I am with you.
——- Haggai 1:13
In one sentence Haggai summarizes the message of the prophets: God is with you. How might you understand the nearness of God? Listen to what God says in Deuteronomy:
It is not in the sky, that you should say, “Who among us can go up to the heavens and get it for us and teach it to us, that we may observe it?” Neither is it beyond the sea, that you should say, “Who among us can cross the ocean and get it for us and impart it to us, that we may observe it?” No, the thing is very close to you, in your mouth and in your heart, to observe it (Deuteronomy 30:12-14).
The “thing” is the way of godliness. It is in your mouth, that your speech be healing rather than hurtful. It is in your heart, that you nurture compassion rather than hatred. And by turning your lips and your heart to holiness, you observe the way and walk it. When you walk in the way of God, you walk with the awareness that God is with you, in you, is you. This is what the prophets are telling you: The way is near; turn to it, and be healed.
