Ask God
Habakkuk 1:2 “How long, Oh Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen? Or cry out to you, ‘Violence!’
Habakkuk 3:2, “Lord, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds Oh Lord. Renew them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy.”
Habakkuk---His name means “embracer, because of his love for God.
He prophesied just before Nebuchadnezzar first invaded Judah in 605.
He was to announce the Lord’s Intention to punish Judah by this coming deportation into /Babylon.
Habakkuk presents a picture of a man who trusted God, yet was disturbed. It sounds like some of the same perplexities that we as believers see going on today. He asks God how long He would allow all the evil to continue, he was very concerned with the sin that was rampant in his Nation. He saw greediness, extortion, the poor were being misused, funds where squandered, idol worship, the people has been deceived. It sounds like our modern day newspaper, does it not?
He prophesied just before Nebuchadnezzar first invaded Judah in 605.
He was to announce the Lord’s Intention to punish Judah by this coming deportation into /Babylon.
Habakkuk presents a picture of a man who trusted God, yet was disturbed. It sounds like some of the same perplexities that we as believers see going on today. He asks God how long He would allow all the evil to continue, he was very concerned with the sin that was rampant in his Nation. He saw greediness, extortion, the poor were being misused, funds where squandered, idol worship, the people has been deceived. It sounds like our modern day newspaper, does it not?
It is permissible to ask God questions as to what He is doing, although it must be with reverence and respect. Sometimes it is not evident to us what is going on, especially if we are thrown into suffering for a period of time or if it seems our enemies are prospering and taking over when we know it is wrong.
God answers affirm to Habakkuk that God is a sovereign, omnipotent God who has everything under control. We just need to trust Him and be still and know He never sleeps or slumbers and nothing takes Him by surprise. He is who He says He is and does keep His promises. He will punish the wicked. Even when we cannot see it, He is still on the throne.
Here are God’s Answers:
Habakkuk 1:5, “Look at the nations and watch and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if I told you.”
Habakkuk 2:2-4, “Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, That he may run who reads it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it, Because it will surely come, It will not tarry. Behold the proud, His soul is not upright in him;
But the just shall live by his faith."
Here are God’s Answers:
Habakkuk 1:5, “Look at the nations and watch and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if I told you.”
Habakkuk 2:2-4, “Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, That he may run who reads it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it, Because it will surely come, It will not tarry. Behold the proud, His soul is not upright in him;
But the just shall live by his faith."
Habakkuk 1:20, “But the Lord is in His Holy temple; let all the earth be silent before Him.”