UNDERSTANDING OUR NATION BIBLICALLY

December 18, 2019

It is not often we read the Minor Prophets like Habakkuk in the Bible. We think they are not relevant. But in these prophets we find some of the most applicable of all Scriptures. Reading them is like listening to the most current news broadcast.

THE CONDITION

… of the nation and our nation is described in Habakkuk.

Yes, destruction and violence are before me; Strife exists and contention arises. Therefore the law is ignored and justice is never upheld. (Habakkuk 1:3-4)

THE REASON

… for this condition in the nation is that the people have turned away from God. God, in His mercy, is bringing judgment upon the nation. This is done simply by God lifting His hand and letting the enemy have his way. He used the Chaldeans in his day; He uses other enemies in ours.

They will sweep through like the wind and pass on … and You, O LORD, have appointed them to judge; and You, O Rock, have established them to correct. (Habakkuk 1:12)

THE PROMISE

… of God is remembered. Those who know God are reminded that God longs to be gracious and merciful and return us to Himself. He will come in glory if His people will repent and turn back to Him.

For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea. (Habakkuk 2:14)

THE CRY

… of desperation begins to come from the lives of God’s faithful. This is a cry that we do not often give, but a cry that God always hears. It should be the constant prayer and posture when a nation is in turmoil and judgment.

O LORD, revive Your work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make it known; in wrath remember mercy. (Habakkuk 3:2)

We can be ignorant of the ways of God and blame all that is happening upon society, government, media, entertainment. But these are just the symptoms God uses to help us see the systemic problem: we are far from Him. He reminds us to open up our eyes and see what is happening from a heavenly perspective. To catch the spiritual big picture.

Look among the nations! Observe! Be astonished! Wonder! Because I am doing something in your days--You would not believe if you were told. (Habakkuk 1:5)

The wise believer will open his eyes, understand history from God’s perspective, and join Him in rightly evaluating the nation’s current condition. And then, a faithful believer will respond in humility, repentance, and fervent, unceasing prayer.

Surely we are precisely where Judah was, under God’s judgment! Surely we have sinned against Him and walked away as a nation. And surely we need to unite in unceasing prayer for a spiritual revival and awakening in our land!

Also in Graceful Truth

SEEING YOURSELF RIGHTLY

April 26, 2024

But a man or woman with the proper view of themselves can be a strong yet humble force for the kingdom of God. What a mighty creature we can become when we realize who we are in Christ … and that all the glory goes to Him!

Continue Reading

MERE MEN

April 25, 2024

The worst evaluation that could be given of true believers is that they are “walking like mere men.” True believers are Spirit-men. Human, yes, but humans in whom Christ dwells. We have everything we need in us, and our lives are to be lived by trusting Him to live through us … giving us His understanding, supplying us with His character, directing us with His perfect guidance

Continue Reading

IT’S OKAY TO BE WEAK

April 24, 2024

Are you weak, insufficient, or trembling when you face tasks or people? Not as well trained as others? Don’t have the abilities or experience of the more recognized? Don’t let it stop you. Your weakness is the doorway to His strength if you will trust Him.

Continue Reading