Take Two: Habakkuk 1, Proverbs 6

The prophesy of Habakkuk is somewhat unique in the body of writings known as the "minor prophets." The theme or overarching concept is that the prophet asks the question of God-- where are you when evil occurs? If you are powerful and good, why do you not intervene and deliver your people from their oppression? Most of the prophets pronounce with clarity and confidence, "Thus says the Lord." Habakkuk seems to say to God, "OK. Thus asks your people?" The structure is a dialogue (more or less) and provides the answer to the prophets question and concludes with the response of the prophet.

As for timing, Habakkuk was a contemporary of Nahum (who we just read). He likely prophesied during the latter part of the 7th century and early 6th century BC. Again...little is known of Him since the prophesy, and not the prophet, is the primary focus. His ministry was seeing the end of the Assyrian power and the rise of the power of Babylon. (In fact, if you have a translation that says "Chaldeans", insert Babylon).

Hab 1:1-4 contains the question: "Where is God?" How long do I call to God and Him not answer me? The prophet, speaking to God and voicing the heart of the people wanted to know why God had not yet delivered His people from the tyranny of rulers who were exceedingly evil. Fair question. Many today struggle with the concept of evil and wonder why they experience evil when (comparatively speaking) their conduct is better than those who perpetrate evil against them (Hab 1:13).

Many today wonder if God is worthy of allegiance when He seems to be disinterested in the daily plight of His people. This is a pretty common conclusion but it errs in one very fundamental area: It is man centered and assumes that God is the servant of man, rather than man the purposeful creation of God.

It is a poor analogy but bear with it as I try to illustrate the point:
Some "Christians" today will cry out "at" God and ask why they have to endure living in a country where the President (-elect) and the policies seem to be at odds with them. They will ask why God allows a man who stands against protecting the unborn and implicitly supports homosexual unions...and seeks to create a government where the people will become increasingly dependent on it. If God is powerful and really interested...why does he allow these poor "Christians" to endure such suffering. NOW...the answer.

Hab 1:5-11 is a response that essentially says, "pull up a chair and listen up." God is at work in ways that we do not and maybe cannot understand. He is absolutely sovereign...but works on an agenda that greatly transcends our wildest imagination. He certainly COULD stop evil as we observe it...but chooses to act perfectly according to His wisdom and plan to accomplish a greater purpose. (You also see the same theme in Job...as well as in the New Testament-- cf. Acts).

God tells the prophet that the Babylonians (Hab 1:6) are going to be used as instruments of His will to overthrow the Assyrians.

Habakkuk responds in Hab 1:12-17. He says in essence: "Lord, you are perfect and holy and all powerful. You know that these are fierce people. They have come to rely upon their own might for security and strength. They will ravage your people even more and will not worship You. Why do you look with favor on them?

I can certainly appreciate the hard questions that Habakkuk asks. If we are honest AND are growing in our understanding of God...we too have asked these questions and done so "loudly" at times. I say to people often..."you really aren't growing unless you have shaken your fist at God a time or two." Trying to wrap ones hands around the purpose and plan of God stretches us beyond what we can ever imagine. How to cope...is answered tomorrow.

Here is a suggestion for today. In what ways do you think God seems to act unjustly toward you or the world? List the areas of your life that you feel you might have been slighted in. You don't have to write it down...but I encourage people to journal these questions. Then...in prayer to God...ask and see how He answers. Be careful though. The Answer may be different than you thought. You too might be using the standard that Habakkuk voiced: "Why have you been silent while they swallow up those who are MORE righteous than them?" We are not perfect...but better than them...so why not dispense justice according to these scales?

Proverbs 6:20-22 is the takeaway today. Going through the book of Proverbs every month is really good for me. I get to read repetitiously the wisdom of God's Word. It amazes me how often the Proverbs come to mind when I am in the course of my everyday life. That is the thrust of this Proverb. Observe and do not forsake wisdom. It will guide you daily, watch over you when you are sleeping and speak to you when you are awake. Here is a cool exercise....Try to think of a proverb that addresses the decisions you will make today. Each time you have to make a decision...ask yourself, "Has God spoken about this to me through His Word?

Peace,