HABAKKUK
“…GOD’S WORK IS CLEARLY SEEN….” Part 1
“…the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are CLEARLY SEEN…” (Romans 1:20 KJV).
"…I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved…" (Habakkuk 2:1 KJV). “…The invisible [Spirit]…from the creation of the world is …clearly seen, being understood by the things that are MADE …” (Romans 1:20 KJV).
*
NEXT, Habakkuk said: "…I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved…" (Habakkuk 2:1 KJV).
In spite of all his complains and questions, Habakkuk EXPECTED God, the Holy Spirit, to GIVE him an answer.
He was PREPARED to WAIT upon God and look forward to HEARING what HE, the Holy Spirit, has to say.
Habakkuk, in spite, of his ponderings, he does not STOP what he is CALLED to do but continues to act as WATCHMAN.
Habakkuk wasn’t SURE how God would answer him. Afterall he was BOLD with questions and OPINIONATED with his assessment of God’s divine nature. God could very well reprimand him for what he’d said. “…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).
Nonetheless, he separates himself, from the wicked and their wickedness UNTIL he hears from God, the Holy Spirit. "…I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved…" (Habakkuk 2:1 KJV).
God had already answered Habakkuk’s first set of questions and complains. “...Look around at the godless nations. Look long and hard. Brace yourself for a shock. Something’s about to take place and you’re going to find it hard to believe. I’m about to raise up Babylonians to punish you, Babylonians, fierce and ferocious—World-conquering Babylon, grabbing up nations right and left, A dreadful and terrible people, making up its own rules as it goes. Their horses run like the wind, attack like bloodthirsty wolves. A stampede of galloping horses thunders out of nowhere. They descend like vultures circling in on carrion. They’re out to kill. Death is on their minds. They collect victims like squirrels gathering nuts. They mock kings, poke fun at generals, Spit on forts, and leave them in the dust. They’ll all be blown away by the wind. Brazen in sin, they call strength their god...” (Habakkuk 1:5-12 MSG).
As we have learned God informed Habakkuk, he will ALLOW the Chaldeans to be IN CHARGE, for a while, to PUNISH “his” rebellious children that had been taken into exile. “...I am raising up the Babylonians (Chaldeans), that ruthless and impetuous people, who sweep across the whole earth to seize dwellings not their own...” (Habakkuk 1:6 NIV). “...I’m about to raise up Babylonians to punish you, Babylonians, fierce and ferocious—World-conquering Babylon, grabbing up nations right and left...” (Habakkuk 1:5-12 MSG).
As is KNOWN they were UTTERLY wicked, evil people, who made up laws that benefited themselves and dominated in a way that FAVORED them. Nonetheless, God USED them, of all the people upon earth, to discipline his covenant children. “...They are a feared and dreaded people; they are a law to themselves and promote their own honor...” (Habakkuk 1:7 NIV). “...A dreadful and terrible people, making up its own rules as it goes...” (Habakkuk 1:7 MSG).
When the enemy TEMPTS God’s people, - makes them FALL AWAY from following him, influences them to WALK in their flesh, leads them to becoming LUKEWARM, BACKSLIDE, or become COMFORTABLE or COMPLACENT about practicing sin (big, small, or acceptable ones) or LURES them to DEPART from OBEYING his WORD, - he means to HARM God’s people.
But when they willing choose to keep trusting and depending upon God, the bible says: “...No weapon that is formed against ...[God’s people]... shall prosper…This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord…” (Isaiah 54:17 KJV). “….All things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose…” (Hebrews 13:5 & ROMANS 8:28 KJV).
God didn’t say these things were good, but they would work together for good.
“…ye thought evil against [God’s people]; but God meant it unto good…” (Genesis 50:20 KJV).
God didn’t say the enemy’s evil thoughts against them wouldn’t cause trouble, but he would only ALLOW it for his people’s good.
“…The plans [God has]…for you… [are]… plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future...” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV). Whatever the evil plans the devil has, God’s plans, for his people, are ONLY to prosper them!
WHY? “...[god, the holy spirit] careth for you (his people)...” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV).
Therefore, “...whom the Lord loveth he CORRECTETH…” (Proverbs 3:12 KJV).
“...If you are not disciplined – and everyone undergoes discipline – then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all” (Hebrews 12:8 NIV).
God disciplines his children so “…that [they] might be partakers of his holiness….” (Hebrews 12:10 KJV). “…Be holy, because I am holy…” (1 Peter 1:16 KJV). “…I am the Lord who makes you holy…” (Leviticus 20:8 NLT).
“… [God allows corrections]…for [their] profit...” (Hebrews 12:10 KJV). “…No chastening (discipline) for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised (trained) thereby...” (Hebrews 12:11 KJV).
