HABAKKUK
GOD'S GOT IT HANDLED!
“…How long, Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen? Or cry out to you, “Violence!” but you do not save? Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrongdoing? Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and conflict abounds. Therefore the law is paralyzed, and justice never prevails. The wicked hem in the righteous, so that justice is perverted…” (HABAKKUK 1:1-4 NIV).
“…The problem as God gave Habakkuk to see it: God, how long do I have to cry out for help before you listen? How many times do I have to yell, “Help! Murder! Police!” before you come to the rescue? Why do you force me to look at evil, stare trouble in the face day after day? Anarchy and violence break out, quarrels and fights all over the place. Law and order fall to pieces. Justice is a joke. The wicked have the righteous hamstrung and stand justice on its head…” (HABAKKUK 1:1-4 MSG).
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God’s people KNOW “…his ways are just....” (Daniel 4 NIV). God’s JUSTICE is “NOT” mankind’s JUSTICE, but his JUST ways, which are righteous, are FAR and ABOVE those of mankind. “…his ways [are often]… past finding out…” (Romans 11:33-34 KJV).
“… [God’s] ... thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways ... [his] … ways ... as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are … [his] … ways higher than you[r] …. ways and … [his] … thoughts than your thoughts…” (Isaiah 55:8-9 ASV).
God’s WAYS are not the WAYS of mankind. Therefore, his JUSTICE cannot be SEEM or UNDERSTOOD as MERE revenge. God’s JUSTICE is about DOING the right thing or restoring things BACK to righteous ORDER. “... for God is not a God of confusion, but of peace...” (1 Corinthians 14:33 NASB).
God’s spiritual system is one of JUSTICE, which stands AGAINST unrighteous and ungodliness by RESTORING “ALL” things back to righteous and godliness through correction or fair judgement. “...God doesn’t stir us up into confusion; he brings us into harmony...” (1 Corinthians 14:33 MSG).
“... I am the Lord who demonstrates unfailing love and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth...” (Jeremiah 9:23-24 NLT).
God’s JUSTICE requires EVERY person to PAY their DEBT for ALL WRONGS or SINS committed against HIM and others. “…SIN IS the transgression of the law (violation of God’s instruction)….” (1 John 3:4 KJV). “…The wages of sin is death (spiritual death and eternal SEPARATION from God, the Holy Spirit)…” (Romans 6:23 KJV).
God’s JUSTICE is the supernatural consequence, accountability, or retribution that is REQUIRED to be PAID to SATISFY a WRONG committed by a GUILTY person upon God, the Holy Spirit, LIFE, or another human being. “…The wages (DEBT) of sin is death …” (Romans 6:23 KJV).
Thus, God’s JUSTICE is fair, merited, honest, equitable, impartial, and retributive. “…whatsoever a man (woman) soweth, that shall he (she) also reap…” (Galatians 6:7 KJV).
God’s JUSTICE gives EVERYONE what is DUE to them based on their OWN choices, actions, and treatment of others.
Suffering, sickness, death, loss of jobs, hunger, or other troubles or difficulties are not about God punishing sin. “... Here on earth [God’s people]... will have many trials and sorrows..." (John 16:44 NLT).
“... all His ways are just...” (Deuteronomy 32:4 NASB).
EVIL is not simply an outward ACT, but an inward ATTITUDE. “… The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually…” (Genesis 6:5 NASB).
“… After He called the crowd to Him again, He began saying to them, “Listen to Me, all of you, and understand: there is nothing outside the man which can defile him if it goes into him; but the things which proceed out of the man are what defile the man. If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.” When he had left the crowd and entered the house, His disciples questioned Him about the parable. And He said to them, “Are you so lacking in understanding also? Do you not understand that whatever goes into the man from outside cannot defile him, because it does not go into his heart, but into his stomach, and is eliminated?” (Thus He declared all foods clean.) And He was saying, “That which proceeds out of the man, that is what defiles the man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, [fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride and foolishness. All these evil things proceed from within and defile the man…” (Mark 7:14-23 NASB). “… the evil man brings out of his evil treasure what is evil…” (Matthew 12:33-35 NASB).
