Day 263

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Habakkuk Introduction

Habakkuk prophesies in Judah before its final destruction at the hands of the Babylonians. Like Job, he honestly raises the perplexing issue of why a just God is silent, and why the cries of the faithful seem to go unheard. In reply, God declares to his prophet a timeless principle of trust in his sovereignty. The wicked will be dealt with in God's own way, in God's own time. He will use the even more wicked Babylon as his divine instrument of justice. But in the meantime, the righteous man must trust in the Lord (2:4).

Scripture

September 19—Habakkuk 1-3: The Just Shall Live by Faith

Observation

Habakkuk ministers during Judah's "death throes." Though repeatedly called to repentance, the nation stubbornly refuses to change her sinful ways. Habakkuk, knowing the hardheartedness of his countrymen, asks God how long this "intolerable condition" can be tolerated. God replies that the Babylonians will be his instrument of punishment upon the nation—an announcement that sends the prophet to his knees where he acknowledges that the just in any generation shall live by faith, not by sight (2:4). Joy comes as a by-product of confidence in God, not certainty in one's circumstances.

What's in a name—Habakkuk's name means "embracer." How appropriate for the one who came to embrace God's answers to his difficult questions, then embraced God himself in a chorus of praise (ch. 3).

Application

Try your hand at writing a twenty-first century paraphrase of a seventh-century B.C. paragraph. Here is a bit of Palestinian background to help you with the assignment. The figs and fruit of the vine were symbols of well-being and prosperity. The olive was a staple of the economy, used for hairdressing, fuel, medicine and food. The cattle produced milk, butter and cheese. Now take half a sheet of paper and see if you can rephrase Habakkuk 3:17-19. (example: "Even if the stock market does not rise, my boss fails to give me a raise, the supermarket shelves are empty, the gas stations prices keep rising, yet...")

In Habakkuk's day, the prophet faced the very real prospect of losing everything he owned: crops, livestock, a place to call "home." But instead of complaining, the prophet prays a majestic prayer of worship and exultation as he rejoices in the God of salvation. Could you do the same? If everything you owned were suddenly taken away, would God be enough for you? Mediate on the last verses of Habakkuk's book until you can say with the prophet, regardless of your circumstances, "I will rejoice in the Lord; I will be happy in the God of my salvation" (3:18).

Prayer

Father, we know that the divine rule is to live a life of prayer and obedience before you. We want to always follow your example and pray to you for our spiritual life for we are aiming for your standard not man's. We do not set our goal by the opinion of people, not by what they say, but by what the Scriptures say. We press on to reach the goal for which you have called us. And, we give you the glory, the honor and the praise for whatever situation we are in today for we know you are with us. In Jesus' name we pray! Amen!

Live a Spiritual Life No Matter What!




© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2020

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