HABAKKUK WENT TO HIS WATCHTOWER
AND WAITED TO HEAR FROM GOD
Habakkuk was lamenting, wondering how long God would allow violence to surround the righteous. God’s answer astounded him — He was raising up a far more violent nation.
So Habakkuk lamented again and then went to his watchtower to “see what he will say to me.”
D. A. Carson, a mentor to Tim Keller and a founder of The Gospel Coalition, believes Habakkuk’s prophecy (which was fulfilled decades later) may very well be what we call a telescopic prophecy, where there is a near prophecy and a far prophecy, pointing to the end times and the coming of Christ.
I will be sharing some of Carson’s New Testament references that parallel Habakkuk and point to the 2nd coming of Christ as this study progresses.
Of course we do not know the day or the hour when Christ will come. Many believers felt that the holocaust that led to World War II meant we were in the end times. But that wasn’t the end, though I believe a birth pang pointing to the end. In that terrible time there was a remnant who “walked by faith and not by fear.” Corrie ten Boom was one. Dietrich Bonhoeffer was another. The best biography I’ve ever read is this one:
The presence of Christ was so real to Bonhoeffer, filling his heart with an inextinguishable joy. One guard reports watching him just before he was hung. (Can you tell I’m trying to entice you to read the book this summer?)
In the 1930’s the writing was on the wall that Bonhoeffer’s beloved country of Germany was going mad. How could so many Germans, including pastors, line up behind Hitler?
The enemy had used fear to distort their thinking.
Fear is the opposite of faith, and only faith can overcome fear, faith that God is real, sovereign, and good.
To prepare for this week’s short but pregnant passage, I want to show how Bonhoeffer sought the Lord for I see a parallel with his ancestor, Habakkuk, who waited on God and then walked by faith.
BONHOEFFER WAS NOT LOOKING FOR PERSONAL ADVANTAGE WHEN HE PRAYED
This is the man who gave us, in his thirties, “The Cost of Discipleship.” His face was set like flint to do God’s will. In Dallas Willard’s Hearing God, Willard writes:
I fear many people seek to hear God soley as a device for obtaining their own safety, comfort, and sense of being righteous. …God will simply not cooperate.
How often do we pray to be delivered out of our circumstances? While it is not wrong to pray for healing or blessings, God has a deeper purpose for our lives of which we must always be aware.
BONHOEFFER DEMONSTRATED ACTIVE WAITING
He prayed, he pondered Scripture, he sought counsel. He began to move based on those three things.
He saw how the German church was caving, and endeavored to persuade the leadership of the church to take a stand against Hitler. When they told him they were “waiting on the Lord,” he wrote: “To delay or fail to make decisions may be more sinful that to make wrong decisions out of faith and love.”
Bonhoeffer then was led to begin a seminary in Germany to teach the Word of God to young men and to revive the existing pastors who were being deceived by Hitler’s “German church” which distorted the Scriptures to justify the persecution of Jews. Jews were now being identified on their passports and with yellow badges.
In 1939 Bonhoeffer was called into the German draft. He knew he could not do it for “I would have to do violence to my Christian conscience.” He was able to be released by taking a position in America as a pastor to German refugees. He met with the friends and leaders in Germany to keep the seminary going underground before he left. Then he took a ship to America with a heavy heart for his homeland — he wanted to return as soon as possible. He thought it would be in a year, but he heard from God in 26 days and returned, though he knew it might mean his life.
It was a momentous decision.
He could not do anything less for he had heard from God.
How?
These are some entries from Bonhoeffer’s journal during those 26 days. The first, I believe, shows how God was guiding his heart through His Spirit as Bonhoeffer cried out to God day and night for guidance.
June 15, 1939
I do not understand why I am here. (America) I have now been almost two weeks without knowing what is going on there. (Germany) It is hard to bear. …Tonight the parlor conversation was about if it is possible to get a good musical education in New York…The inactivity, or rather activity in unimportant things, is quite intolerable when one thinks of the brethren and how how precious time is. …I am in utter despair.
His time in the word seemed to confirm what the Spirit was telling his heart. The Word and the Spirit always agree.
Saturday, June 18, 1939
It is almost unbearable… Today God’s Word says, “I am coming soon.” (Rev 3:11) There is not time to lose and here I am wasting days, perhaps weeks. In any case, it seems like that at the moment. My whole life is over there. (Germany)
Sunday, June 19, 1939
He went to a huge church (RIverside) near his hotel, longing to hear from God, but it was a tepid sermon based not on Scripture but on the philosopher William James. Bonhoeffer left, distraught, to return to his room and the Word. His habit was to begin with the psalms, praying them. He was quickened by:
Depart from me you evil ones, so that I may obey God’s commands.
Psalm 119:115
Still others fell on good ground, and produced a crop, some 100, some 60, and some 30 times what was sown.
Matthew 13:8
It comforts me that Bonhoeffer was continually questioning his motives for decisions, making him unsure. He was being pressured by the Americans to stay, because they felt they needed him, and also felt he would be in danger if he went. He was such a godly man, yet often unsure. He writes:
At the end of the day I can only ask God to give a merciful judgement on today and all its decisions.
June 26th, 1939
Today I read by chance in 2 Timothy 4: “Do thy diligence to come before winter,” Paul’s petition to Timothy. “Come before winter” — otherwise it might be too late. This has been in my mind all day.
Bonhoeffer left New York for Europe on July 7th, 1939.
God would use him mightily to bring pastors to their senses, to rescue Jews, and to write books his two years in prison before Hitler had him hung.
Again, in 2016, our world seems to be going mad. We are no longer “slouching toward Gomorrah,” as Robert Bork put it twenty years ago, but rather, “racing toward Gomorrah.”
Another holocaust is happening. 7,000 Christians in the Middle East were martyred last year, yet that news is buried. Are we in the end times? I don’t know, but the world is spiraling down and we must walk by faith and not by fear.
Sunday:
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
Monday – Wednesday Bible Study
Prepare your heart with this:
Audrey Assad wrote this after watching the 21 Coptic Christians beheaded on a beach.
2. As a review of Habakkuk 1:
A. Why was Habakkuk so shocked to hear that God was raising up the
Chaldeans to discipline Israel? (Use the text to answer)
B. Challenge question: My friend Twila and I had an intriguing discussion about
verse 1:12 for some translations (such as the new NIV) say “You shall not
die” and others say “We shall not die.” Remembering that poetry in couplets
repeats thoughts, what do you think and why?
3. Read Habakkuk 2:1-2
A. Where is Habakkuk going and what is he going to do?
B. Keller makes the point to get alone — as a watchtower would do. Do you have a habitual quiet place and time?
C. What phrases in verse 1 show active waiting? Expectancy?
D. What is the first thing that God tells him to do when the vision comes, and how is he to articulate it? Why do you think this is an important command?
E. For those of you who teach, or who are mothers, or who disciple others — what helps you to be clear — and how do you know if you have been understood?
Often prophets have a near and far vision, and that may be the case with Habakkuk.
D. A. Carson writes: Originally this prophecy of Habakkuk pointed to the coming of the Chaldeans to destroy Israel. But this Old Testament text might be considered to have a double fulfillment, originally fulfilled in Habakkuk’s era but pointing to the ultimate fulfillment at the second coming of Christ.
3. According to verse 3, what does God tell him about the vision? Find all you can.
4. Do you see any similarities to Luke 12:35-48?
T
4. JUDGMENT IS COMING. It will deal with the unrighteous and reward the righteous. What is the contrast that is made between the two in verse 4?
5. How are you “walking by faith” in these times? And if indeed, if we are at the precipice of difficult end-times, how will you walk by faith?
6. Read Habakkuk 2:1-4 slowly.
A. Reflect: What quickens you and why?
B. Respond: How could you pray what you learn into your heart?
C. Rest and be with God. Experience His presence.
Thursday-Friday Sermon:
7. Listen and share your notes.
Saturday:
8. What is your take-a-way and why?
186 comments
I found this eric mataxis video on bonhoffer I thought you all might enjoy. off to church, will post more later 🙂
https://youtu.be/48U3D74SwLs
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
The call to live by faith alone. Habakkuk 2:4 “the righteous shall live by his faith.” and in my reading yesterday, 1 Samuel 26:23 “The Lord rewards every man for his righteousness and his faithfulness”. I’m not sure this really fits here, but this is where it hits me–in my own little world, we are purposely venturing into something I never expected to do, and the timing seems strange to many, none of it makes sense by the world’s view, we have been given frightening statistics and possible scenarios if we do this thing–and I, a recovering control freak, with an idol of calm and an innate fear of chaos–am choosing this. When my husband and I reviewed more of the fearful possibilities yesterday, at once it struck me–whatever we are faced with, however hard it is–it will not last forever. We have the absolute assurance of Paradise ahead–and that thought alone can (and should) change how I live today. It may end up He is calling us to something different, all I know is that my desire for comfort and ease is begining to crumbe in the face of a desire to be spilled out for Him. Our world is in a frightening place and so many of us are discouraged–but what a time for our faith to be strengthened, to live out our confidence in Who is on the Throne. Fear is real, the Enenmy’s favorite tactic, and has paralyzed me many times. But He is greater.