If god was strictly a god of revenge, EVERY HUMAN BEING WOULD BE DEAD, SPIRITUALLY, FOREVER.
GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT, could have left MANKIND to die in THEIR sins, but he is a “JUST” AND “GOOD” God, who paid MANKIND’S debt, instead!
“...God’s free gift leads to our being made right with God ...through this one man, Jesus Christ...” (Romans 5:10-16 NLT). “… my righteous servant (Jesus) ... [made]... it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins…” (Isaiah 53:11 NLT). “… [He sent the] …one … who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT).
“… [The LOST and SPIRITUALLY dead soul, who OWES a great DEBT of SIN is]…saved by grace through faith…it is the GIFT of God…” (Ephesians 2:8 KJV). “… [SALVATION]... IS THE GIFT OF GOD; not of works, that no man (woman) should glory…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV).
YOUR DEBT OF SIN; PAID IN FULL!!! Before God serves his justice, he gives every man and woman, upon earth an opportunity to get RIGHT with him. He doesn’t want anyone to perish. All those who receive, SALVATION, through Jesus Christ, has their sins erased and their DEBT of sin PAID!
The bible says: “...Thou (God, the Holy Spirit) are GOOD and doest GOOD…” (Psalm 119:68 KJV). “... all His ways are just...” (Deuteronomy 32:4 NASB). “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV). “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV). “…Great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD” (Psalms 117:2 KJV). “…The lord is GOOD…” (Psalm 100:5 KJV). “…Oh how great is thy GOODNESS… (Psalm 31:19 KJV). “...The Rock! His work is perfect, For all His ways are just...” (Deuteronomy 32:4 NASB).
Therefore, KEEP IN MIND: “…God is not human (he is not a body, he is not a self, or the flesh, or a soul)…” (Numbers 23:19 NIV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV).
God’s WRATH, God’s PUNISHMENT, and God’s JUDGEMENT is ALL equal to God’s JUSTICE, because they are ALL God, the Holy Spirit’s, RESPONSE to WRONG, SIN, and INJUSTICE. “…everything he does is right and all his ways are just....” (Daniel 4 NIV). “...all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he...” (Deuteronomy 32:4 NIV). “… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB). “…I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).
Another WORD for WRATH is also VENGEANCE, which is God’s JUSTICE. God’s JUSTICE RESPONDS to two things MAKING WRONG things RIGHT and EXACTING WRONGS and INJUSTICES.
God’s WRATH is NOT ANGER. Anger is expressed as fury, indignation, resentment, rage, or exasperation. The OPPOSITE of WRATH is compassion, mercy, reconciliation, joy, kindness, which describe many characteristics of God’s DIVINE, HOLY nature. “… he does ...right and all his ways are just....” (Daniel 4 NIV). “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV). “… “I AM” WHO I AM…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB). “…there is none like unto thee…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV).
God’s WRATH is God’s JUSTICE. God’s JUSTICE is not ANGER, but the FAIR and JUST REPAYMENT or HARVEST for willful and voluntary SIN SOWN by the disobedient, unrighteous, or wicked.
God’s WRATH or JUSTICE will supernaturally MAKE things RIGHT like during the flood (Genesis 6-9), or the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19), or the deliverance of Israel from the bondage of the Egyptians (Ex. 15:7).
God, the Holy Spirit’s allowances of continued wickedness was an opportunity of his grace, in these stories, and reveals how HIS system of JUSTICE towards wickedness repays wicked people the retribution they deserve, which can also include eternal damnation.
God’s WRATH or JUSTICE affirms HIS righteous, sovereign retribution for ALL disobedience, upon unrepentant sinners, and for all wickedness and wrongdoings.
God’s WRATH or JUSTICE is a SERVANT for his vengeance against ALL wrongdoings.“...Go, inquire of the Lord for me and for the people and all Judah concerning the words of this book that has been found, for the wrath of the Lord that burns against us is great, because our fathers did not listen to the words of this book, to act in accordance with everything that is written regarding us...” (2 Kings 22:13 NASB).
