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!
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