“I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work.” John 9:4
In the book of Habakkuk, we find him praying to God to show him what he needs to see and understand concerning a coming invasion by the Chaldeans, and what is to be his response to that understanding. God answers the prophet concerning the “vision,” giving him a clear, concise, and convicting perception of what He is about to do, and the reason for which the rod of correction is coming upon Israel by the Chaldeans. God instructed Habakkuk: “Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it, for the vision is yet for an appointed time; but at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.” (2:2,3) There are two aspects to this vision that God gave to Habakkuk that must be grasped if we, as believers, are to use the lessons in walking with Christ.
The first is that God has a purpose and plan in the midst of the circumstance with regard to the Chaldeans. It is to save Israel from herself, her idolatry, her departure from God in order to again be brought to a position to know the saving grace, and blessing of God. There will be no peace until Israel returns to the God of peace. The vision that God gives in response to Habakkuk’s prayer is not only to inform the people, but to offer an answer to the seeking soul. His call then is the same as it is now, a call to save, but who will hear, and listen? Who will respond to the clear declaration of the words of God, especially with regard to judgment?
Secondly, the vision has limits, not only with regard to it being available to be read before the invasion, but with regard to its accomplishment. The declaration is that the “vision is yet for an appointed time,” and that “it will surely come, it will not tarry.” Though God did not put a specific date on the fulfillment of the vision, one thing is certain; He definitely will bring it to pass in His perfect time. The issue is the response to the vision in the present moment, and to live by faith. Just as is the case today, resembling long ago, the call rings powerfully clear throughout the centuries, the righteous man, or the “just,” shall LIVE by faith. (2:4) With judgment looming on the horizon, God’s call is always for man to live only, and wholly by faith in Him.
There came a day in the ministry of Christ, that he was faced with the need of a man blind from birth. Jesus explained to His disciples that this man’s condition was not due to sin, but in order for the glory of God to be revealed in him. Fully knowing what would be the reaction of the Jewish rulers of his day, seeing it was a Sabbath day, Jesus spit on the ground, made clay with the saliva, and applied it to the blind man, instructing him to go to the pool of Siloam, and wash. The blind man did so, and he received his sight. The reaction of the Jewish leaders was unbelief, and rejection of Jesus having come from God. It is then that the Lord made clear that He would follow His objective, and the will of His Father, regardless of the reaction of His enemies. “I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day.” This “day” of which He spoke was a period of time that the Father had given Him to accomplish His will. Jesus then said, that “…the night come is coming when no one can work.” (Jn. 9:4)
This is the age of the church, the body of Christ. Now is her “acceptable time,” the opportunity to work by the Spirit’s power.
Dear Father, Strengthen us to redeem the time. In Jesus’ name, Amen.