DURING JESUS’ TRIUMPHAL ENTRY, HIS DISCIPLES WERE PRAISING HIM.
THE PHARISEES TOLD JESUS TO REBUKE THEM.
HE SAID, “IF THEY REMAIN SILENT,
THE STONES WILL CRY OUT.”
NOTHING CAN STOP
THE WORSHIP OF GOD.
IN THE SAME WAY, NOTHING CAN STOP
THE JUSTICE OF GOD.
WHEN THE CHALDEANS THOUGHT NO ONE SEES,
HABAKKUK SAYS:
“THE STONE WILL CRY OUT FROM THE WALL
AND THE BEAM FROM THE WOODWORK RESPOND.”
(HABAKKUK 2:11)
WHEN THE ABUSED CHILD THINKS, NO ONE SEES.
GOD SEES.
WHEN THE PERSECUTED BELIEVER FEELS FORGOTTEN.
HE IS NOT.
JESUS IS RETURNING, AND JUSTICE WILL ROLL DOWN.
ALL OF NATURE IS A TESTIMONY TO THE HOLINESS OF GOD. PREPARE YOUR HEART THIS WEEK WITH THIS, FROM AUDREY ASSAD:
JESUS IS RETURNING, REVELATION TELLS US,
TO WAGE WAR WITH THE ENEMIES OF HIS BRIDE.
(SEE REVELATION 19:11-16)
THE STORY IS NOT OVER UNTIL HE RETURNS.
This week, and part of next, we will examine the sin of the Chaldeans, but it is always good to turn the mirror around to ourselves, for the root causes that led to their sins are the same root causes that leads to ours.
Sunday
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
2. What comfort does it give you personally that God is a just God and will repay?
Twila is learning some sign language for when she presents her memorization of Habakkuk, and she showed me that the sign for woe (See Habakkuk 2:15) was like shooting an arrow from a bow. It made me remember Spurgeon’s teaching on the rainbow given as a promise — that the actual word is bow, like an archer’s bow, but the bow is pointed upward with the arrow toward God. If we are in Him, the “woe” we deserve fell on Him.
Monday-Wednesday Bible Study
First Review:
Last week, regarding the vision, Habakkuk was instructed:
For still the vision awaits its appointed time;
it hastens to the end — it will not lie.
If it seems slow, wait for it,
it will surely come, it will not delay.
Behold, his soul is puffed up, it is not upright within him,
but the righteous shall live by his faith.
Habakkuk 2:3-4
Kay Arthur says that Hab. 2:4 is the most important verse in the book. The following commentary agrees, showing how often it is repeated in the New Testament.
Sometimes the question comes up, “How were people saved in the Old Testament?” Here we see — the same — by faith. In trusting in God they also trusted in Christ, their promised Redeemer to come.
In looking at the parable of the servants waiting for their master in Luke 12, here is an excerpt from the above commentary showing the parallel with Habbakuk 2.
Habbakuk 2:3 “It will surely come, it will not delay”
In the parable Jesus tells, though the Master promised to return, some servants say “My master is delayed in coming.”
Note the juxtaposition of a servant who is “faithful” and one who is “faithless” and the juxtaposition of people who “live by faith” and people whose “spirit is not right in them” In Habakkuk 2:4 and the statement in Habakkuk 2:5 that wine is treacherous and the description of the faithless servant in Luke 12:45 who drinks and gets drunk …
I believe that persecution reveals our hearts, whether they be like the heart of the faithful servant (or servant who walks by faith) or the heart of the faithless servant (who is puffed up and thus does not trust God). The testimonies I am hearing concerning persecution from the Middle East surely cause me to ponder — could I remain faithful if my children or grandchildren’s lives were threatened? A World War II testimony that moved me greatly was that of Sophie Scholl, a young woman who passed out leaflets against Hitler and was martyred. If she would have denied Christ at the end, she was told her life could have been spared. There is a scene where she says good-bye to her parents that tears your heart — yet she and her parents walked by faith and not by sight.
This film is available on Netflix or on You-Tube:
I keep using illustrations from World War II because I think it is the closest thing we know in history to what is happening now in the middle east and which, indeed, may come closer to home. We must be ready to walk by faith and not despair by thinking God will not keep His promises.