I always love this one–“The Lord knows that sight interferes with faith, and, therefore, He does not give us a mixture of the two. We do not walk by sight and faith, but, “we walk by faith, not by sight.” To let us occasionally see, would, in fact, remove us out of the realm of faith and bring us down from the high position of Believers to the low platform of sightseers.”-Charles Haddon Spurgeon
My desire for comfort and ease is beginning to crumble in the face of a desire to be spilled out for him.
Yes!
Beautiful! And exciting! the quote by Spurgeon is an inspiring challenge. Thank you!
Thank you for the Spurgeon quotation. That and your comment encouraged me in my walk.
Lizzy, That Spurgeon quote is so good. I’ve never heard it and it’s making me think. My intuition would say that it would be better to see some of the time and that would make me have faith more…..but I think it is true that when we do see some of the time, we trust sight and not faith. …..the low platform of sightseers….that gives me pause. And oh…the new venture you alluded to. I know God will give you His best. I can so relate to the innate fear of chaos! (have been fighting this even today, as all of a sudden we have three adult children in our home with varying schedules and I am used to such predictability. I lose my center so quickly.) But you are showing a willingness to trust Him even when the path may bring you into places you would never have chosen. I will pray for calm in the midst of the unknown.
Wanda–you put it well “I lose my center so quickly”–yes, that is it! Praying for you dear friend, I know you have more going on than you can share too, glad you are “here”~
I needed to read this post today…wow! I am about to go on a mission trip into Africa. The opportunity came out of nowhere, and Im very excited and humbled. I will be gone all summer, leaving my military husband to tend to our 2 teenagers at home and one 20 year old off in the states in college. I had visions in dreams years ago about this when living in Italy of this trip. Many people do not understand how we can be OK with me going to a potentially unsafe place..and like you said it’s frightening statistically….but whatever we are faced with, it will not last forever. Someone at my husband’s work asked him what if something happens to her, my husband replied, it’s OK, she is doing what she is suppose to be doing, nothing will stop her from going. It’s true, when God calls you, you just have an inner peace. Of course Im like you, control-freak in me is like…what is going on here…but I have total peace about my decision to go and what God is calling me to do over the summer. Thank you for your quote The Lord knows that sight interferes with faith, and, therefore, He does not give us a mixture of the two. We do not walk by sight and faith, but, “we walk by faith, not by sight.” To let us occasionally see, would, in fact, remove us out of the realm of faith and bring us down from the high position of Believers to the low platform of sightseers.”-Charles Haddon Spurgeon….I so needed to read this and trust just that FAITH, God has me and will sustain me in all things that He sends me to do.
Many blessings and prayers for you and your family too.
Staci–so good to see you here again!! Wow–Africa has always had my heart. Praying for your safety and His blessing and His protection over your family. Your peace both comforts and challenges me–what a gift that You have heard so clearly from Him!
Thank you, it’s been a dream of mine as well and literally God gave me dreams many years ago. Im humbled and shocked its happening and I wasn’t even planning it. But when God says Go, you just go and I have such peace. Blessings to you. 🙂
Blessings to you as you go on this mission trip, Staci! What a step of faith it is. God will bring such richness into your life through this obedience.
Thank you Wanda! Im excited to see how this changes me… 😉
How cool, Staci! God’s blessings on your mission trip…may it bear much “fruit.” With the inner peace you are feeling in spite of the potential danger…I believe you have discerned the Lord’s plan for you this summer.
Thank you Nanci 🙂
Staci, always glad to see you here! Prayers going with you to Africa this summer – that is amazing that you dreamed about this years ago! I hope you will be able to return here and share some of your experiences. Will you be working primarily with women, children….can you share what type of missions work you’ll be doing?
Hi, thank you for the prayers. I will be volunteering at an orphanage, working with 16 kids. Ages 9-15. Our old pastor and his wife from Italy took over the orphanage in March. So they need volunteers. Im so blessed and humbled to be able to go and help while showing God’s love to these children. Most have lost their parents to Aids/HIV. We literally are in the bush, live off the land, 3 cows and chickens. No showers, just a 5 gallon bucket and wash clothes by hand. No internet either, the trip for internet is an hours journey on rugged, dirt roads. So I believe the pastor goes once a week to the town, so I may get a chance to go. Im really looking forward to this trip, as God gave me dreams living in Italy and I could not understand what they meant until now. I will be doing arts/crafts with the kids too, so praying for many ideas. I have to supply the materials, so frugal ideas are always good. 😉 Love and blessings to you Susan.
WOW, Lizzy! Yes, you have to follow in His footsteps, wherever they may lead, despite all. You are right, it is all only for a season. This will not last forever. Before my younger brother died, he used to say, “For the non-Christian, this life (all that makes up life, on earth) is as good as it will ever get. For the Christian, this life (however much bad we may suffer through) is as bad as it will ever get!” It only gets better for us! More reason to make Him known to as many as possible! Like you said, even with the potential bad, we are not (none of us) called to a life of ease. When Jesus said, “Follow Me” He wasn’t leading us into a recliner chair….we know where He was leading.
Thanks for sharing this, Lizzy. It has re-focused my vision today. 😀
sweet Mary–he has most often used YOU to teach me these truths…not leading us to a recliner–that’s a good one! love you, glad you posted here, many prayers for you~
Mary, so good to see your face. 🙂 Your brother’s quote is priceless. Thank you.
I love you! 🙂
2. As a review of Habakkuk 1: A. Why was Habakkuk so shocked to hear that God was raising up the Chaldeans to discipline Israel? (Use the text to answer)
The Chaldeans were a “bitter and hasty nation…who seize dwellings not their own, …dreaded and fearsome;…swift to devour…come for violence,…at kings they scoff,…(they are) guilty men, whose own might is their god!” (Hab.1:6-11)
B. Challenge question–“We shall not die.”
I’m not really sure on this–but I hear him saying that because our God is eternal, we know He will protect His own for all of eternity…”For it is My Father’s will that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.” John 6:40
1. What stands out/why
This:
“God’s answer astounded him — He was raising up a far more violent nation.”
and this:
“In Dallas Willard’s Hearing God, Willard writes:
I fear many people seek to hear God soley as a device for obtaining their own safety, comfort, and sense of being righteous. …God will simply not cooperate.
How often do we pray to be delivered out of our circumstances? While it is not wrong to pray for healing or blessings, God has a deeper purpose for our lives of which we must always be aware.”
These stand out, both at a personal level and politically. While they are sobering, they also point to HOPE: God is in control, and His purpose is so much better, richer, more important than my personal comfort and safety. As much as I would prefer to escape discomfort, seeking Him may mean embracing suffering. Thinking of Phil 3:10 “that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death.”
So good Renee. And so good to have you back!
so good Renee–“As much as I would prefer to escape discomfort, seeking Him may mean embracing suffering” sobering, but good–and yes, points to HOPE
2. As a review of Habakkuk 1: A. Why was Habakkuk so shocked to hear that God was raising up the Chaldeans to discipline Israel? (Use the text to answer)
The Chaldeans were “a bitter and hasty nation, who march through the breadth of the earth, to seize dwellings not their own.” They had strong military power and scoffed at the law. They were violent. It was evident that they were evil, so it was shocking that God would use them to discipline a people whose outward behavior wasn’t as bad as that of the Chaldeans.
B. Challenge question:God’s in control; He is eternal, and He is going to win/has won even though we don’t always see it. Because He has conquered death, we shall not die.
We just sang this this morning and it seemed fitting here, Chris Tomlin Greater: https://youtu.be/_0wQRtLy4A0
From him, through him, and to him are all things, To God be the gloryHis word endures from beginning to end, To God be the glory, To God be the glory
Greater is the one who lives in me, Greater is the love of Jesus, Greater than my sin, Greater than the graveAbove all other thrones, Above all other names, Greater, You are greater
He was, and is, and forever will be, To God be the glory, His power in us,He is strength for the weak, To God be the glory, To God be the glory
Jesus, You reign forever, Jesus, You reign forever, There’s no one like you, Jesus, You reign
I am blessed to see this word reign here. It is the word God gave us in worship this morning. He reigns. This is our assurance. Thank You Lord!
