” as we move ever closer to the last days!

As Zvi was shopping at the grocery store he saw a man that he had recently shared the good news of Jesus with. The man began yelling at Zvi saying he was trying to take people away from pure Jewish teachings. People in the store supposed this man was crazy because Zvi was known around town as a good neighbor, always helping those in need. Zvi went to him with his Bible and asked him to show him where exactly he was taking him away from pure Jewish teachings. God used this time to share good news to many.

Zvi’s story is available in Elwood McQuaid’s book, “Zvi: The Miraculous Story of Triumph over the Holocaust,” available at our online store.

More stories from Zvi are also available in his book, “The Best of Zvi,” available at our online store.

The Friends of Israel Today and Apples of Gold theme music was composed and performed by Jeremy Strong.