3. Review Habakkuk 2:1-4 and Luke 12:35-48.
A. What parallels do you see?
B. Reflect on Habakkuk 2:1-4. What jumps out to you now?
C. Respond (Pray it into your heart)
Last week Laura-Dancer felt convicted by her inaction concerning the persecution Christians — but didn’t know, other than prayer, what she could do. She voiced (as she often does) what many of us feel. I loved what Speaker of the House Paul Ryan said recently, Prayer is doing something. One way to stay informed for prayer is by getting e-mails from Voice of the Martyrs or checking out resources at this website: persecution.com
D. Rest in the presence of God.
4. This week get an overview of Habakkuk 2:5-29. Read it slowly once. At first reading, what stands out to you?
5. Now identify verses that stand out to you concerning:
A. The visible behavior of the Chaldeans
B. The invisible root sins of the Chaldeans
C. The verses that connote the impending judgment of God on the Chaldeans
6. Compare Habakkuk 2:11 to Luke 19:39-40. What similarity and what difference do you see?
D. A. Carson mentions that rabbis of old often used Habakkuk 2:11 in connection with Psalm 73.
This psalm talks about the psalmist envying the prosperous and the arrogant until he saw their final destruction. I think this is an apt psalm for Habbakuk 2. If you have time, read Psalm 73 and comment.
7. Extra blessing! 🙂 Read and comment on Psalm 73 in light of Habbakuk 2.
Thursday-Friday Sermon
8. Share your notes and comments. (If you’ve run out of time, you’ll have another chance next week to listen and share, though it is worth listening to twice!)
Saturday:
9. What’s your take-a-way and why?
128 comments
1. What stood out? First, I LOVE the hymn Holy, Holy, Holy. I literally feel as though we are all finally before His thrown, worshiping with the elders who stand before the throne saying, “Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord…” (Keith Green has a great version of that song as well: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9SIHGTys74 ) Secondly, that i long for things to be made right. Yes, I absolutely want as many to be saved as possible before it is too late, but I don’t think that is incompatible with longing for things to be made right. When I see/hear stories about little girls being sold to brothels from 5 years old and up, Christians tortured, even just how disease ravaged our bodies can become, I have often cried out, “how long, Lord???!! I know that if my heart breaks over these things, Yours must be torn to pieces! So how long?” And there is also the longing for heaven simply because there is the ever-present sense of homesickness for a place I’ve never been… the constant feeling that a final piece of the puzzle is still missing. Yes, our salvation is finished, but the flesh remains for now ,and I long to be finally free of it forever!
Thank you, Mary. Yes, in our hearts we long for things to be made right. And they will be. And I have always loved Keith Green — such a heart for God.
Mary, I feel it too, that homesickness for a place I’ve never been. I also want you to know that I am rejoicing with you in the way He is answering prayers in your life!
Thank you Susan, and everyone, for your prayers and for rejoicing with me about the good scan reports! I have continued to have increased pain, but I’m learning many things can affect the bone mets pain and it helps just to know that things are stable.
oh Mary (love when you are on here!) I so agree with the longing to be free of our flesh. But in my weakness, I can see how He uses those like you, to encourage my faith while we are IN this flesh–seeing you really trust Him in the dark, your life speaks Heb.10:24 to me “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works”
Mary, so glad you posted. Like this a lot: “I have often cried out, “how long, Lord???!! I know that if my heart breaks over these things, Yours must be torn to pieces! So how long?” And there is also the longing for heaven simply because there is the ever-present sense of homesickness for a place I’ve never been… the constant feeling that a final piece of the puzzle is still missing.”
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
Jesus is returning and justice will roll down. The story isn’t over! This is a balm. There is this hurt inside for those suffering in our world due to oppressive governments and what soothes me is knowing His justice will roll down..not that it might..it will. God says to ‘wait for it’..it will come. Like in Romans-all creation groans and so do we. For as creation longs for Him, we do too.
Also, Habakkuk 2:4 We can be puffed up with pride due to our hidden idols too. I ask myself if everyone in my family were gone along with every comfort here would I remain faithful? I would be sad but would I rejoice in God at the same time? Like Habakkuk does in 3:17-19? I’m not sure for I don’t trust my heart..if I were to remain faithful it would be because of Him melting me, not me.
This study is so important for we need to be ready when the hardest levels of persecution hits us and unless He comes before then, it will.
Rebecca, your trust (and Mary’s above) in the face of adversity is a picture of the close of Habakkuk.
Rebecca–I love (and need) your 2nd paragraph. And yet, as I watch you being tested, and your faithfulness to Him in the midst, I am so challenged and inspired.
“if I were to remain faithful it would be because of Him melting me, not me. ” – so true for all of us, Rebecca!
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
I love to ponder the thought that nothing can stop the worship of God. It is so evident in nature how the Creation magnifies Him (I can still hear Rebecca’s voice when she put the words of one of the psalms to music….“No speech, no words, no voice heard….” and how the sun arises like a bridegroom in the sky….) There is no “voice” yet all of nature is shouting its praises to the Lord and even many things in nature seem to magnify specific qualities and characteristics of God.