Anne–love having you here. I still say a prayer for Joey as I see your azaleas pop up here! love too how you highlighted “reign”–so important to hold on to that fact in these days
Thanks so much for praying for Joey (I don’t get to call him that much anymore). He wants to be a mechanic, goes to local cc and works at Firestone. My oldest is coming to visit tomorrow. He is set up in New York, finished school and has a job he loves but he and his wife are divorcing. I don’t hold much hope for reconciliation aside from an encounter with the Living God for his wife. She is deeply broken. But who knows, God is certainly able and has promised salvation for my entire family. I just don’t know if that includes Liz.
oh Anne–I am so sorry! I remember praying for your older son when he was getting married a few years ago (I was probably posting as “elizabeth” then!) And I think I remember some concerns you had, but won’t put that here. Prayers for all of you~
1. What stands out to you from the above and why? So much. I’ve referenced the Bonhoeffer biography several times here. A couple years ago, I read and discussed it with a friend over the course of a year. I agree with Dee that it is one of; if not the best biography I have ever read. You can’t read Bonhoeffer’s story and not be changed. One of the things that struck me the hardest, was seeing how the ‘German Christians’ allowed Hitler into their lives and their churches. Over time, they slowly ‘bought’ what he was selling, until they could no longer see how terribly destructive and ungodly his elitist teaching was. My heart has been sinking when I see what church people, ‘evangelicals’ by name (though only God knows the heart) have been allowing into their churches and their world views currently and in the past few decades. I had no idea that the churches in Germany largely accepted Hitler’s teaching of ethnic cleansing and his ideology of the perfect Aryan race, until I read Bonhoeffer. It can make me frightened to see the elitist attitudes and angry voices coming from churches in America today. In Germany, this falling away from the gospel spawned the Confessing Church movement and those who led it were in danger for their lives. (and eventually were martyred). Will we need a similar new beginning in America??
I also love how Dee brought up that Bonhoeffer was sometimes unsure. He wrestled and waited but he was active and not passive. Oh, how I need to learn this. To trust God and move forward. When I am unsure, I tend to withdraw instead.
I’m also intrigued by the near and far prophecy idea and look forward to Carson’s teaching. I came to last week’s study so late, that I didn’t get answers posted until Saturday and likely hardly anyone saw them. But when I read through the first lament, my first thought was not only the parallels to the terrorist groups today, but I thought of so many incidences of catastrophic injustice across the globe over centuries and thought of how those affected by them, could have (must have?) read Habakkuk and instantly related to what their families or forbears had suffered. In my comment, I listed the ones that came quickly to mind, but the list goes on and on. Now, I wonder how these thoughts will fall into line with what Carson teaches. I’ll stay tuned.
This quote really stands out to me. For me, I think I fear ‘the fear’ ! That is; when I see all the fear driven rhetoric today and people motivated to act based on fear….that makes me afraid far more than whatever the original ‘fear’ was that was put out there. Yet, in fearing the fear….I am also showing a lack of trust in God. Since faith is the opposite of fear. How complex this is!
Indeed complex… I see how fear can sometimes protect, like when you you get that gut feeling that something is wrong and rather than moving forth you back off or rather than backing off you persevere to find out more, yet fear can also be irrational and paralyze one to not act and/or speak.
I listened to a podcast interview this morning and the speaker encouraged “don’t believe the lie“…it brought your post, Wanda, to mind…thinking about the enemy using fear to distort, distract, paralyze one to inaction, etc. …in effect, we need to not believe the “fear” lie.
Wanda, “You can’t read Bonhoeffer’s story and not be changed.” I absolutely agree!
in regards to the enemy using fear to distort their thinking I see that this has changed somewhat…it used to be a fear of the authoritative figures and those enforcing rules, but now there is a huge fear of the individual. What will they say? What will they do to me? ….?
1. What stands out to you from above and why?
“The inactivity, or rather activity in unimportant things, is quite intolerable”
“Not to speak is to speak, not to act is to act”
Both of these quotes spoke to me…similar to the Edmund Burke quote, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.“ I think of all these quotes in terms of self-focus, materialism, fortune, fame…control, approval, affirmation, comfort; these all serve to distract from reality and God’s will. How often are efforts and energies misplaced? Is this a symptom of disordered loves?…likely so. Bonhoeffer is a excellent witness to getting about to the work of the Lord rather than conforming to the standards of the world and buckling under to fear.
I look forward to learning more about near and far prophecy…interesting.
Nanci….I just re-read Dee’s introduction and that quote jumped out at me too. The complacency of believers in America at a time when in places in Europe, your faith could cost you your life. And still, it’s not hard to see that kind of complacency here and now. Sometimes I long for the ‘coming together’ of earnest believers as happens under persecution. Yet, of course, I fear the persecution. It seems like if we are earnest and growing and putting God first, we would not waste our time on the trivial. But yet we do.
Case in point…the Chibok school girls who were abducted by Boko Haram in Nigeria. At first there was global outrage and a campaign of “Bring our girls home,” but then as other things grasped attention, it seemed that interest was lost by many…early May was the two year anniversary of their abduction.
“”It represents the world’s failure to stand up to terrorism and stand for our civilization,” said Emmanuel Ogebe, an international human rights lawyer that works with the escaped schoolgirls.” (nbcnews.com)
I agree, Nanci. And yet, my friend and I often bemoan that while you are processing and praying for one situation, before long, another just as catastrophic comes along. Individually and globally. I know that a lot of this is because with the internet, we have access to instant media attention to so many global concerns, that we would have had to diligently search for otherwise. And even individual needs. Since I’m re-connected on facebook, with scores of people with whom I had previously lost touch, I see desperate prayer needs pop up every few days that I would otherwise have never known till long after the fact. One of my biggest struggles, is how to prioritize my prayers and how to persevere with the past requests when new ones come up so often. It seemed like some of the girls were returned, just last week? But then I read a conflicting report. I know I need to read more about that myself. And then, there’s reading…..praying……and action. Another struggle. When and where do I act?
With the holiday, I’m just now catching up here. Nanci’s comment made me want to pipe up.
I’ve noticed that many times, too. Something captures our attention and we all care about it, and many are even moved to action. But then, the next big thing comes up, and the masses move on. It’s like we have ADHD. I’m not exactly sure why, but I think it may have something to do with our easy access to news these days through social media.
There was much here to ponder on. However,”activity in unimportant things” really hit me between the eyes. A succinct description of what I see in myself too often and in my local community and society as a whole. We talk of busy, busy, busy and yet discipleship, prayer, and evangelism are so often ignored. May the Lord find me active in His work like the “good and faithful servant”. (sorry I’ve been in and out on this group caring for a dad on hospice. Always gain so much when I’m here. ~Ruth
Ruth – it is so good to see you here! I feel like you have unearthed quite a nugget in “activity in unimportant things” and where you took that in terms of what really DOES matter. That was the standout thought here for me as well. Though I would think that “caring for a dad on hospice” would be a beautiful thing in the eyes of Jesus. 🙂 His peace be yours as you minister to your dad.
Dear Ruth…we all are “in and out” at different times; we are blessed by your presence whenever…:) As a daughter with elderly parents, I can relate to tending to their needs on occasion…caring for a dad on hospice is many steps beyond that.
Adding my voice to say, May God give you peace and His blessing daily as you care for your dad, Ruth. That is a treasured time that can never be replaced. May God’s transcendent peace be with you as you serve and grieve and trust.
Thank you to each who responded. I am encouraged by your words. Swtimes it is challenging and my flesh wants to do other things rather than what God calls me to. I can, like Habakkuk l, want otherwise, but what God ordaubs is always right, good and perfect. Even when it may be punishment (on Israel, for example).
Ruth–I so appreciate your desire to put ‘first things first’. I relate to this also ” my flesh wants to do other things rather than what God calls me to”.I’m praying for you this morning for God to strengthen you and bless you in your sacrifice of care for your dad and your desire to grow in Him.
O Dee, thank you! It has been years since I’ve been fed on Sun am, but to study like this with a group of kindred spirits is so refreshing.
1. What stood out to me was the Bonhoeffer quote, salvation is free, but discipleship will cost you your life, and we walk by faith not by fear. It has always been true that believers are more aware that there are unknowns, but also more assured of who holds it all. Even believers can be blind to the cost of really following. I can’t say I totally get it, but I feel the rumblings within. It is like setting off for a wild ride and having the Spirit say Hold on! It comes with the assurance that God is in total control.
2. B. You/we shall not die…the Living Bible said… you who are eternal… The inference I see is that God would have to go for eternity knowing He had not kept His promise to Israel if they all perished. Since that is impossible, Israel will survive, and Habakkuk verbalized that.
3. A. The footnotes in my Thompson Chain said that Habukkuk was going to be ready with what to say when God rebuked him. I love this about God. He does not crush us but allows us to converse with Him even when we are wrong in our thinking.
4. B. Righteous contrast with unrighteous. The Amplified Bible was very interesting, the uncompromisingly righteous… Especially with all the push today to be tolerant, and how entertainment dulls me and makes me insensitive to sin.
7. Tim Keller. Wow. This was for me, and for a friend who is going thru tough times. Waiting means to serve and not pull back from people and God; it doesn’t matter if I am getting anything out of it (prayer); can be assured you will never get anything out of NOT praying. And that our focus ultimately needs to be not on what we want God to give us, but just on Him, because He has already waited on us.
8. I’ve only just begun to learn how to wait, but I am glad for every lesson I’ve had.
1. I was blessed to see, in Bonhoeffer’s journal how God spoke to him. He answered the unrest in his soul with the word, repeatedly. Then there was his lack of fear. That is a miraculous work of God. I guess I’m a visual person because that little cartoon really spoke to me and I will remember it. What will I put on today? Here is a song that really helped me in my struggle with fear. I hit a crisis with it and my pastor’s wife shared this with me. If you struggle with fear, sing this song, loud. https://youtu.be/XxkNj5hcy5E
Thanks Anne; made me cry this morning with this song….wonderful.
