Habakkuk Remix

By Pastor Bill

Recently for my Growth Group I down-sized and synopsized Habakkuk. His book is found in the last section of the Old Testament called the Minor Prophets. They are called “minor” because of their comparative brevity not because of their unimportance. In the 7th century B.C. this prophet wrote his book not long before the mighty Babylonians laid seige and captured Jerusalem. You can evesdrop on Habakkuk’s frank exchange with God as a suffering believer perplexed at the injustices of life before him. Perhaps the following remix will serve as a primer for further reflection and personal application:

1:1 Preface: This book is based on a revelation from God to His Prophet (just prior to the Babylonian invasion and captivity of Judah).

1:2-4 Habakkuk: Lord, I’ve got a huge complaint; how long and why are you so indifferent about violence and injustice, and so inactive about law-breaking and the unchecked success of the wicked (Babylonians)?

1:5-11 God: Let me perplex you even more, because I will actually utilize this ruthless and wicked superpower, the Babylonians, to discipline my people Judah.

1:12-2:1 Habakkuk: O God, I’m totally aghast; I question your plans. Because you are the everlasting God, what about your everlasting covenant with us. And because you’re letting the godless Babylonians go unpunished, what about your holiness? By comparison the sins of Judah are dwarfed by those of the pernicious Babylonians. I will wait expectantly for your answer like a sentinel in the watch tower.

2:2-3 God: Let me be clear, Habakkuk, I will not mumble; write down my revelation and publicize it, but be patient; take the long view believing that its fulfillment will ultimately prove true, but only in my appointed time (will the Babylonians be destroyed).

2:4-20 God: I taunt the self-righteous Babylonians, who are inflated in their pride, but by stark contrast the righteous shall live by faith! I condemn the Babylonians because of their greed, extortion, and bloodlust. Woe unto you Babylon because you built your empire through extortion, ill-gained plunder, bloodthirsty killings, and wanton destruction. Ultimately the tables will turn and your victims will deride and denounce you with a dirge of satire because of your demise. The day will come when, with the inbreaking of God’s Kingdom, the knowledge of God’s glory will sweep across the whole earth like water covering the sea. You gloat in your idolatry, but hush; let the whole world worship God in humble silence.

3:1-19 Habakkuk: In prayer I praise you Lord with awe. Renew Your power and grant Your pardon. When I recount how You delivered ancient Israel so dramatically at Mount Sinai, the Red Sea, the Jordan river, and in Canaanite conquest, I become amazed at Your might and splendor. When I picture you as a thundering giant striding through the earth destroying Your enemies in judgment and saving Your own people I am left staggered and reassured waiting for Your retribution against Babylon. Therefore, even in the midst of absolute ruin and abject famine I will rejoice in You, my Sovereign and Saviour; I will run like a deer high above the trials and tribulations of life on the mountains of victory and triumph.

Pastor Bill