Love your aesthetic heart. I’m sitting on my deck listening to the birds and the water — yes — all nature sings and round me rings…
I LOVE the truth that “Nothing can stop the justice of God”. The fact that our God is both ALL powerful and ALL good, just LOVE–nothing can stand in the face of Him. I hope this isn’t too long here, but I read this last week on Desiring God and was so moved, it feels God is speaking this over and over to me now, and I think it fits here too in light of persecuted Christians:
“Suffering for Christians can also be redemptive for others. The biblical Kingdom ethic and eternal perspective on life may rightly and gloriously cause some Christians to increase their exposure to suffering for the sake of alleviating the suffering of others.
Why is this not insane? Or why is such insanity rational? Why would a Christian choose to be less comfortable, less wealthy, less safe for the sake of others whom they don’t even know? Because Jesus Christ has already rescued us perfectly and eternally from the greatest possible suffering. Jesus has rescued us from our sin, rescued us from eternal separation from God; therefore we can choose to suffer lesser suffering — poverty, persecution, loss of family, friends, culture, comfort, finances — that others might have their rescue.
This is not a reckless exposure to suffering but intentional, missional, and glorious. Jesus’ rescue of your life eternally is what makes moving into a bad neighborhood sane. It’s what makes the insanity of generous, sacrificial giving to actually be sane. It’s what makes adopting a special needs child sane. It’s what makes the insanity of “throwing away your life” for missions sane.”
The full article “Give a Dam for Jesus” http://www.desiringgod.org/messages/give-a-dam-for-jesus
Beautiful Lizzy — and so appropriate.
Lizzy, Thanks! This is so good. I have been thinking along those lines for awhile — and questioning a lot I hear/read (by Christians). Will check out the article, too — this is so helpful.
Wow, that is powerful, Lizzy! The concepts of this article remind me of David Platt’s books: Follow Me: A Call to Die, A Call to live and Radical: Taking Back Your Life From The American Dream. (I think he has 4 kids, two biologic, two adopted from other countries) I was thinking today that my life has probably been much too comfortable to be of best use for the Lord. I pray He will use it anyway, and help me to hold His hand and walk with Him to places I may not choose to go in my flesh.
oh Mary–that you can even say your life is comfortable humbles and convicts me. You have a challenge harder than I can imagine and yet you are one of the most godly women I have ever known. I am SO blessed by your steadfast faith in the midst of such fiery trials. You live out Phil. 2:14-15 for me: “Do all things without grumbling or disputing,that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world“
Lizzy-oh so love this-I needed to hear this.
Oh Lizzy…only Jesus makes adopting a special needs child sane….yes yes yes. I was so hoping this was your special news. I am so excited for you. The way God shows up in this journey is absolutely amazing and gut wrenching and everything in between. Lily has an infection on her shoulder that we have been fighting with for 3 months and it just gets bigger and bigger. but then I go back and read old blog posts and fb posts and am reminded just how much a miracle every step of her adoption was….Can not wait to follow your God journey 🙂
Sorry to put this here, but for those who may not see, Laura-dancer just posted urgent request on FB for her husband
Thank you!
Thanks Lizzy I will pray….
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
A. The connection between the stones crying out in NT and Habakkuk — and then the connection to God’s justice. I remember when I was about 19 or 20 and a counselor at a jr high retreat. I couldn’t NOT worship, and I shared the verse about the rocks crying out. Because the passage in the NT so connected with me — over years, this immediately grabbed my attention. I either didn’t know or didn’t remember about a similar passage in Habakkuk.
B. And because that is so engrained, this also stood out: “IN THE SAME WAY, NOTHING CAN STOP THE JUSTICE OF GOD.” It’s as if the pathway is already in place for it to soak in.
C. Holy, Holy, Holy — Have loved that hymn for years, and this version by Audrey Assad stirred me yesterday when I was listening to a youtube playlist. (thanks to intro to her on here). I listened several times now (this song never gets old), and the second to last time I listened, the following jumped out: “Holy, holy, holy! though the darkness hide Thee, Though the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see.” The last time around, I read the lyrics while I listened. He is GLORIOUS and HOLY, though the darkness in and around my heart sometimes prevents me from seeing Him and His glory. His glory and holiness exist whether I see them or not; his justice is part of his holiness. This almost turns God’s justice into “common sense” — or at least believer’s common sense. I’m asking myself now, “Why do I even question God’s timing when I see injustice, persecution, unfairness, etc.”
2. What comfort does it give you personally that God is a just God and will repay?
See above! Good enough answer for this, too.
#2. Uh, WRONG answer, but God’s justice scares me, too. Fear factor probably is as great as comfort. Reminding myself that Jesus justifies me.
Love hearing about your first love time when you “couldn’t not worship”
Just watched the movie (I hadn’t expected subtitles; I usually listen more than watch movies, when doing 6 other things at the same time). It was sobering, and a couple things struck me: 1) Even in death there is hope — for eternity, and also, as Sophie recognized before her trial, but also through the publicity generated. God is working through ISIS persecution/killings to declare His glory, and visions of Him have been reported by people in ISIS. Today’s media broadcast both martyrdom and knowledge of Him around the world. The end of the movie, even though much of it wasn’t overtly Christian, reminded me of: “the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church.” What is happening today isn’t all that different from what was experienced by the early Church. THAT was a violent time.