Anne – “He answered the unrest in his soul with the Word, repeatedly.” SO CRUCIAL. For Bonhoeffer. For us all. Thanks so much for sharing this God focused insight!! 🙂
2b. Challenge question. I am guessing. I wonder if His punishment was intended to save them as a nation. If God had not punished them they would have continued on thinking they were just fine before Him. This judgement was intended to bring repentance and life, rather than that final judgement that will put away evil and sin forever. Mt 23:39 says they will one day say blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord. I like that.
So could the repeated thought here be eternal life? God has it and He wants to give it to them but they must repent and obey Him to receive it.
3d. God told him to write it down, clearly, legibly and permanently because it is for a day in the future and also for the end. I see the telescoping here. It is important for the people living in that day so that they will understand what is happening and what to do. It is also important for God’s glory. Because these things were fortold in antiquity people will believe in Him.
These words are so powerful. Oh the things that God did through Bonhoeffer when he returned to Germany. A dear Christian friend casually mentioned to me not long ago, ‘I kind of get mad that Dietrich Bonhoeffer decided to leave America when he did. He could have lived! Think of what he could have done! But she knew….as I did that she was just musing. God had plans that were higher than our finite minds can reason. One of the things that truly amazes me is that the book he wrote on Psalms survived. It was written in prison and at a time when anything that pertained to Jewish literature was destroyed. And yet it remains. God’s hand was so surely on the works of Bonhoeffer’s hand.
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
Your entire post has me shaking in my boots…not in a good way though ?. You have scared me even more than I was before. I realize that we are meant to stand up and help others, and apparently this Bonhoeffer fellow (and others) gave his life to do so. However, we can’t all be Bonhoeffers; I’m not that brave, I don’t have enough money, my husband would “kill” me, and the list of excuses goes on. I think it’s the second of his quotes that hit me the hardest. Of course I would like to help those who are being persecuted, but how? We have local groups who are praying, and I have prayed with them a couple of times (as well as by myself), but what else? I don’t have enough money to send (and who would get it anyway?), I should have sent money for a blanket for the “open sky people ” (never got around to that) and I guess if I’m being very honest with myself, I would say that I am glad I’m in my little cocoon of a world. Because I am a thoughtless human I will have to face God and explain. I have such an uncomfortable feeling now after reading this post.
My son is traveling to Europe this summer and I really don’t want him to go. It is for a school study, but I am SO fearful for his life. It is hard to focus on faith when the Middle East is in such turmoil and hatred abounds. As Habakkuk said in his writing, where are you oh Lord?? I don’t want my son to die because of those savages and their strange hatred of others. Why can’t they just leave everyone alone? Why do they have to be so terrible? I am not feeling comforted by faith tonight ?.
Such good reflections.
Laura, as I am reading your post, I think, oh…she doesn’t see all that she is doing in the kingdom of our Lord. God is using you (and your hubby) in the life of your grandson, in the lives of your children, the lives of the children you instruct, in your blog sisters lives (I can attest to that with your thought provoking posts and your loving heart)…who knows what plans He has for your future. Your authentic, heartfelt prayers to God are HUGE…your thankfulness and trust in the Lord are key. Keep singing you song, dear Laura…”I need You, Lord, I need You; every hour I need You, my one Defense, my Righteousness, oh God how I need You.”
Laura, We will both have children in Europe studying then. My youngest leaves for England in September to return in December. I am very excited for her and also nervous. I don’t usually let terrorism cause me to fear but I admit it is hard to think of one you love more than words can say, being so far from you. And northern Europe has been hit more recently. I even think about her being over there during and after the USA elections. With such violent rhetoric leading up to the elections, will there be backlashes? But I think that those would occur more here than there? Our country is on edge). I am seeing this time as a time to truly prove my trust in the Lord. My older daughter went to Italy for the same amount of time during her Senior year of college and amazingly, the Lord gave me peace. She has the serious chronic illnesses, and left here with an entire suitcase of meds, so from that stand point, it was far more stressful to send her. The peace was ALL the Lord’s doing. I’m getting a little anxious just typing this, because it’s forcing me to think about my baby leaving in Sept. BUT I must ‘set my face like flint’ as Dee just quoted. ‘You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast because he trusts in you.’ Isaiah 26:3 That will be my prayer. To be able to trust him when I cannot see. I will pray that for you too.
Laura, you are so real! I can empathize with all you say.
I will keep this quote in mind this week “the world is spiraling down and we must walk by faith and not by fear”.
As I read about those Christians in persecuted nations ( and take frequent breaks because it is so hard even for me to wrap my head around their situations)
I will pray for greater faith, and to think less of our present circumstances. The book is I am n. (Voice of the Martyrs.)
Yes, I try to spend time alone in the morning in my small prayer/study room. Prayers, Laura.
Laura, I agree with Shirley’s reply to you in saying that “you are so real!” You just come out with the things that I believe we all think but perhaps don’t want to say. I also felt the discomfort reading the opening. But, you are right in saying that we are not all Bonhoeffers, and if we were all alike and with one purpose, many other purposes and good works would be left undone. I like the “grow where you are planted” mindset. You are doing a tremendous task at helping to raise your grandson. I believe you influence the students that you teach for good. Not all of us are called to go, and we can pray for those who do. I surely don’t see you as a “thoughtless” human – you are always thinking and caring! My thoughts and prayers are with you, too, as your son spends the summer in Europe. Ah, that brings back fond memories of the summer I spent in Germany when I was in college! If I remember, we had some conflict with Iran (back in the 80’s) and my sister was convinced my airplane would be shot down or some other misfortune. As it happened, that summer was after the Chernobyl nuclear crisis, and I remember there being the radiation cloud moving over Europe, and milk produced in Bavaria, where I was, was found to be contaminated. Well, I’m still here! I understand your concerns, though, as it’s a different world today. My one son will be going to Dubai for a week in September, although he keeps assuring me it’s one of the safest places in the world:))
2. As a review of Habakkuk 1:
A. Why was Habakkuk so shocked to hear that God was raising up the
Chaldeans to discipline Israel? (Use the text to answer)
I think Habakkuk thinks God is using the Chaldeans as a judgement for the sin of his people. They will sacrifice those who are righteous (explained in how they capture them in nets).
B. Challenge question: My friend Twila and I had an intriguing discussion about verse 1:12 for some translations (such as the new NIV) say “You shall not die” and others say “We shall not die.” Remembering that poetry in couplets repeats thoughts, what do you think and why?
Maybe the reference to “you” is because Jesus died on the cross, but He didn’t die forever; He has everlasting life. The reference to “we” is similar because if we believe, then we also have everlasting life, like Jesus.
3. Read Habakkuk 2:1-2
A. Where is Habakkuk going and what is he going to do?
Habakkuk is going to his watch post to wait for God to speak to him. His plan is to write it down when he learns what it is God wants.
I don’t think I can articulate what I want to very well, but since yesterday I have been bombarded by the quote above in one way or the other. Basically it’s about sitting by and watching others suffer and not responding. Our pastor in church talked about it, I watched a movie where it was the central theme, and then read Dee’s post. Too weird. I’ve always said that if you don’t respond to someone you disagree with, then you are agreeing with them.
I have been pondering this idea that the west is becoming less Christian these days (I didn’t want to believe it) and it has just dawned on me that America has made a stand in the past that was Christian “supporting,” though not put in place because of Christianity (Sort of a side benefit). We, as a country have denounced communism because of its evil nature (killing people and such). Now our government is “making friends” with countries who are known for their atrocities of the past; essentially saying “it’s ok you have killed thousands/millions in the name of your government.” This is definitely (to me) an indicator of this idea that the west is becoming less Christian. Sad.
Laura — I love your honesty, articulating what many of us in our gut feel. Though fears loom up like giants, and the only way they can be slayed is by faith that God is good, that He loves us so, and nothing slips between His fingers. Something I have to repeat to myself all the time.
The National Association of Evangelicals is organizing day of prayer for our nation’s revival; hoping to get 1 million people participating. The date is July 10, 2016…info is at http://nae.net/praytogether/
Thank you Nanci; I will check this out!
1. What stands out to you from the above and why? Two things:
Bonhoeffer. I read Metaxas’ biography of him a couple of years ago and Bonhoeffer is now dear to my heart and a hero to me. His story definitely changed my life. I remember from the book, when Bonhoeffer did go back to Germany, many were “angry” with him because Bonhoeffer was supposed to be the one to pick up the pieces when it was all over and rebuild the church properly and guide the church through the post-war era. They expected certain things but God had different story to tell.
Secind, someone (or two?) was asking how to wait on the Lord recently (Laura, was that you?) and I thought well, here we may find guidance for that question for it is a good one!
3. Read Habakkuk 2:1-2
A. Where is Habakkuk going and what is he going to do? go to his watchpost on the tower. See what God will say to him (I thought this next part was…almost amusing) and “and what I will answer concerning my complaint.” He was wondering how he would respond/talk back to God. Maybe it’s not that much different from when I wonder how I would respond if God asked me to (fill in the blank).
