Habbakuk

Habbakuk  

Over the past several weeks I have been studying the minor prophets using the “Knowing the Bible” study. When I started reading Habbakuk, I was surprised at how relatable it was, I don’t normally consider going to the minor prophets for guidance or comfort during difficult seasons. But here I am, and what I learned surprised me. Now there isn’t much information about Habbakuk, it is believed to be that he was a contemporary of Jeremiah, and since he predicted the coming Babylonian invasion that this would have placed him at the end of Josiah’s reign (640-609 b.c.) or at the beginning of Jehoiakim’s reign (609-598 b.c.). It is unique book given the fact there is no message for the people of Israel, but rather a dialogue between Habbakuk and God. Perhaps this is what made it relatable since it was easy to put myself in Habbakuk place. Even though my questions were not exactly the same, the sentiments are-the asking God why, and how long and the questions of God’s goodness and power. Let’s dive in… This is by no means an in-depth study, more of an overview with the lessons I learned.  

Habbakuk doesn’t waste any time and jumps right in, he starts off with a question “How long oh God will you let all of this evil keep going on. Where are you? Do you even see what is happening? Where is your justice? Your people just keep on sinning, breaking your laws, hurting themselves and others.” Hab. 1:1-4.  

The Lord graciously replies. “Habbakuk – if I told you what I am going to do, you wouldn’t believe it. I definitely see what is going on and I have a plan –see I am raising up the Babylonian that proud and fierce nation they will sweep through the land, nothing will be able to withstand them. All men, nations, and kings will fear them.” Hab. 1:5-11.  

Habbakuk doesn’t like this answer, if anything it causes more confusion on the one hand, he knows that his people will not be destroyed. Due to the covenants God made with his people, but how can this be the answer? How is this justice? How can God use a nation more evil than his people to punish them. This doesn’t seem right, Habbakuk not only reminds God of this but also implies this is kindof God’s fault by asking… “God, how can you do this? I mean look around, the men have no rulers or guides instructing them. Teaching them what is right and wrong. They are like fish or crawling animals that do whatever pleases them. Now you are going to allow a nation to come and take us away? To let them abuse, use, and sell us. Thus, gaining more wealth and power? Who is going to stop them? This makes no sense God. This can’t possibly be your plan.” Hab. 1: 12-17.  

God patiently replies “Write this down so this may be persevered and shared with others. For this is good news. Don fret over the timeline of these events, it may seem like nothing is happening, or that they are winning and thriving. But I assure you their time will come. Remember, oh dear one. The righteous will live by faith. But the Babylonians-their soul is puffed up, he is greedy and arrogant, just when he thinks he is untouchable, unstoppable and invincible then I will come and judge them.” God then goes on to list 5 woes against them, because they used their wealth and power to hurt and abuse others. They used humans to build their cities, even at the cost of their lives. They mistreated the forests of Lebanon, and were cruel to even the animals. Because they also made idols and overlaid them with gold, rejecting the one true God and ultimately worshiping themselves. Instead of receiving glory they will have shame. Instead of spending their wealth, it will be plundered from them. They will be brought low, and justice will be done. For God is in His temple, He is alive and active. Let the whole world remain silent before Him. Hab 2:1-20. 

Habbakuk is now duly humbled, he begins to remember how God has moved in the past; Thus, he knows that the words God speaks are not idol threats, but that what He purposes will happen. This realization leads him to praise the Lord, and he begins to recant His mighty deeds. How he destroyed Egypt with the 10 plagues. How He showed His might over the Jordan river, and the Dead Sea. How during Joshue’s time, the sun stood still for a day. How the Lord, during the time of the Judges repeatedly rescued and defended His people. Habbakuk understands that God is a just God, that He can’t let the wickedness of Judah to go unpunished. But nor will God ignore the injustice and the cruelties done to His people. As Habbakuk realizes what is in store for his people, he is deeply shaken. Yet he places his trust in the Lord. He ends up by saying “God even if there are no more figs, or grapes. Even if we can’t make oil and there is no harvest. Even if we have no sheep or oxen, I will rejoice in you. For I now see that I can trust You, for You will be with me during the difficult and trying times.” Hab 3.  

Habbakuk went from informing and questioning the Lord on how things should be done. To humbly trusting in Him. He now sees and understands that even in the midst of starvation, of societal collapse (Lamentation will show you how devastating it is) God is active and present. Even though God raises up the Chaldeans and allows them to conquer God will also judge them and hold them accountable for their actions. Their deeds will not go unpunished.  

This is the lesson I learned from Habbakuk, that during the difficult season in your life, take it before the Lord. Pour it out to Him, ask Him those hard questions. It is not a sign of a lack of faith, nor is it a sign of unbelief. Habbakuk had to ask those questions, so he could come to the place and see that God is truly in control and working all things for our good. In the moment we may not see how. In the moment it may seem that God has forgotten us. But He is a good father, and He wants us to come to Him, to express our feelings of doubt, hurt, frustrations and yes anger. See it’s in these moments we learn where our heart really lies, what we really worship, and where we place our trust. In these moments when everything that is distracting us is removed, when we see the empty shallow trinkets that hold our attention, when our pride and self worth are stripped away. Then we can trust in Him. That He sees, He cares, and He is acting. The second lesson is, that our life is defined by faith-faith in the promises of God, in who He is, in His words and works. Thus, in the midst of our suffering, we can have joy because we trust in Him. He is our sufficiency, and He will sustain us, even when all seems lost. We can trust him, because of his track record, but also because of the work of Jesus. See Christ is the ultimate good news, the work that God told His people that he was doing, Jesus – God incarnate – who came down to be with man, to free us from our sin to restore our relationship with God. The one who gave His life for us, He is the author and guarantor of our faith. Because He died and rose again, we know that God hears and will respond to us. As comforting as these lessons from Habbakuk are, it is also sobering. God has judged his people before and He will come again. When He does this judgement will be final and complete. Now all those whose name is written in the Book of Life will be saved. Those who aren’t will be forever separated from God. Therefore, we must trust and rely on Him through all of our difficult and trying times. He sees, He hears, and He cares. Blessed be His Holy and Righteous Name.