2) The “leadership” patterns present in the movie are so common, not always with all the yelling (though sometimes it is there) and not usually ending in death, here anyway. But the lack of listening and determination to carry out the (unreasonable) “party line” is a common workplace (and other) occurrence. And politicians are no longer statesmen; they used to remain friends and came to compromises for the sake of the country. Now it seems like a bunch of bullying and deadlock — from both sides. Politics should require listening training!! I still am praying for more alternatives.
Renee – along with you I bemoan the loss of our statesmen in our country! I heard an interview a couple of months back with Trent Lott and Tom Daschle (your very own, for better or worse! 😉 ). Their book “Crisis Point” is on my wishlist and reading your words here I think it just bubbled up to the top! Their interview together was SO refreshing and nearly brought me to tears as they discussed reaching across the aisle and governing together with respect. Praying for a return to such sanity…..while reminding myself that our government is NOT the church and should never be looked to as such. I stopped right now to pray a bit for our country, our world, our leaders and those running for political office – something I neglect far too much even in these times of peril. God be merciful to me for bemoaning without taking it to the Lord …..FIRST.
Watched the movie. Wrote a response awhile ago — edited it. Then came back here now, edit screen still was open and I noticed I spelled my email address wrong. When writing comment that compares event to current situations, misspelling email (.nets!!!) may be a good thing 😀
UGH! I have had that happen to me before! I feel your pain!
.
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
“the root causes that led to their sins are the same root causes that leads to ours”
Intriguing! I am hoping I can be around more this week to soak in some of this. The last few weeks have been pretty hectic and I have not been able to really think through the questions, but reading silently.
2. What comfort does it give you personally that God is a just God and will repay?
Oh this question troubles me. First, though I’ve been “wronged” and mistreated on occasion, I don’t feel that I can personally claim that I have been seriously or maliciously wounded or persecuted. And I am always sobered by the verse in Ezekiel that says that God does not delight when the wicked perish. The fact is, I wish that nobody had to suffer eternal punishment. It is a horrible, awful thing to think about and I would wish that evildoers would turn from their ways and turn to God. Yet, I would also not want to live in a world without justice to be meted out at some point; often it seems like there is no justice in this world but God sees and I can leave the judging and repaying up to Him because He has all the hidden details and knows the hearts of all. And, He will be fair.
I am also so thankful that He does not treat me as my sins deserve, or I would be in some serious trouble. I am thankful for His offer of forgiveness in Jesus. Yesterday morning I took my parents out to the cemetery where my mom’s parents are buried and her aunts and uncles. I have some beautiful pink peonies that we took and my daughter and I helped to trim around the markers and wash them off and then we put the flowers in the vases. I’ve been thinking lately of just how “unnatural” death really is. Oh I know, people speak of the “cycle of life – birth and death” but when I think of those I loved and their lives and them not being here, it seems to scream how unnatural it is and that it wasn’t meant to be this way; it’s not what God intended. It comforts me that one day, God will “repay” for what we’ve lost and make everything right again. After being on our FB site this morning and just the small representation of pain and suffering and trials represented there, and then to know that it is magnified times millions all over the world….God is keeping track of everything.
Susan–you are so right that death is not natural, not what He intended…but He will restore and make all things right…you reminded me of Joel 2:25 “I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten”
I love the example of how well you love your parents. My mom just lost her life long best friend, with Alzheimer’s, and I thought of the burden you carry–so graciously and compassionately..I know He smiles on you
Wow! Susan, you nailed it. Truth be told, I really want God’s justice for others but I want His mercy for myself. Then, I think about His justice (and wrath) and am deeply humbled by my ugly heart that would wish that on anyone.
Recently, my husband took me on a 50th Birthday Tour down Memory Lane. He took me on a trip to Missouri, Arkansas, and Louisiana to see my birthplace and visit with relatives, some I haven’t seen in decades. In doing so, I heard many old family stories and learned so much of my family’s sad history. All of which led me to a deeper love and understanding of my own mom and our family. I have harbored some very ugly thoughts and feelings about these people for the ways they treated Mom but learning their stories and seeing the pain and dysfunction they lived with brought me to a place of forgiveness. Each one of them dealt with so much struggle and suffering and some of them passed it on down the line. But, I also saw how many of my relatives walked by their faith and trusted God to make it all right sometime in the future. It’s those relatives that I will choose to follow in hope that I, too, will pass down to my kids a faith that actively waits and trusts God for justice and mercy.
That’s so interesting Jean. I feel the same way when I hear the stories of the women in prison. Most were abused as children.