B. Keller makes the point to get alone — as a watchtower would do. Do you have a habitual quiet place and time? Nope and that needs to change. Can’t quite imagine a quiet place right now.
C. What phrases in verse 1 show active waiting? take my stand, station myself Expectancy? look out to see (WOW! Powerful.)
D. What is the first thing that God tells him to do when the vision comes, and how is he to articulate it? Write the vision, make it plain Why do you think this is an important command?
Not entirely sure about the writing part, maybe so that the “evidence” is recorded so that it will reach more people. Wasn’t this a time when knowledge still was passed down orally … and a bunch of people weren’t able to read? I guess if the leaders could read, they could spread what was written. The “make it plain” part is pretty obvious though. If people can’t understand the instructions, they can’t follow them.
E. For those of you who teach, or who are mothers, or who disciple others — what helps you to be clear — and how do you know if you have been understood?
I know I’m not always clear!! But the times I am: I omit about 90% of what I’d like to convey, check my assumptions about foundational knowledge of students (review stuff they already should know), write it down, make it available many times, and develop questions/projects for them to learn & apply material. To tell if they understand: Look at their responses to applications, have them tell others or teach the info, exams. I really don’t know if they understand until I see if they can apply the info. The purpose of the exams is just as much to “force” them to learn the material (or at least be exposed to some of it) as it is to assess.
Interesting comments from a teacher!
2. As a review of Habakkuk 1:
A. Why was Habakkuk so shocked to hear that God was raising up the
Chaldeans to discipline Israel? They were more brutal than the violent people he had just complained to God about. “How could the ‘solution’ be worse than the problem?” he must have thought.
B. Challenge question: verse 1:12 for some translations (such as the new NIV) say “You shall not die” and others say “We shall not die.” Remembering that poetry in couplets repeats thoughts, what do you think and why? Might the ‘we’ refer to Habakkuk’s people, or maybe refer to God and Habakkuk together (?) (their own intimacy?) He is certain that God is from everlasting (vs. 12) as Keller says, this rhetorical question is not meant to question, but to ‘punish’ God since he knows without a doubt that God is everlasting and won’t die. Might he be indicating that he is seeing that trusting in God gives us mortals everlasting life also? Might he be speaking of spiritual life and not physical life?
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
If I picked one thing it would be this from Bonhoeffer’s journal: “Tonight the parlor conversation was about if it is possible to get a good musical education in New York….The inactivity, or rather activity in unimportant things, is quite intolerable when one thinks of the brethren and how precious time is…I am in utter despair.”
The reason this quote stands out to me is that it is so very timeless. My own journals contain quotes that would be VERY similar. Indeed, only about a year ago I was ready to quit one of the small groups I am a part of because so MUCH of our evenings together seemed to be focused on “twaddle”!!! One evening in particular, I had journalled about my despair that we had what seemed like half of our time together discussing restaurants and menus!! Even though my concerns were valid, God took my heart to task about my judgemental spirit in it all…..and He told me clearly to stay, to be willing to be humiliated (cannot really explain that one!) and to “be the change”……it seems I was not the only one with these concerns….and a year later, our group is entirely different!! There’s been a bit of a ‘group humbling” and our time together is entirely different in focus – Christ is being lifted up and change is happening!! 🙂 We may not be Bonhoeffer’s yet….but I think we are desiring to be more and more!
Jackie that is a great testimony about your small group. Thanks for sharing that.
I loved that story too. I’ve been in those situations, where I squirm and struggle and don’t know how to stop the train. Your stepping up to ‘be the change’ was great to read! I’ve been thankful that the new group I’m in usually keeps its focus.
Oh Jackie — we are kindred spirits in our longings and judgment. But how wonderful you persisted and the group is changing. What a good testimony for me.
2.A. Why was Habakkuk so shocked to hear that God was raising up the Chaldeans to discipline Israel?
The Babylonians were “ruthless and impetuous people … they are a law to themselves and promote their own honor. … they all come bent on violence. … guilty men, whose own strength is their god.” Habakkuk questions how God can “tolerate the treacherous” of the Babylonians, how He can be “silent while the wicked swallow up those more righteous than themselves.”
2.B. v. 1:12, what do you think and why?
I think that Habakkuk recognizes that God’s discipline via the Chaldeans will occur as a “re-set” of sorts…a means to Judah’s repenting and turning back to Him. Judah will not be obliterated from the face of the earth. I am reading The People’s Bible Commentary on Habakkuk to help my understanding. The commentary states, “Saying that God will not die confesses that it is the eternal God who is controlling the affairs of the world. Saying that “we” will not die would be the prophet’s way of affirming that Judah’s messianic hope would be fulfilled in spite of the harsh discipline they were enduring.”
I would agree with that, especially in the context of the quote — that while all around there is tumult, God is eternal and will never die.
Reminds me of the verse from Immortal Invisible: we blossom and flourish like leaves on the tree, and wither and perish but naught changeth Thee
2A. Why was Habakkuk so shocked to hear that God was raising up the Chaldeans to discipline Israel?
Wow, this has me contemplating anew our tendency to “catagorize evil”…..we like to always think that someone else is “more evil” than we are? I could not number the times in my own life when I have been like Peter in John 21:21….after Jesus has given Peter a prophetic preview of what was to come for Peter in his life and death….Peter looks at John and says ‘Lord, what about this man?”. Part of Jesus’ answer is “….what is that to you? You follow me.” God’s true concern for my life, and the life of the church, is to mold and shape us into the likeness of Christ. We think that in God’s economy we have it all figured out – that “good” should triumph over “evil”…..while God is shaping us with ETERNITY in view! It makes me think somehow of Paul’s words in Romans 9:20&21. “But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, ‘Why have you made me like this?’ Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use?” His discipline to His children comes to us in ways that often seem strange and even, “unjust”…..and yet, praise God, we ARE His children!! His heart beats for us and HIs hand of discipline in our lives is for our GOOD, for things eternal and unseen.
Yes, the pecking order of comparison, when the reality is that we all are unable to pay our sin debt regardless of its size. This comparing reminds me of the pharisees who viewed themselves as righteous, thinking themselves above the “sinners” that Jesus allowed in His presence…they could not recognize or acknowledge being bankrupt in being able to pay their sin debt.
Yes, Jackie and Nanci, it reminds me of a quote (I’m sorry I can’t tell you who): “God does not grade on the curve!”
Jackie,
As I read your post here regarding the clay and the potter, I was immediately reminded of this master artisan potter. (I have posted some of this before, several months ago, but it is so well worth repeating.)
These two excerpts are such a poignant analogy of the crises and fires in our lives in the hands of our Potter:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xj5q8DGwzrE and
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrJvdcJSj0A
(two and a half min. and one and a half min. respectively)
The entire video is about 53 minutes and it is riveting: http://dod.org/programs/the-potter-reflections-of-a-master-artisan/
I love that video, Nila!…yes, well worth sharing again.
OH…..and this reminds me of our sermon yesterday. Pastor D. was talking about this very thing. He used two photographs on slides (said he had gotten this inspiration just that morning, and warned that it was a bit ‘intense’) of the human heart. Both were damaged and compared to a healthy heart looked pretty ominous. Yet one was definitely ‘worse’ than the other. But they’re both in critical need of intervention. Yet, we are so good (me too!) at standing next to the person who has a heart that is ‘worse’ than ours and allowing that to bring us some level of comfort. “The closer you are to health, the more obvious it is when you are unhealthy. The closer you are to holiness, the more obvious it is when you are unholy.” The example was a bit graphic, but it is sticking with me.
Deanna, Nanci, Nila, Wanda……how I love it when I see the “ripples” from a comment and each of you take it in a direction that no one of us individually would have been able to do!! Collectively, there is a special kind of beauty and resonance……and it heartens me greatly this morning to see HIs fingerprints so visibly here! 🙂
2B. What do you think and why? (1:12)?
Dee, when you speak of poetry in couplets repeating the thought….hmmm. This may be way far afield, but I thought of the “we” in “we shall not die’ as we believers. How, in Christ, we are in UNION with God – and this would of course include Habakkuk and the multitudes of OT believers. In that sense, in union with Christ, we live eternally. This would be speaking spiritually of course. Physically we will die, but our souls shall live forevermore with Christ….for our union with Him can NEVER be broken!! Come what may on this earth!
It certainly good be — in the same sense that when Jesus told Martha “he who believes in me shall never die,” yet I tend to see it as God (see my note to Nanci above) My understanding is that there were times when the scribes were hesitant to write the name God — but obviously there is disagreement as translations go both ways.
3.A. Where is Habakkuk going and what is he gong to do?
Habakkuk is going to “stand at his watch” and wait for the Lord to provide a message/answer.
B. Do you have a habitual quiet place and time?
I have a chair by the fireplace with a crate next to it that has various bibles of differing translations, journal sheets, devotionals and reference books in it. I have a small cross that my husband made for me that hangs on the fireplace stone. On a regular workday, I am sitting down in my chair spending my first hour with the Lord reading my bible, praying, journaling, doing bible study. On non-work days, the schedule is less set…I often pray or ponder while walking my dog or while doing some other type of solitary activity. There is typically some point in my non-work day where I sit in my chair and minimally read my bible and often read a soul edifying book (e.g., The Holy Wild) and/or ponder.
C. What phrases in v. 1 show active waiting? Expectancy?
Active waiting: “I will stand at my watch”
Expectancy: “I will look to see what He will say to me”
D. What is the first thing that God tells him to do when the vision comes,
Write it down.
and how is he to articulate it?
Habakkuk is to write it “plain” on tablets so the information can be distributed.
Why do you think this is an important command?
The Lord wants the information distributed widely; He wants the information to be easily understood so all can understand what was revealed to Habakkuk. This would be similar to social media…the Lord wants what He is telling Habakkuk known far and wide.
E. For those of you who teach, or who are mothers, or who disciple others–what helps you to be clear–and how do you know if you have been understood?
I tend to use a two-step process…I will tell my children/grandchild something and then follow up with a question of some sort that allows me to tell whether they truly heard the meaning of what I was saying or if it wasn’t understood or articulated clearly enough. I want them to relay back to me their understanding. If it is the latter (i.e., not understood), I try to re-explain and/or re-instruct in a different way for better understanding and then follow up once again with a question to assess understanding. The second step is observing. I’m big into “actions speaking louder than words.” In my observing, I can sometimes see if they really got it, if they are doing whatever for the right reason or if their actions are pretentious.
I loved your last answer, Nanci. How often we fail to see if we have been really understood and follow up questions can clarify.
I haven’t read the other comments yet so please forgive me if I repeat.
What stood out to me in the reading about Bonhoeffer is the idea of Active Waiting: praying, pondering, and seeking counsel. I fear many times I just pray and wait. This type of waiting described above is much more, it holds me accountable to do my part. I must study scripture and ask others, as well, then respond accordingly. I am hoping some of the comments this week will be personal testimonies of these active waiting times. I’d really love to hear how God has moved you to action after a period of active waiting.
Good encouragement from Jean to share testimonies of “active waiting.” I’d like to hear too!
3A. Where is Habakkuk going and what is he going to do?
I love that he says he is going to “take my stand” and “station myself” on the watchpost, the tower. There is an intentionality here that is delightful and amusing at the same time to me! Just as our Bonhoeffer example…..Habakkuk is determined to WAIT for “what he will say to me “. And, oh so much like me, he is already preparing an answer to God’s possible words!! Oh, how grateful I am that God is so merciful to us. He deals gently with us when we truly seek Him…..even though we may seek Him somewhat tied in knots and with our heads filled with our own words! He takes that step of obedience as we see here in Habakkuk….finding that place of wide perspective (the tower, the watchpost) and expectation to hear from God….knowing that it may require a time of waiting.
3B. Keller makes the point to get alone – as a watchtower would do. Do you have a habitual quiet place and time?
I can hardly think of anything I have heard more consistently in terms of Christian disciplines than “getting alone with God consistently”. ie/the quiet time. Yes, I do have a room and very early in the morning is my time. While there is certainly nothing sacred at all in the place and time…..I have long seen this as positioning myself/humbling myself before Him. Whether I feel like it or not. As a brand new Christian I remember hearing Elisabeth Eliot speak on this very verse – Habakkuk 2:1 – and though I cannot remember her words exactly, my take away was just that. To be intentional in the sense of waiting expectantly on God – daily.
3C. What phrases in verse 1 show active waiting? Expectancy?
“i will take my stand”, “station myself”, “look out to see what he will say to me”…..pretty much MOST of the first verse would fit here!
B. Keller makes the point to get alone — as a watchtower would do. Do you have a habitual quiet place and time?
On beautiful mornings, my place is my deck. I think my senses are so much more aware when I’m feeling the breeze and hearing the birds. Otherwise, I have a reading/fireplace room. I have baskets of books surrounding my chair. (a little dangerous. I could be there for hours without moving) One basket is filled with different versions of the Bible. I also have a very casual school year ‘job’ where a few mornings a week, I go to a friend’s home and wait with her son until the bus comes. He’s now in 5th grade. I used to be there with all three of her kids and started this 6 years ago, when the youngest was in K and I did games and books with them. But the past two years, the kids are very independent and doing their own reading or electronic stuff so, besides cleaning a little and walking the dog, I have time to do more reading while I’m there.
Even Unto Death: Ohhhhh. The song by Audrey Assad. I just watched/listened. With the gray, misty winter scenes as a backdrop, it SO made me think of the Trappist monks in Algeria in the ’90’s who lost their lives to fundamentalist terrorists who raided their monastery. They had had timely warnings and had the chance to leave but they could not leave their neighbors;, the impoverished people to whom they ministered. And they too, became martyrs…..loving the Lord even unto death. The closing scene in the movie Of Gods and Men, which tells their story, shows them being led away into the Algerian winter; snowy, gray and misty……so much like the song. That image as well as the image of the Coptic Christians on the beach, AND the image of Bonhoeffer and his companions being hung for their role in the conspiracy to assassinate Hitler….are all haunting and yet…..oh the power of the resurrection. It is never more real than when one willingly gives up their lives. Just now this thought from another famous martyr rings clear:
‘He is no fool to lose what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.’ ~Jim Elliot~
I loved that movie, Wanda. The scene I found so moving was when they all shared a last meal together….it was so reminiscent of The Last Supper. They spoke no words….the camera lingered on the different expressions on each of their faces….
C. What phrases in verse 1 show active waiting? Expectancy? So much resolve. I will stand. At my watch. (I will watch. implied) I will ‘station myself’ (not slouching; but standing firm!) I will look to see what he will say to me. He is definitely ready to hear from God. Expecting to hear from God. And willing to watch and wait.
D. What is the first thing that God tells him to do when the vision comes, and how is he to articulate it? Why do you think this is an important command? To write down what is revealed to him. Make it clearly stated so that it can be shared with others, by sending a messenger with it. Important, because God wants him to get it right. To write it down right away and be clear about what was said. God wants him to let others know his message. This isn’t cryptic or hidden. It is revealed.
E. For those of you who teach, or who are mothers, or who disciple others — what helps you to be clear — and how do you know if you have been understood? I know if I’ve been understood when I see my child or my student act exactly as I’d asked them to. Yet, sometimes, that can be a rote behavior and it hasn’t been internalized. I will truly know they ‘got it’ if I see the behavior when they don’t know I am watching. When I’m in a teaching situation with children, my biggest joy is when I see them answer a question, not with a parroted response that they ‘know’ is the ‘right one’, but with a heart felt, sincere question or reply. Sometimes, it’s as though you can almost see the wheels turning in their minds. When they aren’t satisfied with just the impulsive, ‘I’ve got this’ kind of answer, but when they pause or think aloud as they try to articulate, I know I am getting through to them. What helps me to be clear? That’s harder to answer. It varies so much with the child. I do think using personal experience as a teacher is one of the best ways. Getting to their level and sharing something that happened to you and then discussing what has happened to them, helps them see the relevance of what is taught.
Wanda, Now I’m feeling guilty for not putting together a stand-up desk!! Would rather sit on my butt on the couch and work — sometimes slouching 😉
I have no comment as I sit here in my comfy chair with my feet up……. 🙂
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
The Bonhoeffer quote: “Salvation is free, but discipleship will cost you your life.” This quote sort of grabbed me around the throat. I think we Christians speak easily about being committed and giving our all, but when we are told “discipleship will cost you your life,” we tend to murmur. “we certainly hope that won’t be the case.”
Also: “Fear is the opposite of faith, and only faith can overcome fear, faith that God is real, sovereign, and good.” This is our only saving grace — otherwise we are totally lost! Personally, I wouldn’t be able to face life without this knowledge.
B. Keller makes the point to get alone — as a watchtower would do. Do you have a habitual quiet place and time?
In the morning, I lay in bed and do this study on my phone. I have to be careful to not be late for work though (like today?)! This morning I am listening to the rain fall out my window, my husband puttering in the kitchen, and the wind blowing. Sometimes it’s birds. The windows are open now since the true cold is gone. It is nearly heaven until I have to get up and start the hustle and bustle of the day.
C. What phrases in verse 1 show active waiting? Expectancy?
He is taking a stand, stationing himself, and looking.
I like to to think about times when Jesus answers me when I have prayed about something, or when I get a kiss from the king. It is exciting to think of the next time it might happen….where will I be? What will I be doing? How will he answer me?
Can picture you, Laura!
2. As a review of Habakkuk 1:
A. Why was Habakkuk so shocked to hear that God was raising up the Chaldeans to discipline Irael? I am not sure. “You who are of purer eyes than to see evil and cannot look at wrong, why do you idly look at traitors and are silent when the wicked swallows up the man more righteous than he” Is Habakkuk shocked because the Lord is going to allow evil to be ‘unleashed’ on Israel and God “shouldn’t” be able to stand by and watch?