“...And they abandoned the house of the Lord, the God of their fathers, and served the Asherim and the idols; so wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem for this guilt of theirs. Yet He sent prophets to them to bring them back to the Lord; and they testified against them, but they would not listen...” (2 Chronicles 24:18-19 NASB).
“...Yet the Lord, the God of their fathers, sent word to them again and again by His messengers, because He had compassion on His people and on His dwelling place; but they continually mocked the messengers of God, despised His words, and scoffed at His prophets, until the wrath of the Lord rose against His people, until there was no remedy...” (2 Chronicles 36:15-16 NASB).
“...Therefore the Lord heard and was full of wrath; And a fire was kindled against Jacob, And anger also mounted against Israel, Because they did not believe in God And did not trust in His salvation...” (Psalm 78:21-22 NASB).
“...Indeed this city has been to Me a provocation (incitement) of My anger and My wrath since the day that they built it, even to this day, so that it should be removed from My sight, because of all the evil of the sons of Israel and the sons of Judah which they have done to provoke (incite) Me to anger—they, their kings, their leaders, their priests, their prophets, the men of Judah, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem. They have turned their back to Me and not their face; though I taught them, teaching again and again, they would not listen to accept discipline...” (Jeremiah 32:31-33 NASB).
“... For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of people who suppress the truth in unrighteousness...” (Romans 1:18 NASB).
“...But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God...” (Romans 2:5 NASB).
God is NOT a God of REVENGE, but of VENGEANCE, which means the God who makes things RIGHT or RIGHTEOUS. “...Avenge not yourselves, beloved, but give place unto the wrath of God, for it is written: "Vengeance (making things JUST) belongeth unto to me; I will recompense (repay)," saith the Lord” (Romans 12:19 ASV).
When God’s ANGER, WRATH, JUDGEMENT or JUSTICE appears it is in RESPONSE to SIN, UNRIGHTEOUSNESS, WICKEDNESS, and ALL WRONGDOINGS! God, the Holy Spirit’s allows HIS system of JUSTICE to FAIRLY repay people the retribution they deserve, which can also include eternal damnation.
God “IS” a LOVING God, and he PREFERS to make mankind HOLY and RIGHTEOUS by putting and keeping them in a RIGHT “covenant unity” relationship with him, but they willingly CHOOSE not to listen or follow his commandments. “ …[God’s people said:]... will continue to live as we want to, stubbornly following our own evil desires…” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT).
“…[God said:].... my people have stubborn and rebellious hearts. ….” (JEREMIAH 5:23 NLT). “…My people would not listen to me. They kept doing whatever they wanted…” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT).
“…They have turned away and ABANDONED me….” (JEREMIAH 5:23 NLT). “...[THEY]… FORGOT all about ME,” says the Lord…” (Hosea 2:13 NLT). “…for years on end my people have FORGOTten ME…” (Jeremiah 2:32 NLT). “…They ABANDONED ME and did not obey my word….” (JEREMIAH 16:11 NLT). “…They ABANDONED the Lord… they turned their backs on him….” (2 Chronicles 29:6 NLT).
The bible says: “…God has said “Never will I leave you (without my PRESENCE); never will I forsake you…” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV). “…I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS, to the very end…"(Matthew 28:20 NIV). “…Not one of all the LORD's good promises … failed; every one was fulfilled” (Joshua 21:45 NIV).
However, “…They ABANDONED ME and did not obey my word….” (JEREMIAH 16:11 NLT). “…They ABANDONED the Lord… they turned their backs on him….” (2 Chronicles 29:6 NLT).
“… he remains ...(STAYS) ... faithful (TO HIS “JUST” NATURE) …” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT). “…he cannot deny who he is…” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT). God STAYED faithful. “…Again and again [God, the Holy Spirit] rescued them…” (Psalm 106:39-43 NLT).
Thus, he repeatedly rescued them. “… Their enemies (the evil one and his workers) [would crush] them and [bring] them under their cruel power. Again and again [God] rescued them, but they [continually]... chose to rebel against him... [until]... they were finally destroyed by their [own] sin…” (Psalm 106:39-43 NLT).
God’s WRATH, ANGER, JUDGEMENT, or JUSTICE is “NOT” rash, but it is LONGSUFFERING, PATIENCE, and COMPASSIONATELY SLOW in responding. “...Then the Lord passed by in front of him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord God, compassionate and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in faithfulness and truth...” (Exodus 34:6 NASB).
“...But You, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God,
Slow to anger and abundant in mercy and truth...”
(Psalm 86:15 NASB).
“...The Lord is compassionate and gracious, Slow to anger and abounding in mercy...” (Psalm 103:8 NASB). “...They refused to listen, And did not remember Your wondrous deeds which You performed among them; So they became stubborn and appointed a leader to return to their slavery in Egypt. But You are a God of forgiveness, Gracious and compassionate, Slow to anger and abounding in mercy; And You did not abandon them...” (Nehemiah 9:17 NASB).
“...Then he prayed to the Lord and said, “Please Lord, was this not ]what I said when I was still in my own country? Therefore in anticipation of this I fled to Tarshish, since I knew that You are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abundant in mercy, and One who relents of disaster...” (Jonah 4:2 NASB).
God is COMPASSIONATE, MERCIFUL, and SLOW to ANGER he doesn’t want ANYONE to perish. “…[God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus]... CAME (to earth or to mankind) [because HE is], NOT WILLING that any should perish, but that ALL should come to repentance…” (2 Peter 3:9 KJV).
God, the Holy Spirit, would RATHER be MERCIFUL. HE delights in MERCY. “…Mercy triumphs over judgement.” (James 2:13 NASB). “…The Lord is ...of great mercy…” (Number 14:18 KJV). “…The Lord God, [IS] merciful …” (Exodus 34:6 KJV). “…Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because HE DELIGHTETH IN MERCY…” (Micah 7:18 KJV).
God, the Holy Spirit is a MERCIFUL God, which means HE withholds FAIR and JUST punishment from mankind for their many transgressions against HIM. There are several verses in the bible that express and demonstrate God’s “PREFERRED” MERCY toward mankind.
Those who trust in and depend upon God’s MERCY will not and do not RECEIVE God’s WRATH, PUNISHMENT, JUDGEMENT, or JUSTICE, but the WICKED will receive the justice they deserve, are worthy of, and have earned.
His people, like GOD, the righteous and fair JUDGE, don’t take or desire REVENGE on the wicked, but leave VENGEANCE for the ALMIGHTY.
When God, the Holy Spirit, SEEMS to allow, take no notice, disregard, pass over, turn a blind eye to, or ignore, wickedness or wicked people. HE IS NOT!
When others “ARE” literally suffering while the wicked SEEM to be prospering in their wickedness, God understands his people can’t explain his WORKINGS to themselves or others.
Some of God’s people’s FAITH is SHAKEN by the allowance of immoral, harmful, and illegal wrong of the wicked.
Many have questioned whether LIVING righteous has been in vain. “…Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure And washed my hands in innocence… “(Psalm 73:13 NASB). “…What’s going on here? Is God out to lunch? Nobody’s tending the store. The wicked get by with everything; they have it made, piling up riches. I’ve been stupid to play by the rules; what has it gotten me? A long run of bad luck, that’s what— a slap in the face every time I walk out the door….” (Psalm 73:11-14 MSG).
Even God’s people can’t SEE “how” God, the Holy Spirit, could have A PLAN for ALL the horrible wickedness, they are witnessing nor for allowing them to PREVAIL in their wickedness.
It is an honest and fair analogy considering they are experiencing and SEEING the REAL humanity of it all.
God “IS” good, and God “IS” just, but it boggles the MIND when bad and wicked people seemed to be favored while good and righteous people seemed to be opposed.
It is this “allowance of evil” that made Habakkuk humbly PLEAD with God, for an answer.
Habakkuk was not UNAWARE of God’s sovereignty, wisdom, justice, or loving nature, when he asked either. He KNEW who God was and expected a righteous answer.
God’s righteous people are ASSURED, no matter what is happening, that HE is “…[thei]r deliverer…” (Psalms 18:3 NASB). “… I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB). “…I am the Lord, the God of all flesh…” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV). "… I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God…" (Revelation 1:8 NASB). “… I the LORD … the first, and with the last. I am He...'" (Isaiah 41:4 NASB). “…there is none like unto thee…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV). “…You are very GREAT…” (Psalm 104:1-2 NASB).