1. What stands out to you from the above and why? “…though the eye of sinful man, Thy glory may not see…” This jumped out at me…Many cannot see! Many are truly, at their deepest level deceived and persecuted by lies, though they know it not! This is why prayer is incredibly essential to any interaction… Their eyes must be opened. His glory is all around us, His hand continually giving clues, hints, smacks that HE IS HERE and He loves us… But they cannot see… This causes me grief and drives my heart to prayer for those I know do not know Him.
2. What comfort does it give you personally that God is a just God and will repay? I don’t know….personally I am uncomfortable with “repay”… I know God’s heart is that ALL would come to know Him. Isnt there some grief in His heart when He has to repay, or deliver justice to one of His created for evil never turned from? I do not think I find comfort in “repay.” God “repaid” me by having His Son die on the cross and offering grace, in light of this I do not think I can long for someone else to be repaid any other way than grace, justice through Christ. And, frankly, forgiveness can be harder to endure than punishment sometimes…God will do what is right and I trust in that.
However….I DO find the only comfort possible in pondering horrific situations such as child abuse, slavery, persecution – He is there. I pray for deliverance for these precious people (especially children) but even more I pray for His presence, to whisper, “You are loved” to the unloved, to palpably hold those who are beaten, to somehow protect that deepest place in each of them that holds longing for someone to care, for Him to care, that that fragile vessel will not break but they will somehow find HIM (and His peace) even if they do not know His name….
Susan and Jill — I do appreciate your hearts of mercy and the recoiling from the idea of judgment.
Tim Keller has said the western world recoils at judgment, wanting only a God of mercy, But he quotes Miroslav Volf, a Croatian, who says his people recoil at a God who shows no judgment, for they have seen their wives and daughters brutally murdered. What do you think about that?
Interesting, Dee, and intriguing to ponder a different perspective. It’s interesting that Susan and I are both nurses and both had similar responses. Generally speaking in medicine we ‘never give up’ …. Always trying to delay that last breath! And so I suppose that seeps into spiritual matters, too. Never give up, that murderer may at the last moment become contrite and see the glory of God!
The quote by Volf does turn this a bit to view it from a different side. I was primarily seeing it as evil doers “against” God only and surely He has patience enough to wait it out? But Volf reminds us that this is evildoers against His beloved and just as God knew the heart of pharaoh He knows the hearts of those diong evil here on earth. And why was Pharoah killed? Why were those horrid plagues dealt out – so that people would know He is real, so that His power would be known. And yes, it makes sense that He would want to repay those that have abused His beloved and that He makes no mistakes in giving mercy to those who would see His glory versus punishment for those who will never allow their hearts to be softened….
I will still say, though, that I do not get comfort in the “repay,” only in His sovereignty – in His just wrath and judgement. I guess my biggest concern is that it would effect my prayers if I start looking for the repay and stop hoping for reconciliation? Can you pray for God to smite the evil doer who cuts off heads of Christians and still have a heart that longs for all nations to see Christ? This is something I will have to wrestle with for I know the Psalms do this…And Bonhoeffer himself helped with assassination plans of Hitler….
Good question Jill. I have often prayed, “Please change their hearts, Lord, but if they do not change, please remove them.” Yes, Bonhoeffer certainly wrestled with that.
Dee, I cannot imagine what it was like for the people of Croatia (and this happens all over the world) to see such horrific violence and yes, they long for justice. I know in Revelation the martyrs cry out, asking when will their blood be avenged? I do trust in the fairness of God and that He is the only One qualified to judge and to punish the wicked. I guess I always tend to look at myself, and I can’t remember the quote exactly or who said it, but I read it in a book in which the author quoted someone talking about the problem of evil and that it’s not “out there”, but that evil lives in the heart of every man. It lives in my heart and if not for the grace of God, could I be capable of committing such acts of evil too? While I haven’t gone out and murdered people, I know what my sins deserve….I think that’s what I was considering in this question, taking it to a more personal level.
Oops – I hit submit too soon – I was also thinking along the lines of God’s “repaying” of being how He will make everything right one day – repaying as in restoration; no more death, pain, and sorrow. Standing in the cemetery Sunday, looking at all those graves, all those people coming to remember their loved ones, I couldn’t help thinking that this just isn’t right – it wasn’t meant to be like this.
That’s right — this isn’t how things were meant to be. I can picture you in that cemetery. I feel the same every time I visit Steve’s grave. Not how it was meant to be.
3. Review Habakkuk 2:1-4 and Luke 12:35-48.
A. What parallels do you see?
There are more but I chose one. 🙂
Hab 2:1 I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts;I will look to see what he will say to me, and what answer I am to give to this complaint.
and
Luke 12: 35-36“Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, like servants waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him.”
-The comparison is that we are to be actively waiting, abiding in Him. To not set our hope on this world but in the one that is coming and serve and live that way now. Our hope, our desires shouldn’t be set on, “If I just get this, or if I can just obtain this job, then we will be comfortable and happy, or if I can just be cured of this disease, or have a better back situation, or have this person’s approval”..Our desires should be His desires and they should set our faces like flint toward Him now. Then when He knocks we will come IMMEDIATELY to open the door for Him.
OH WAIT..THIS REMINDS ME OF SOS WHEN HE CAME TO THE DOOR AND SHE DIDN’T IMMEDIATELY COME TO HIM. SHE STAYED IN BED. I think God desires for us to be ready so when He knocks we will come running and not stay in bed.
love your heart Rebecca–always pointing back to Him “To not set our hope on this world but in the one that is coming and serve and live that way now.”
Rebecca, love the parallel you see with the Songs – that illuminates it so much more! Yes, if we’re absorbed with other things we won’t want to immediately open the door! Kind of like “Wait – I need to tidy up in here first!”
2. What comfort does it give you personally that God is a just God and will repay?
Is it strange that I LOVE this attribute of God? Not in a harsh or unmerciful way, I just feel safe under a God who I know is without question right, fair and just. The way I’ve talked with my kids about it is using the court room type setting. We would never want a God who says to a murderer ‘oh, I guess I’ll let you go…” and in the same way His perfect justice is what allows me to see the fullness of Christ’s sacrifice–the need for it, the requirement for it.
ok–as I posted I noticed some of your responses and I’m feeling “cold” with my response! I don’t know, I just feel “safe” with a God who is just…
Oh Lizzy, AMEN!!!!!!! Your answer is exactly how I feel —SAFE under the eternal wings of this God! Also….this attribute of God drives me to the cross..Christ’s sacrifice….your words were :” and in the same way His perfect justice is what allows me to see the fullness of Christ’s sacrifice – the need for it, the requirement for it.” Yes, yes!! OH, and the other attributes of God that are beyond our knowing that come alongside His justice….His goodness, His love, His mercy…..who can fathom??
what I meant by naming other attributes of God was NOT an attempt to “balance” or “justify” His Justice! I only meant the wonder of how FULL and COMPLETE He is in every possible way…..and His justice takes NOTHING away from His mercy, for instance!
oh Jackie, thank you for understanding me! YES, His perfect COMPLETENESS–perfect justice and perfect mercy, perfect love with perfect truth–that completeness is what is so attractive…no words, but thanks for ‘getting me’–another one of these kind moments in our blog family here: “Friendship … is born at the moment when one man says to another “What! You too? I thought that no one but myself . . .” CS Lewis
Love that quote.
3. Review Habakkuk 2:1-4 and Luke 12:35-48. A. What parallels do you see?
Be ready, actively prepare, don’t get lazy or passive. Believe, in faith, that the time will come. It is so easy for me to lose sight of what awaits us, of His return. I forget. I become consumed with whatever is pressing today and I get irritated with trivial things. I let relationships get strained—all because I lose sight of the vision, it stops taking precedent. It seems to be taking so long! But when I keep it before me, then I keep guard over my heart, my words, my relationships. To stay in this place of careful waiting—I must live by faith. Reminding myself daily that the time is near, and I want to be ready. Fix my eyes not on what is seen, but unseen. OH how I daily, hourly, need this reminder!
B. Reflect on Habakkuk 2:1-4. What jumps out to you now?
I really liked what Susan had shared last week about looking out beyond ourselves, gaining perspective, looking to the needs of others. I’m also still drawn most to v.4—the righteous shall live by faith. Faith in what is to come. Faith in God of justice and love. Faith in His promises—and allowing my faith to shape me.
4. This week get an overview of Habakkuk 2:5-29. Read it slowly once. At first reading, what stands out to you?
Wow. God sees their sinful ways, each detail– and He will not allow it to continue forever—their will be just punishment. Will re-read some more–it’s heavy, a hard read.
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
The scripture reading (Rev) just makes me so comforted. He is coming to save ME, on His white horse! Dee please post the painting from Martin french(?). I need to buy one of those prints to remind me of my one true Savior , my protector!
2. What comfort does it give you personally that God is a just God and will repay?
I actually think that if we pay attention, He intervenes, saving us, when we get into difficult situations. Yesterday was one of those kinds of days for me. I was being guided by Him when I didn’t know what to do. He led; He brought people to support me when I couldn’t handle what was going on around me. We have to have a heightened sense of awareness or we might miss the cues. If we aren’t in tune we will be ignorant.
Laura–good to see you here, and that you felt Him carry you yesterday: ” He brought people to support me when I couldn’t handle what was going on around me.”
Continuing prayers!
Laura — I so want to post Martin French’s paintings but he has asked me not to. He is a dear generous man and feels they are not as good as he wants them to be. I disagree, but must submit to his wishes.