B. Challenge question: My friend Twila and I had an intriguing discussion about verse 1:12 for some translations (such as the new NIV) say, ” You shall not die” and others say, ” We shall not die.” Remembering that poetry in couplets repeats thoughts, what do you think and why? My ESV says “We” I read several other translations and the bent seems to be toward the Israelites not dying.. Frankly, I read it as collective of the people, the prophet, and God. He is eternal therefore we (those who live with Him in His eternity) will not die….. Another possibility (though perhaps stretching it?) is the the “We” is the Holy Spirit with the eternal God who is inspiring these prophecies in Habakkuk?? If the “We shall not die” is a repeated thought of “You are eternal God” then it is unlikely that “We shall not die” is purely about the Israelites falling to the Chaldeans.
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
Waiting versus Active Waiting
I realize that Dee is referring to our quiet times here but in a broader sense, we are always waiting for the Lord to return and for our imperfect lives here to be finished. There are many Christians who believe that we should wait on the Lord, in the sense that we should be inactive. God will do it; we need only to stand. Though I am sympathetic because God CAN and often does work His will without us; yet God has many times chosen to do His will THROUGH us. As you have pointed out, Dee, we live in difficult times. The tide of public opinion, at least here in Canada, has turned against Christianity. We are considered old fashioned, intolerant, and not “politically correct”. We are being told to “be quiet”; to keep our religion to ourselves.
Yet, we must NOT give in to the pressures around us. As I shared recently, our government is now legalizing euthanasia; forcing doctors and medical professionals to kill people, if requested, or at least to refer those requesting to die to another physician who will kill them. So sad, so very sad! The implications are HUGE! And what are we as Christians to do?! We must not be silent; and we must ACT. We must pray for our leaders, our medical personnel, for our nation and for ourselves. And we must do whatever God tells us to do. For my preacher husband, it has meant preaching against this legislation from the pulpit. And I am sure that is not the end of it!
Very good application to the situation in Canada, Diane. Indeed!
Diane – oh how my heart began aching anew as I pondered what this could mean almost immediately for those who work in medicine in Canada – on the front lines, so to speak. I believe that we here in the U.S. will be standing in your shoes, Diane, in the blink of an eye. And your pastors, such as your husband? Oh my. Melissa Kruger wrote a fine piece on the Gospel Coalition site just last week….. it can be found at https://blogs.thegospelcoalition.org/melissakruger/2016/05/17/worship-in-the-midst-of-a-weary-world/ It seems relevant to all of us here as we dive into Habakkuk and find ourselves churning as we contemplate our own times. Here’s a favorite quote from Melissa’s article: “This particular song reminds me that the most significant problems we face are not our choices for president or laws that may make being a Christian increasingly difficult. The greatest challenge before us is the reality that ‘unnumbered souls are dying and passing into the night.’ ” Which kind of circles back around to those “first things” that we looked into so recently!
3. According to v. 3, what does God tell him about the vision?
–the vision will occur at “an appointed time”
–the vision “speaks of the end”
–the vision “will not prove false”
–the vision “will certainly come” to be
4. Do you see any similarities to Luke 12:35-48?
A similarity in both is that something (i.e., the Chaldeans) or someone (i.e., the master) is coming and a warning is given to be prepared. The specific time of the coming is not known, the time will be unexpected, therefore being prepared at all times is deemed prudent.
A testimony of active waiting: (as encouraged by Jean and Dee) This one goes back a long ways, but it has relevance for my life still today. I got my elementary teaching degree in 1982 at a time when there was such a teacher surplus that only about 25% of my fellow classmates got hired as teachers that year. (and this was from a university that had a very good reputation for turning out high quality elementary ed. teachers.) I was married and my husband was in school, so I had no option to ”go far away’ to find a teaching job, yet I felt so strongly, that this was what I was called to do. I’d always heard the advice, that ‘only a moving ship can be steered’ so I looked instead for other jobs and I made my needs known to believers I knew would pray and I did find other jobs that kept me working. At the same time, my husband and I were offered a caretaker position for a four-plex of elderly residents in a nice neighborhood. We would live in a caretaker’s apt. for a very reduced rate of rent. This ended up helping so that we could still manage to pay the bills, even without me working at a ‘real’ job. (He was still working full time and going to school full time.) I could write pages of the benefits that happened while we lived and served the people in that four plex. A life long friendship developed with our backyard neighbors, as we both ended up having kids of similar ages. That friendship is still cherished today, though we live several hours away now. Their oldest and ours still have a strong relationship even though we moved when they were only 4 and 5. Most poignant is that one day, after we moved, we got a phone call from the husband. He called to thank my husband for not giving up on him, when he invited him to men’s fellowship breakfasts and outings, because he had just re-committed his life to the Lord and they were now truly getting involved in a church again. His wife has also mentioned many times how things I said and did, were instrumental in her understanding what a relationship with Jesus could mean. And they went on to become leaders in their church and community, for the Lord. I still wonder if more is going to come out of this long time friendship, as their oldest and my oldest continue the friendship that began in the back yard 28 years ago, since they now live in the same city again and make a point of seeing each other. They have taken different paths in life, but highly respect each other. Maybe this is one link to bringing my oldest back to his childlike faith. I don’t know how God will continue to use this relationship, but I do know that he was always working, even when, at first, I thought his guidance was at a standstill because I didn’t find a teaching job. By continuing to move forward and take what looked ‘second best’ he continues to amaze me. Gratitude to Him for his goodness.
That’s great, Wanda.
Love how you still have a strong relationship even though you moved away when he was 4 or 5.
Wanda !! Your sharing here is fantastic!! Who could read this and not take heart and be fortified even in our own lives? I know that has been the case for me this morning. 🙂 Your story bridges many years and tears and touches all of the respective family members it would seem. I was pierced by how you and your husband were able to minister and testify of Christ to the parents….and now it seems that their child who might be a link in the chain that brings your oldest back to the Lord! Some days all we can see is how we have “failed” Him….but it’s SO good to look back and see His faithfulness to us as we have persevered in our love for Him!!
Thanks for taking the ‘challenge’ Wanda!
2. As a review of Habakkuk 1:
A. Why was Habakkuk so shocked to hear that God was raising up the Chaldeans to discipline Israel? (Use the text to answer)
1:12-13a “Lord, are you not from everlasting? My God, my Holy One, you will never die. You, Lord, have appointed them to execute judgement, you my Rock, have ordained them to punish. Your eyes are too pure to look on evil; you cannot tolerate wrongdoing, why then do you tolerate the treacherous?”
Habakkuk was appalled that God would use a nation more wicked than Judah to punish Judah. Evil is self-destructive and God is continually in control. God can use whatever tool (even an evil one) to correct or punish.
B. Challenge question: My friend Twila and I had an intriguing discussion about verse 1:12 for some translations (such as the new NIV) say “You shall not die” and others say “We shall not die.” Remembering that poetry in couplets repeats thoughts, what do you think and why?
I don’t think we can be certain about this. If it is “we shall not die,” I would think it would be referring to eternal life through Jesus Christ. What other meaning could it have? I would say that “we”refers to all who are believers.
3. Read Habakkuk 2:1-2
A. Where is Habakkuk going and what is he going to do?
He says “I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts.” There he is going to watch for an answer from the Lord.
B. Keller makes the point to get alone — as a watchtower would do. Do you have a habitual quiet place and time?
When I am seated before my computer, there is a window immediately to my left. I can make a quarter-turn and look out the window to view a landscape island (filled with flowers, a bird feeder, a bird bath, and a hummingbird feeder). Frequently I am distracted by watching the wildlife on the “island.” I can see squirrels, rabbits, chipmunks, a variety of birds, and an occasional hummingbird. Beyond the landscape island is a woods. Just recently I have purchased new patio furniture, and I am planning on taking my morning cup of coffee along with my Bible out there where I can see the same view, but I will have the added benefit of gentle breezes and the sounds of bird calls.
C. What phrases in verse 1 show active waiting? Expectancy?
“Stand at my watch” and “look to see what he will say to me.”
D. What is the first thing that God tells him to do when the vision comes, and how is he to articulate it? Why do you think this is an important command?
He is to write it down and make it plain, so a messenger can run with it. Yes, writing something down makes it a bit more authoritative. Making it plain is so it will be understood properly. It is to be made for the purpose of communicating it to others (by messenger).
E. For those of you who teach, or who are mothers, or who disciple others — what helps you to be clear — and how do you know if you have been understood?
When teaching children, I am not given to airs or advanced vocabulary. I try to use words children can relate to. However, when teaching adults, I have to watch it – sometimes I feel I should use larger more complicated words to come off as authoritative. Not only is this not necessary, it is probably a bad plan in all situations.
How do I know I have been understood? Often I can tell by the expression on someone’s face, particularly an “aha” expression. I agree with others who have answered that actions tell you more than words, particularly if the student’s actions take place when they believe you are not around to see. Sometimes it is impossible to tell – and it is not at all unusual to have someone inform you years later than you were a help – and you would have never expected it.
