“…therefore My wrath shall be kindled against this place, and shall not be quenched.” 2 Kings 22:17
Dear Ones:
One of the principle reasons for which God chose to judge Israel, and Judah, with respect to the exile and deportation, was the provocation of Manasseh. In 2 Kings 23:26, it is written: “The Lord turned not from the fierceness of his great wrath, wherewith His anger was kindled against Judah.” Judah had crossed a line, as well as Israel. Though there would be a temporary “revival” under the godly Josiah, there would still remain a “storm” off in the distance, which would soon break upon the nation. In the midst of that storm, and during the exile, there would be a godly remnant that would be saved, spared. A good many of the prophets would give us their writings during that period, holy scripture which for over two thousand years now, has encouraged, comforted, warned, and blessed the readers. Out of the darkness has shined light and hope. Yet, the message of that time resounds unto this day…a message that God is holy, and there is a point in His wisdom and righteousness, where judgement will come upon sin. We would do well to recognize and respect this truth. The question then becomes, “How shall we live in the face of the storm?” What shall we do, in light of the fact that, though God is righteous, and just, He is also gracious and merciful?”
The book of Habakkuk is a testimony of faith in the mercy of God, faithfulness of God, and the “path” of God, when the storm is coming. First of all, we see the sensitive and compassionate prophet agonizing over judgement that is coming on his people, and this at the hand of their enemies, who seem to be more unrighteous. What does he do? He converses with God on the matter: “Art Thou not from everlasting, O Lord my God, mine Holy One?” (1:12) There is no forsaking God on his part, but a reaffirmation of his faith and trust in Him. It must be grasped that, at the end of the day, the issue is always that of personal, individual faith in the faithfulness of God. The second thing that Habakkuk does is to give God access to the entire matter, in order not only to understand the matter, but to grasp what his role is to be. The Lord tells him: “Write the vision, and make it plain upon the tables, that he may run that reads it.” (2:2) God, in His mercy, has provided a prophet who warns the people. For those who will hear, and trust God, they will “RUN,” escape. Every time a prophet is sent by God to the people who are facing judgement, He always deals with the “errors of their ways,” their sins. Habakkuk does this, but with the hope and perspective that, “…the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.” (2:14) Thirdly, Habakkuk appeals to God to send revival to the people: “Revive Thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy.” (3:2) Though judgement is coming, God will ALWAYS be working in His mercy to meet the individual heart. Lastly, Habakkuk, knows that God possesses the “chariots of salvation,” those blessed means by which to save and deliver…but will the people hear and listen? Habakkuk, the realist that he is comes to grips with the greatest, overwhelming reality of the greatness and goodness of God, that which exceeds all that is of judgement, for he writes: “Yet, I will REJOICE in the Lord, I will JOY in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength, and He will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and He will make me walk on mine high places.” (3:18,19)
So, how do we face the adversity of judgement…the storm? It is in choosing honestly to see it for what it is, even though we may not understand all. It means that we confer with God, the God of ALL, who sees and knows all, deferring to His wisdom and righteousness, but also to His mercy. It means pleading with Him for any hope of deliverance and salvation, but being intent, with great hope, to rejoice in Him always, to joy in His salvation.
Dear Father, give us great grace, in the face of adversity and misunderstanding, to live by faith in Thy Sovereignty. Lord give us grace also to be attentive as to how You would have us speak, and work, that many will respond to Thee. And Lord, ever give us grace, regardless of the circumstance, to rejoice in Thee, for You are worthy, and altogether good. We praise and thank Thee in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad