Is There a Question in There?

Haggai 1:15b-2:9
Luke 20:27-38

Is there a question in there?

In Luke 20 (part of the readings for last Sunday) Jesus is teaching in the temple. An expanded and enhanced temple—the one Haggai said to get busy building—so a connection apparently exists as far as lectionary composers are concerned. 

I need more convincing. 

The appointed verses are Luke 20:27-38 and involve the Sadducee sect trying to see what they can do to undermine Jesus. 

Moses is cited as authority and marriage is the issue. As a hypothetical is woven into a tabloid-worthy narrative about a woman marrying seven brothers it must have prompted even Jesus to wonder if a question was coming. 

I don’t know about you, but I can sometimes hear a question that has something attached to it. You know, an agenda or an old hurt or some other sort of baggage. I’ve even asked a few (ouch!) Luke 20 has many of these kinds of queries. 

Prophets like Haggai, Zechariah, and Amos open their mouths to speak as they are compelled by God. Not a single question—and certainly not this one about being married in the hereafter—seems divinely sourced. Baggage-laden questions can be avoided if I only follow the following formula: does it need to be said? Does it need to be said now? Does it need to be said by me? 

Did Haggai ask these three of God? I think maybe so. 

Heaven knows, and God, too, when I’m opening my mouth at the wrong time or place. Grant me some control of my tongue, and while we’re at it let me examine my motivation for asking in the first place. Maybe then I can be a prophet. 

Victoria Owens