Could I purchase one from him? would he sell me one? That one is so meaningful to me; I think of it often!
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
The comparison of Luke 19:40 with Habakkuk 2:11 caught my interest. The passage in Luke has always been important to me, and I was not aware of the similar passage in Habakkuk. I am comforted by the thought that God’s will and way will prevail — that He is sovereign! I enjoyed the video of Audrey Assad’s “Holy, Holy, Holy” a lot. The water-scapes were so appropriate. Our pastor has been on vacation for the past two weeks, and she has posted on Facebook photos she has taken along the North Carolina coast. I am reminded most easily of God’s majesty when I am near water.
2. What comfort does it give you personally that God is a just God and will repay?
Even when I was a child, I had a strong sense of “fairness.” You would think that age and maturity would have shaken a good deal of that, but that is not necessarily the case! I become very indignant over injustice I see in the world around me. However, that doesn’t lead me to desire punishment for the criminal, for instance. What I really want is for attitudes to be changed so that justice and peace prevail — punishing a wrong doer doesn’t really bring that kind of peace.
I am going to be thinking about Sophie Scholl for a long time!! Watching it is an investment in time — but completely worth it. Also I can say that the time went really fast, as I was totally invested in it — despite the subtitles. I was particularly impressed by Sophie’s prayers. Her first one in the film began something like “I can only stammer my prayer to you.” I have never used the word “stammer” in my prayers, but it certainly is appropriate to describe how I have felt at times. She always managed to praise God, even when she was so emotionally in need of His help.
I certainly concur with Renee’s remark ” But the lack of listening and determination to carry out the (unreasonable) “party line” is a common workplace (and other) occurrence.” The similarity really struck home as I was watching the film.
Love the “stammer my prayers to you”
I watched the movie with my teen daughter and husband a few nights ago. I almost lost them both when they saw the subtitles. ? but, it only took a few minutes in for all of us to be hooked. It made all three of us so thankful to be living here in USA in these times. We should never take for granted the many freedoms we enjoy right now. Thanks for bringing the movie to our attention, Dee.
What stands out to you from the above and why?
It stands out to me that the Chaldeans thought that no one saw their sins, yet they were seen not only by God but by all of creation. The implication I see is that rocks and wood know God better than prideful men. How deadly pride is. It blinded them so that they ran headlong into God’s judgement.
Anne–this is bold and convicting! “rocks and wood know God better than prideful men. How deadly pride is.”
What comfort does it give you personally that God is a just God and will repay?
The comfort to me is that wicked one is rendered powerless, no longer able to inflict their injustices on others. In Habakkuk it was the Chaldeans and I think Jesus was talking about the final judgement. In that final judgement the enemy will be truly defeated and never rise again.
Oh that gives me so much comfort, Ann. I believe Satan was behind the holocaust, is behind ISIS, and will be behind the “final battle.” But God will triumph and the enemy will never rise again. No more death, no more tears, no more sin.
3. Review Habakkuk 2:1-4 and Luke 12:35-48.
A. What parallels do you see?
Habakkuk: standing at your watch, looking – this is expectant waiting
Luke: servants who are dressed and have lamps lit – expectantly waiting for the master’s return
Habakkuk: the revelation will come at the appointed time. It may delay, but it will come.
Luke: Son of Man comes at an hour when you do not expect Him.
Habakkuk: the righteous lives by faith
Luke: righteous living demonstrated by the servants who the master finds faithfully doing their duties when he returns
Habakkuk: those who are puffed up with wrong desires
Luke: servants who decide the master’s not coming for awhile, so they behave badly by beating their fellow servants and getting drunk
B. Reflect on Habakkuk 2:1-4. What jumps out to you now?
That “standing at my watch” doesn’t mean doing nothing. It is a needed wake-up call to really consider how do I spend my time? Do I waste time and fritter it away on unimportant things? Would the Lord say of me that I am “puffed up” and my desires (what I am living for) are all wrong? The good servants in Luke were left with instructions to do certain tasks and responsibilities and they were faithful to carry them out. It is convicting to me to ask myself if I am like them or the other servants who were self-absorbed.
C. Respond (Pray it into your heart)
Oh Lord, I see how in so many ways I am puffed up….wanting to be understood, wanting approval, wanting comfort, living selfishly. My desires within myself are not right and I do not live in the immediate reality that You may return at any time and would I be found to be faithful? Please help me to live in a way that waits expectantly for your return and show me what those good deeds are that You prepared in advance for me to do.
I had missed the first parallel you saw, Susan. So good.
Susan–your whole “B” here is really good, and convicting. “It is a needed wake-up call to really consider how do I spend my time? “
3. Review Habakkuk 2:1-4 and Luke 12:35-48.
A. What parallels do you see? There is a waiting for an appointed time that is known to God but not to man. There is a faithful way to wait and an a unfaithful way to wait.