I want everyone to know that Rebecca is scheduled for back surgery tomorrow — and we need to pray. Thank you!
Thank you Dee–posted it on FB but was just coming here too! Covering sweet REBECCA with prayer!! Mary E also has big scans tomorrow sh’e concerned about.
Thanks Lizzy!
3. Read Habakkuk 2:1-2 A. Where is Habakkuk going and what is he going to do?
He is taking stand at his watchpost, stationed on the tower. He is going to look out to see what the Lord will say to him, and what he will answer concerning his complaint.
B. Keller makes the point to get alone — as a watchtower would do. Do you have a habitual quiet place and time?
In the morning, at my desk–sometimes my husband is in here too, but he’s having his time so we’re both quiet…I don’t talk much in the mornings anyway 😉
C. What phrases in verse 1 show active waiting? Expectancy?
“I will” –implies what he will make the effort to do, specifically, he will: 1) take his stand, 2) and look out to see
D. What is the first thing that God tells him to do when the vision comes, and how is he to articulate it? Why do you think this is an important command?
Write it down, plain on tablets. He wants it to be easily readable and also to set as a reminder
E. For those of you who teach, or who are mothers, or who disciple others — what helps you to be clear — and how do you know if you have been understood?
Keep the points concise, clear. Repeat it, and ask to have it repeated back to me.
3. According to verse 3, what does God tell him about the vision? Find all you can.
From Scripture: It awaits its appointed time, It hastens to the end, It will not lie, It surely will come, It will not delay
My take: it is under God’s power, God will choose the time—and it will be like Him in character, truthful. It is imminent and will be at the right time.
H. Do you see any similarities to Luke 12:35-48?
v. 40: “You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”
Our role is to be always ready, watching, “actively waiting”. Take the steps we hear God telling us to take—those things He places on our heart, that align with His Word. Trust His ways are best, and He is weaving a story greater than our days.
4. JUDGMENT IS COMING. It will deal with the unrighteous and reward the righteous. What is the contrast that is made between the two in verse 4?
The unrighteous one is proud, relying on himself. The righteous one lives by faith.
Keep the points concise, clear. Repeat it, and ask to have it repeated back to me.
Perfect!
I also love the Child Evangelism motto: children forget what they hear, remember what they see, understand what they do.
I’m sure the “do” could be repeating back, acting out, applying…
D. What is the first thing that God tells him to do when the vision comes, and how is he to articulate it? Why do you think this is an important command?
He is to write the revelation on tablets and send it out for all to see. People need to hear what God has to say. It is the truth.
E. For those of you who teach, or who are mothers, or who disciple others — what helps you to be clear — and how do you know if you have been understood?
As a teacher, I know I’ve been understood, when the desired result is actually the outcome. This could be with a test grade, question-and-answer session, or end product of a project.
With my children it’s a bit different. I know that Sarah has understood my requests, when I see her mimic what I’ve done.
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
So much….like Anne, that little picture of the two shirts hanging in the closet stands out to me. Which will I choose to put on? In Scripture, Paul uses that metaphor of what we choose to clothe ourselves with. If I choose to “wear” fear, wow – it affects everything; how I see myself, how I see God, and it affects others, too.
The quotes from Bonhoeffer, like, “Silence in the face of evil is itself evil….not to speak is to speak; not to act is to act.” This convicts me because many years ago, I did not speak up, I did not act. And, it was out of fear. It is the biggest regret of my life.
I can also relate to his angst over “parlor talk”. While I know it isn’t wrong to discuss current events, the weather, hobbies and interests, cooking and food, if that is all you ever talk about with someone it is very unfulfilling. I have felt that longing to be able to talk about things that really, really matter.
2. As a review of Habakkuk 1:
A. Why was Habakkuk so shocked to hear that God was raising up the Chaldeans to discipline Israel? (Use the text to answer)
The Chaldeans were known for their violence, fierceness, and lawlessness; they made their own rules and ran down anyone who got in their way. They were dreaded and feared and known to take people as captives.
B. Challenge Question: about Habakkuk 1:12 which says, “We will not die.” The whole verse says, “Are you not from everlasting, O Lord, my God, my Holy One? We will not die.” I see that Habakkuk first looks at God and considers that God has been from the beginning; He is eternal. It’s like after God tells him this terrible news, Habakkuk shifts his focus onto God’s attribute of being “from everlasting”, and from there, he gets his hope. Perhaps he was pondering that God chose to make the Israelites his very own treasured possession, and the fact that God is enduring meant that so, too, His people will endure. That’s not to say that suffering and even the death of many would happen, but a remnant would endure.
3. Read Habakkuk 2:1-2
A. Where is Habakkuk going and what is he going to do? He is going to his watchtower. He is going to “look out and see” what God will tell him. This is interesting language…I would think He would be listening not looking…is there significance in this?
B. Keller makes the point to get alone – as a watchtower would do. Do you have a habitual quiet place and time? I used to. I am literally never alone. I used to wake before my kids and husband to have quiet alone time but my boys have been waking earlier and earlier, I need another time (or another place perhaps may be the solution).
C. What phrases in verse 1 show active waiting? Expectancy? The phrase “look out” is an active phrase. You must be actively looking at what is around you, what is changing, not changing. Expectancy would be the same – he expects to see something and he expects to answer.
D. What is the first thing that God tells him to do when the vision comes, and how is he to articulate it? Why do you think this is an important command? God commands him to write it and write it “plain” (which is ironic since prophets writing is so difficult to understand sometimes…). It is important so that those he speaks to may know the Word of the Lord! And so they may “run” when they read it. Is this a literal “run” as in, escaping the Chaldeans? Or is this metaphorical simply meaning to put into action the things understood?
E. For those of you who teach, or who are mothers, or who disciple others – what helps you to be clear – and how do you know if you have been understood? Thought helps me to be clear. To think before I speak. Also, if the Lord provides an open door, an active experience or example that someone can relate to immediately to understand the concept. With my kids I try to use scripture and just keep repeating it for the same issues prayerful that someday it will penetrate, but God’s words are better than my own and kids (and adults!) need a message time and time and time and time again before it will soften what it needs to soften and we can trust in His good guidance.
I know they understand by the change in their behavior (not speaking only about my kids here), or at least a contrite heart when mistakes are made (instead of still trying to get away with what we want). There is also sometimes a “click” you can see when they are listening to you…a connection with the knowledge, a thoughtfulness as they ponder.
Active waiting: I feel like I am in active waiting now and have been for years. I have long felt called to missions overseas but my husband does not feel this call and so we are in a different mission field here in the U.S. (being in the Army and ministering to soldiers and their families as we are enabled).
I had a dear friend and prayer warrior who served in Africa and when she came home for a short break felt she was asked by the Lord to give up missions in Africa. This was HUGE for her for she had known she was to be a missionary since she was very young … And had no “plan B” but here she was being asked, not to wait, but to release what she had planned. She even called the organization that she was to be with and they never answered the phone nor returned her messages…. It was all very baffling. We spent the next year and a half praying and seeking and mourning over what was lost and looking for the “next.” It never came. What did eventually come was a phone call with a position with that organization in Africa and she was to leave for her training that fall. In hindsight my friend saw that she needed to be willing to obey GOD and not just “the call.” He made it clear that yes, she was to be in Africa but she had been trusting the plan (making it an idol?) and she needed to press in and listen to His voice and obey. And she did. She has now been in the field in Africa for 5 years. So active waiting: just as Habakkuk did, take stand and look out and keep looking out. Sometimes the journey looking for the ‘next’ leads you past so many things, lessons, people that you would have missed if you hadn’t had to walk while waiting.
What an excellent example, Jill. Speaks to me where I am “between books.”
Thanks Jill!
5. How are you “walking by faith” in these times? And if indeed, if we are at the precipice of difficult end-times, how will you walk by faith?
Oh wow. I have many answers, but will focus! I have come to realize more and more how faith is truly a gift. I am naturally a logic-loving obsessive planner who gets excited about math—the solving of problems by a “system”! And yet, I have had faith in God, in His power, His sovereignty and love for me—literally for as far back as I can remember, and I know it is a gift, because it is not my natural bent. Faith comes in where no “systems” or plans can make something work. That was a jumble, sorry. So we have been given something new that is definitely requiring an “active waiting”—some do not understand why we are considering it, it isn’t logical, it doesn’t look like one of my well thought out plans, and yet, He has brought it—so we pray and wait. But another area, that I think we all relate to, is the ongoing “active waiting” for our child’s salvation. There is nothing I can perfectly say or do to make the penny drop—I cannot use a system to bring the Spirit’s wind. But I am NOT passive. I pray, continually—and I watch. And I see, Him moving, if I look for it. Just days ago my daughter said “Why does every sermon lately feel like it’s pointed directly at me?” and I said, “Thank You Lord!”
I am encouraged too, that “walking by faith” does not mean “blindly”–it is really “walking by the Word”. He speaks to us, and if we stay in it, we hear His voice. And it is also not walking “solo”–we know that wherever we walk, He is there and has promised to never leave us. I just have to remind myself of that with every step…or every time I even raise my toe!