God is a God of JUSTICE, so no matter what God’s redeemed people SEE; they are instructed to STAND FIRM! “…Let us NOT become weary in doing good, for at the PROPER TIME WE WILL REAP A HARVEST if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9 NIV). “... the faithful followers of the Lord ...keep their promises [to God]... even when it hurts...” (Psalms 15:4 NLT).
Yet, God, the Holy Spirit, understands that watching the WICKED and their WICKEDNESS “seemingly” prevail - and they are “seemingly” getting away with their many crimes - may be challenging for his people to WITNESS. It could put them on the BRINK, BORDER, or EDGE, of utter DESPAIR. “...I [would have]... fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living...” (Psalm 27:13-14 KJV).
During TROUBLING TIMES, like Habakkuk’s, the PATH of righteousness gets MIGHTY narrow. Yet, God’s people are still encouraged to continue to walk by faith and NOT to give up! “…THE WAY is narrow that LEADS TO LIFE, and there are few who find it…” (Matthew 7:13-14 NASB). “…Let us NOT become weary in doing good, for at the PROPER TIME WE WILL REAP A HARVEST if we do not give up...” (Galatians 6:9 NIV). “...The just shall live by faith...” (Romans 10:17 KJV). “…He will keep you strong to the end…” (1 Corinthians 1:8 NLT). “...In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world...” (John 16:33 KJV).
“... Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world..." (John 16:44 NLT). “...Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid...” (John 14:27 KJV). “...we must [go]...through much tribulation [to]...enter into the kingdom of God...” (Acts 14:22 KJV). “...Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord....” (Psalm 27:13-14 KJV).
The God of JUSTICE says: “...despite all these things, overwhelming victory is [Y]ours (his righteous ONES) through Christ...” (Romans 8:37 NLT).
Habakkuk HAD no ANSWER as to WHY God, the Holy Spirit. was ALLOWING wicked people and their wicked actions to prevail, but he KNEW God had HIS HOLY REASONS.
Despite it all, God LOVES being JUST and MERCIFUL, because it is WHO GOD is, and thus, it is an immutable part of his divine character. “...justice will be upheld…” (Job 36:16-21 NLT). “… [god, the holy spirit]...who judges justly…” (1 Peter 2:20-23 NIV). “…everything he (God, the Holy Spirit) does is right and all his ways are just....” (Daniel 4 NIV). “… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB). “…I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).
“...For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end” (Jeremiah 29:11 KJV). “ ... in the PROCESS of TIME “IT” CAME TO PASS…” (Genesis 4:3 KJV).
Though God’s JUSTICE “seems” LONG deferred against the wicked, their wickedness, and those who suffer from it, God’s people are to WAIT on God, the Holy Spirit’s timing. “...Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord....” (Psalm 27:13-14 KJV).
They are to WAIT without judgement, without criticism, without worry, and knowing that God is not asking for their approval, opinion, or permission for how his chooses to HANDLE the injustices his people are witnessing.
Nonetheless, God answers Habakkuk. “…Look
among the nations! Watch! Be horrified!
Be frightened speechless!
For I am accomplishing a work in your days—
You would not believe it even if you were told! For behold, I am raising up the Chaldeans, That grim and impetuous
people Who march throughout the earth, To take
possession of dwelling places that are not theirs. They
are terrifying and feared; Their justice and authority originate
with themselves. Their horses are faster than leopards, And quicker than wolves in the evening. Their
horsemen charge along, Their horsemen come from afar; They
fly like an eagle swooping down to devour. All of them
come for violence. Their horde of faces moves forward They
gather captives like sand. They make fun of kings, And dignitaries are an object of laughter to them. They laugh at every fortress,
Then heap up dirt and capture it. Then
they fly along like the wind and pass on. But they will be held guilty, They whose strength is their god…” (Habakkuk
1:5-11 NASB).
GOD ANSWERED HABAKKUK AND HE STILL WASN’T SATISFIED.
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