This morning, we are going to consider : THE LORD'S SERVANT "Then ceased the work of the house of God which is at Jerusalem. So it ceased unto the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia. Then the prophets, Haggai the prophet, and Zechariah the son of Iddo, prophesied unto the Jews that were in Judah and Jerusalem in the name of the God of Israel, even unto them, Ezra 4:24-5:1. 1. The meaning of his name. Haggai means "festive". His name was a reminder of the neglected service of God. 2. The time of his ministry. Hag 1:1. There is an emphasis upon exact times and dates in this book, 2:18-19. There is a strict correlation between obedience and blessing. You can mark obedience by the beginning of blessing. 3. The duration of his ministry. Just short of 4 months during which time he brought 4 messages. 1:1; 2:1; 2:10; 2:20. How quickly God may rekindle the fire. 2 Chr 29:36. 4. The substance of his message. " . . . the word of the LORD," 1:1. The Word quickens the heart and spirit of the people. Ps119:25; 37; 88; 107; 154; 158-159. It awakens the vision and motivates our praying. THE PROPHET'S SUBJECT Basically, it was a call to "go back to work" following their time of apathy and carelessness. 1. The prophet answered the excuses. verse 2. 2. Showed the cost of neglect. Verses 5-6. We fail to link our failures with disobedience. 3. Encouraged them by showing the blessings of obedience. 2:18-19.