SCRIPTURE: HABAKKUK 1
INTORDUCTION:
“Habakkuk” came from the Hebrew word that means “to embark”. He saw the invasion of Babylon and wondered why God allowed a wicked nation to punish His chosen people. God’s answer was: “The just would live by faith” and it assures that what God was doing was right. God told Habakkuk that in due time the Babylonians will also be judged. Habakkuk ended his book with a prayer of praise.
HABAKKUK’S COMPLAINT (vs. 1-4)
Habakkuk could not understand why God allowed injustice and tolerate wrong. He asked God: “How long, O Lord must I call for help, but you do not listen?” (v. 2) He saw the law is paralyzed and justice never prevails. The wicked harm the righteous men and justice is perverted.
THE LORD’S ANSWER (vs. 5-11)
God said that He will raise up the Babylonians to sweep away the whole earth and siege the dwelling place that belongs to others. Babylon was a wicked nation with horses (vs. 8-10)
HABAKKUK’S SECOND COMPLAINT (vs. 12-17)
Habakkuk was shocked why a holy God and everlasting Lord will appoint Babylon to execute judgment. Why did God tolerate a treacherous and wicked nation to swallow up those righteous without mercy.
HABAKKUK DESCRIPTION OF BABYLON:
- He pulls men like fish with hooks and catches them in his net. Then he gathers them up in his dragnet . (v. 15)
- He sacrifice to his net and burn incense to his dragnet for by his net he lives in luxury. (v. 16)
THOUGHTS:
In this chapter, Habakkuk could not understand two things:
- Why his prayer was not answered?
- Why is God rising a more wicked nation to punish Israel?
Sometimes we also have questions unanswered by God. Or we may receive unexpected answer by God. Always remember that God has long range plans and purposes. What God does is always right even when we do not understand why he works that way.
When circumstances around us became unbearable, we wonder if God has forgotten us. But remember God has plan and will act in his time. Be humble to accept God’s answer and wait on His time.
God may use whatever unusual instrument he choses to correct or punish us. When we receive punishment or correction, how can we complain about the kind of rod God uses on us?