The prophet received God’s FIRST message, but Habakkuk didn’t LIKE or AGREE with God’s answer or solution to the PROBLEM. Thus, his complains and questions continue.
Habakkuk was asking, THIS TIME, it seems, for himself. Maybe he couldn’t FIND peace of mind because of all the evil and wickedness he saw through the actions and behaviors of both the Judeans and the Chaldeans.
Before the Chaldeans ROSE UP the wayward Judeans were being violent and wicked all by themselves. Habakkuk was concerned about judgement for the one group of Judeans and protection and safety for the other group of Judeans.
Habakkuk was IMPACTED with the blatant iniquities and calamities HE WITNESSED among those who CLAIMED to be God’s people. He BLAMED God for allowing it to go on so long.
The CREATION belonged to God, but the FALLEN WORLD was under the POWER of the EVIL ONE. The wicked one worked through those who willingly PRACTICED his WAYS and his WICKED WORKS. “…We know … that the whole world lies under the power of the evil one” (1 John 5:19 RSV). “…the one who practices sin is of the devil;...” (1 John 3:7-10 NASB & Jude 1:24 KJV).
“…For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies…” (John 8:44 NLT).
The DEVIL’s children and anyone, including those CLAIMING to be God’s people, who allies with them are DOING the WORK of Satan. “…For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. …” (John 8:44 NLT).
These, children, who are of the DEVIL, and their allies are peace-breakers, who have become emboldened and have risen UP to stir the pot of STRIFE.
The bible says “…A troublemaker and a villain, who goes about with a corrupt mouth, who winks maliciously with his eye, signals with his feet and motions with his fingers, who plots evil with deceit in his heart— he always stirs up conflict. Therefore disaster will overtake him in an instant; he will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy. There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community…” (Proverbs 6:12-19 NIV).
A LITTLE PRACTICE OF SIN WAS “STILL” SOME PRACTICE OF SIN AND “some” PRACTICE OF SIN WAS STILL “TOO MUCH!”
God’s people are “…NOT to give the DEVIL (big or small) an OPPORTUNITY…” in their lives (Ephesians 4:27 NIV).
They are INSTRUCTED to “…RESIST the DEVIL…” and not partner or fellowship with him on ANY level ( James 2:7 KJV).
“…what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ (the Word of TRUTH) with Belial (the DEVIL or Father of LIES)? Or what part hath he that believeth (depends upon God) with an infidel (one who doesn’t depend upon God)?” (2 Corinthians 6:14-15 KJV).
“... Everyone (including God’s WAYWARD people who SIDE with the WICKED on ANY level and) …sins (as a result of JOINING them in their wickedness) is breaking God’s law, for all sin is contrary to the law of God. And you know that Jesus came to take away our sins, and there is no sin in him. Anyone who continues to live in him (ABIDE WITH HIM) will not sin. But anyone who keeps on sinning does not know him ... who he is. Dear children, don’t let anyone deceive you about this: When people do what is right, it shows that they are righteous, even as Christ is righteous. But when people keep on sinning, it shows that they belong to the devil, who has been sinning since the beginning. But the Son of God came to destroy the works of the devil. Those who have been born into God’s family do not make a practice of sinning, because God’s [SPIRITUAL] ... life is in them. So they can’t keep on sinning, because they are children of God. So now we can tell who are children of God and who are children of the devil. Anyone (NO EXCEPTIONS) who does not live righteously and does not love other believers does not belong to God...” (1 John 3:7-10 NLT).
“...BRETHREN (FELLOW BELIEVERS)... you were called to freedom ...only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh ... “ (Galatians 5: 13a KJV). “... Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. ...” (Galatians 5:19-21 NASB).
God’s people will NEVER bring God GLORY by joining forces and being in ALLIANCE with the DEVIL or his children.
In the story of the HEBREW BOYS, they did not JOIN forces with the WORLD, the KING, or the PEOPLE who bowed to the false gods. “…The Holy Spirit ...[gave]... birth to..[their]... SPIRITUAL LIFE …” (John 3:6 NLT). “... The Holy Spirit produce[d]... this kind of fruit in ...[their]... lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. …” (Galatians 5 NLT). "…[God, the Holy Spirit]... is glorified by this, that ... [“the HEBREW BOYS” bore]... much fruit...” (John 15:8 NIV).
“…Ye shall know [those who are glorifying God]… by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). “…He who ABIDES in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit … ” (John 15:1-11 NASB). “…The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). "…My Father is glorified by this, that “YOU” bear much fruit, and so PROVE to be My disciples” (John 15:8 NIV).
Therefore, “…If you love [GOD], you will keep (under all circumstances,)[HIS]...commandments…” (John 14:15).
