Dave’s Monday Blast – January 10, 2022
Yesterday, Pastor Phil began a brand new series on the book of Habakkuk. Before I begin the process of unpacking a book of or passage of Scripture I find it effectual to read the passage several times seeking the big picture. Those of you who know me understand that I “ain’t too bright” so I am always seeking the broadest brush stroke. Here is what I have gleaned from my initial reads, but expect Phil to put meat on the bones “cause he is more smarter.”
In Habakkuk we can find Questions for God (might I say right now that our God loves questions from His children) and Answers from God (that are designed to change our perspective of God).
Question # 1 : Why does evil go unpunished in Judah? (Habakkuk 1:2 – 4) “Therefore the law is ignored and justice is never upheld. The wicked surround the righteous; therefore justice comes out perverted.”
Answer # 1: The Babylonians will punish Judah. (1:6) “For behold I am raising up the Chaldeans, that fierce and impetuous people who march throughout the earth to seize dwelling places which are not theirs.”
Habakkuk did not like the answer hence the next question!
Question # 2: How can a just God use wicked people to punish others more righteous than themselves? (Habakkuk 1:12 – 2:1) “Why art thou silent when the wicked swallow up those more righteous than they? (1:13b)
Answer # 2: Babylon will be punished and faith rewarded. (Habakkuk 2:2 – 20) “Woe to him who gets evil gain for his house…you are sinning against yourself…for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord” (2:9a; 10b; 14a).
Habakkuk begins to change his perspective on who God is and he acknowledges that because God is in control, he can trust His ways! (Habakkuk 3:1 – 19) “The Lord is my strength, and He has made my feet like hind’s feet and makes me walk on my high places.” (3:19)
The heart of the matter!
1. Success with faith honors man. (Habakkuk 2:4a) “Behold, as for the proud one, his soul is not right within him.”
2. Success from faith honors God. (Habakkuk 2:4b) “But the righteous will live by faith.”
3. Success in faith is the only long term success. (Habakkuk 2:18 – 20) “What profit is the idol when its maker has carved it, or an image, a teacher of falsehood? For its maker trusts in his own handiwork when he fashions speechless idols. Woe to him who says to a piece of wood, to a dumb stone, ‘Arise!’ And that is your teacher? Behold it is overlaid with gold and silver and there is no breath at all inside it. But the Lord is in His holy temple. Let all the earth be silent before Him.”
I am looking forward to an INTENTIONAL man of God (Pastor Phil) unpacking more truth from this very practical book over the next couple of weeks.
