365 Reflections

In the third chapter of Habakkuk, the prophet prays. He recounts who God is and the evidence of His sovereignty over world affairs in the past.  In verse one, he sets the tone of this moment, citing a musical prayer. Habakkuk 3:1 (ESV) A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet, according to Shigionoth. Scholars debate the meaning of the term "Shigionoth," but it seems to refer to stumbling. Evidently, it was a style of music that conveyed a disarray in the mind of the worshipper. I like that struggle with what we see AND our worship can still go together.  Habakkuk 3:2 (ESV) O LORD, I have heard the report of you, and your work, O LORD, do I fear. In the midst of the years revive it; in the midst of the years make it known; in wrath remember mercy. If there's one thing to keep your faith alive ,it is the report of God's work in the ages of history. The Bible is our source for such inspiration. We remember that God is always firmly in control, even when the world seems out of...

We pick up the testimony of Habakkuk as he watches faithless Judah abandon the Lord and wickedness increase in his nation. He wants answers as to why God allows it and why God would use Babylon to judge them, since they are such wicked people. So in the first part of chapter 2, he describes himself as a watchman on the wall. Soon enough, the Lord speaks: Habakkuk 2:2–3 (ESV) And the LORD answered me: “Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it. 3 For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay. The Lord has bigger plans than simply answering Habakkuk's questions. The Lord has a purpose for the prophet to fulfill. He will not only hear God's Word, but he will also write it down and make it known. The watchman on the wall has one job: to warn when disaters comes.  One of the responsibilities God's people have is to warn. I know this is offi...

If you've ever struggled with why God allows evil and suffering, the Prophet Habakkuk knows exactly how you feel. His book is written in the aftermath of great trouble upon Israel.  Habakkuk 1:2-3 (ESV) O LORD, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not hear? Or cry to you “Violence!” and you will not save? 3 Why do you make me see iniquity, and why do you idly look at wrong? Destruction and violence are before me; strife and contention arise. The questions Habakkuk posed came after the fall of Israel to the North and before the fall of Judah to the south. He looked upon a nation in the south that was rapidly deteriorating spiritually. The reforms of the last righteous King Josiah were no longer in effect, and the nation seemed worse than ever. Habakkuk wonders how long it will continue. In response to the prophet, God offers a SHOCKING bit of information about what the future holds. Habakkuk 1:5–6 (ESV) “Look among the nations, and see; wonder and be astounded. For I am doin...