"…My Father is glorified by this...” (John 15:8 NIV). WHAT? "… that “YOU” bear much fruit...” (John 15:8 NIV). WHY? "…[Then you]... PROVE to be My disciples” (John 15:8 NIV). The HEBREW BOYS “PROVED” to be HIS disciples.
Like the FISH, in Habakkuk’s metaphor, was caught in the FISHERMEN’S net, so did God’s people, because of their OWN “evil” desires, get caught in the CHALDEANS trap! “…my people ...kept doing whatever they wanted, following the stubborn desires of their evil hearts...” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT).
“…This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me” (Mark 7:6 KJV). “…for thy heart is not right in the sight of God…” (Acts 8:21 KJV).
“…What shall it profit a man (woman), if he(she) shall gain the whole world (fool other humans with outward phoniness), and lose his (her) own soul?...” (Mark 8:36 KJV). “...God SEES NOT as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD LOOKS AT THE HEART…”(1 Samuel 16:7 NASB). “…No one needed… to tell him (God) about human nature, for he knew what was in each person’s heart…” (John 2:24-25 NLT). “…[The] ...Lord (God), which knowest the hearts of all men…” (Acts 1:24 KJV). “… He watches everyone closely, examining every person on earth. The Lord examines both the righteous and the wicked…” (Psalm 11:4-5 NLT).
First the WAYWARD Judeans bought Habakkuk to his knees, then the RISING-UP of the Chaldean’s did. It is for THESE concerns that Habakkuk pleads with God.
Yet, the loving God, the Holy Spirit, answered Habakkuk again. God assured Habakkuk that the Chaldeans would definitely face his JUSTICE. “...Then the Lord replied: “Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it...” (Habakkuk 2:2-3 NIV). “...And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it....” (Habakkuk 2:2-3 KJV).
Then God, the Holy Spirit, SAID: “...See, the enemy is puffed up; his desires are not upright—but the righteous person will live by his faithfulness—indeed, wine betrays him; he is arrogant and never at rest. Because he is as greedy as the grave and like death is never satisfied, he gathers to himself all the nations and takes captive all the peoples. “Will not all of them taunt him with ridicule and scorn, saying, ‘Woe to him who piles up stolen goods and makes himself wealthy by extortion! How long must this go on?’ Will not your creditors suddenly arise? Will they not wake up and make you tremble? Then you will become their prey. Because you have plundered many nations, the peoples who are left will plunder you. For you have shed human blood; you have destroyed lands and cities and everyone in them. “Woe to him who builds his house by unjust gain, setting his nest on high to escape the clutches of ruin! You have plotted the ruin of many peoples, shaming your own house and forfeiting your life. The stones of the wall will cry out, and the beams of the woodwork will echo it. “Woe to him who builds a city with bloodshed and establishes a town by injustice! Has not the Lord Almighty determined that the people’s labor is only fuel for the fire, that the nations exhaust themselves for nothing? For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. “Woe to him who gives drink to his neighbors, pouring it from the wineskin till they are drunk, so that he can gaze on their naked bodies! You will be filled with shame instead of glory. Now it is your turn! Drink and let your nakedness be exposed! The cup from the Lord’s right hand is coming around to you, and disgrace will cover your glory. The violence you have done to Lebanon will overwhelm you, and your destruction of animals will terrify you For you have shed human blood; you have destroyed lands and cities and everyone in them. “Of what value is an idol carved by a craftsman? Or an image that teaches lies? For the one who makes it trusts in his own creation; he makes idols that cannot speak. Woe to him who says to wood, ‘Come to life!’ Or to lifeless stone, ‘Wake up!’ Can it give guidance? It is covered with gold and silver; there is no breath in it.” The Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth be silent before him...” (Habakkuk 2:4-20 NIV).“...Then the Lord replied: “Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it. For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay...” (Habakkuk 2:2-3 NIV).
“...And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry...” (Habakkuk 2:2-3 KJV).
God basically TOLD Habakkuk that the RIGHTEOUS, in the days of trouble, would be the ones who will CONTINUE to live by faith. “...Behold, his soul (the wicked soul) which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith...” (Habakkuk 2:4 KJV). “..For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith...” (Romans 10:17 KJV). “...But that no man (woman) is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith...” (Galatians 3:11 KJV). “...Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man (woman) draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him...” (Hebrew 10:38 KJV).
The righteous will CONTINUE to trust and depend upon God, the Holy Spirit, and his WORD no matter what they SEE, HEAR, FEEL, OR EXPERIENCE. “…live by faith, not by sight….” (2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV).
The righteous are empowered and strengthened by the indwelling Holy Spirit to TRUST and OBEY, through FAITH, beyond the present circumstances with confidence in the God of JUSTICE. “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).
