Habakkuk 2:1-20
Thursday, 1 July 2021
"Behold the proud, his soul is not upright in him; But the just shall live by his faith." -Habakkuk 2:4
Habakkuk is a prophet who exhibits awe-filled faith—seen at the centre of his prophecy. He ministers during the death throes of the nation of Judah. Although repeatedly called for repentance, the nation stubbornly refuses to change her sinful ways. Habakkuk, knowing the hardheartedness of his countrymen, asks God how long this intolerable condition can continue. God replies that the Babylonians will be His chastening rod upon the nation. This announcement sends the prophet to his knees. He acknowledges that the just in any generation shall live by faith in God.' (NKJV Bible)
The name Habakkuk itself means-one who clings. Faith in true sense is nothing but clinging to God in complete trust even when things go wrong on all sides. This principle of living by faith is shown forth practically through his own life. At the end of this prophetic book, he shows forth how he clings to God for his salvation. "Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD; I will take joy in the God of my salvation. GOD, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer's; he makes me tread on my high places."(Hab. 3:17-19)
This is exactly the life of faith in its true sense. The realities of this world should not take us away from trusting God who has prepared something very blessed for us in eternity. This world with all its passions passes away, but the vision of eternity is a reality. We will enter into the realization of it, if we cling to our Lord in faith. God's eternal kingdom will come at its appointed time. It will not tarry. God will fulfill his promise to His children. This is what the prophet is assured about, by God Himself: "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." (Hab. 2:3)
Later in the New Testament, we see Apostle Peter affirming the same thing: "But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace. And count the patience of our Lord as salvation... ' (2 Peter 3:13-15). There may be oppression, violence and injustice around you; instead of crumbling under it, let faith in the Lord sustain a child of God until His time.
The world around us is scoffing at these promises of God and acts in rebellion to our Lord and is puffed up in their unrighteous hearts. Their end is also sure to come, unless in repentance they turn to Him. God does not intend anybody to end up in hell. He loves to see all humans with Him in eternity and waits patiently till the appointed time. "The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed. (2 Peter 3:9-10)
Let us live by faith in the ONE who called us-cling to Him!
Prayer: LORD GOD, we wait patiently for Your promise of eternity. Thank You Lord that You are able to keep us till that day.
Amen.