“…I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want…” Philippians 4:11-12 NIV).
“...He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust...” (Psalm 91 KJV).
“...Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler...” (Psalm 91 KJV).
The righteous are the ONES that know their righteousness is a GIFT given to them through the blood of Jesus. “…the GIFT of righteousness…” (Romans 5:17 KJV). “...God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it...” (Romans 5:10-16 NLT). “...his gift of righteousness ...through this one man, Jesus Christ...” (Romans 5:10-16 NLT).
The righteous, through Jesus, are in right standing with God, the Holy Spirit. ... 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…” (Isaiah 53:11 NLT). “… [He sent the] …one … who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT). “…[salvation]… IS THE GIFT OF GOD (the Holy Spirit)…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV). “…[God’s people ARE] ... Saved by grace through faith (trust in & dependency upon God)… NOT OF [them]SELVES ... not of works , that no man (woman) should glory…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV).
“...his gift of righteousness ...through this one man, Jesus Christ...” (Romans 5:10-16 NLT). “…it is the blood [of Jesus] that maketh an atonement for the soul…” (Leviticus 17:11 KJV).
In the Old Testament when God sent a tenth and final plague upon the Egyptians which caused the death of the firstborn of both people and animals. ALL the firstborn of Egypt died on the same night, even King Pharaoh’s son.
All died, except the righteous who were COVERED by the BLOOD. (READ Exodus 11:1-12:36). “…This is what the Lord says: At midnight tonight I will pass through the heart of Egypt. All the firstborn sons will die in every family in Egypt, from the oldest son of Pharaoh, who sits on his throne, to the oldest son of his lowliest servant girl who grinds the flour. Even the firstborn of all the livestock will die. Then a loud wail will rise throughout the land of Egypt, a wail like no one has heard before or will ever hear again. …” (Exodus 11:4-8 NLT).
The children of Israel (God’s people, the righteous) that painted their door posts with the sacrificial blood of an animal did not lose their firstborn to death. “… But among the Israelites it will be so peaceful that not even a dog will bark. Then you will know that the Lord makes a distinction between the Egyptians and the Israelites…” (Exodus 11:4-8 NLT).
This created a FEAR in the hearts and minds of the Egyptians (the wicked ones at that time. “… All the officials of Egypt will run to me and fall to the ground before me. ‘Please leave!’ they will beg. ‘Hurry! And take all your followers with you.’ Only then will I go!” … The Lord caused the Egyptians to look favorably on the Israelites, and they gave the Israelites whatever they asked for. So they stripped the Egyptians of their wealth!” (Exodus 11:4-8, 12:34 NLT).
IF God’s ALLOWANCE of the plagues CREATED a fear in the hearts of the Egyptians, what will it DO to the hearts of his WAYWARD people through the Chaldeans?
God is trying to get their ATTENTION and SAVE their lives. God has a SET TIME, but it is NOT always easy to ACCEPT his PLAN when so much wickedness is happening and seem to be prevailing. “….And the Lord appointed A SET TIME, saying, To morrow the Lord shall do this thing in the land. And the Lord did that thing on the morrow…” (Exodus (9:5-6 KJV). “…At the PROPER time [you]… WILL reap a HARVEST if [you]… do not give up…” (Galatians 6:9 NIV). “…The LORD [is] good unto them that WAIT FOR HIM…” (Lamentations 3:25 KJV). “…WAIT ON the LORD: …WAIT, I say, on the LORD…” (Psalms 27:14 KJV). “…THOUGH IT TARRY, WAIT FOR IT….” (Habakkuk 2:3 KJV).
God’s CORRECTION, and whoever he uses to execute it, is a GIFT. God is STILL in control through it ALL. “…God is mighty, but he does not despise anyone! He is mighty in both power and understanding. He does not let the wicked live but gives justice to the afflicted. He never takes his eyes off the innocent, but he sets them on thrones with kings and exalts them forever. If they are bound in chains and CAUGHT UP in a web of trouble, HE SHOWS THEM THE REASON. HE SHOWS THEM THEIR SINS OF PRIDE. HE GETS THEIR ATTENTION AND COMMANDS THAT THEY TURN FROM EVIL…” (Job 36:6-10 NLT).
God, the Holy Spirit, is trying to get the ATTENTION of his people. “…But by means of their suffering, he rescues those who suffer. For he GETS THEIR ATTENTION through adversity…” (Job 36:15 NLT).
God's people are WAITING upon God to DO his work while they continue to do their work upon earth. THE RIGHTEOUS, WHILE THEY WAIT , CHOOSE TO LIVE BY FAITH!
No comments:
Post a Comment