B. Reflect on Habakkuk 2:1-4. What jumps out to you now? “…it hastens to the end – it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay.” The longer wait the more people look for answers elsewhere. But His promises do not lie, they do not delay, they will come. Christ is a huge encourager in that. God said He would send a Saviour and He did even though it took thousands of years. He said He will come again and make all thing new. He will.
C. Respond (Pray it into your heart) This is actually something He has been teaching me. Faithful waiting. It is not how much faith I have but in whom my faith rests. It is not how likely the desired out come is but in whose hands the outcome is in. And so He enables me to respond throughout the day when things come to mind, “It is in Your hands, I will trust you.” I cannot trust the desired outcome, nor myself trying to manipulate circumstances, I can only trust Him who sets forth the journey.
good reminder Jill “God said He would send a Saviour and He did even though it took thousands of years. He said He will come again and make all thing new. He will.”
This article seems related to my reaction/response to the justice question, a lot to ponder: http://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/stop-apologizing-for-god-an-interview-with-drew-dyck (was referred to in post by Randy Alcorn that showed up in my FB feed)
oops, I think that was podcast. Here’s article link: http://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/stop-apologizing-for-god-an-interview-with-drew-dyck
I skimmed the article, Renee. Good points about God not being a domesticated lion. We don’t need to apologize for him. We’ve been doing some investigative Bible studies by Rebecca Pippert on the life of Jesus with non-Christians and I think about what Spurgeon said — we don’t need to defend God, just let Him out of the cage. (That’s a big paraphrase) Women’s lives are changed just by seeing who Jesus really is.
Same here, I just skimmed the article and really only the first half. Sorry, I’m just so behind. It’s Thursday and I just finished the first half of the study. Anyway, my thought when reading the book review, was the difference I feel when seeing an animal in the zoo vs. when I see the same one in the wild. I thought of going to Yellowstone and seeing a mama bear playing with her cubs near the road. We were amazed and stopped in our car to watch for a long time. It was so exciting to see the Bears in nature, and a bit fearful as well, so we kept our safe distance. The same bears in a cage at the zoo might warrant my second look but I’d keep on walking.
4. This week get an overview of Habakkuk 2:5-29. Read it slowly once. At first reading, what stands out to you?
Verses 18-19 which speak about idolatry. Things that are made out of wood or stone, covered with gold and silver and man worships them. But they are “lifeless”. So, too, are the idols of the heart or the things that we today make into idols; they cannot give guidance (or comfort); they are lifeless.
5. Now identify verses that stand out to you concerning:
A. The visible behavior of the Chaldeans – many verses speak of their violence….shedding blood (v.8), destroying lands and cities and everyone in them (vv. 8 & 17), building a city with bloodshed (vv. 12). Apparently it was nothing to them to kill and destroy to get what they wanted.
B. The invisible root sins of the Chaldeans – pride and arrogance (v.4-5), greed (v.5), plotting evil (v. 10), lust and hedonism (v. 15), trusting in their own creation/idols (v. 18)
C. The verses that connote the impending judgment of God on the Chaldeans – “Will not your debtors suddenly arise….then you will become their victims” (v. 7), “You will be filled with shame….now it is your turn!….The cup from the Lord’s right hand is coming around to you….(v. 16), “The violence you have done to Lebanon will overwhelm you….” (v. 17) And eventually, they will be silent before the Lord (v. 20)
You look so closely at the passage Susan — I love having you here as a mentor.
5. Now identify verses that stand out to you concerning: A. The visible behavior of the Chaldeans
plundered many nations (v.8) ; heaps up what is not his own (v.6); gets evil gain for his house (v.9); makes his neighbor drunk and shames him (v.15); creates idols (v.18)
B. The invisible root sins of the Chaldeans
Pride, greed, power
C. The verses that connote the impending judgment of God on the Chaldeans
All of the “woe to…”.
v.7 “ Will not your debtors suddenly arise…”
v.8 “all the remnant of the peoples shall plunder you,”
v. 10 “you have forfeited your life.”
v. 16 “You will have your fill of shame instead of glory.”
v. 17 “The violence done to Lebanon will overwhelm you,”
v.20 “But the Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before him.”
6. Compare Habakkuk 2:11 to Luke 19:39-40. What similarity and what difference do you see?
In Habakkuk 2:11 “For the stone will cry out from the wall, and the beam from the woodwork respond”—
Similarity—the truth of who God is, cannot be silenced. It does not depend on man to speak it or claim His power. All of creation reveals His power, His identity.
Difference—in Habakkuk, the earth is crying out in vengeance, in response to the injustice. In Luke 19, Jesus speaks of the stones crying out in praise to Him if men are silent.
3. Review Habakkuk 2:1-4 and Luke 12:35-48.
A. What parallels do you see?
In Luke Jesus is telling the disciples (and us) that we must remain vigilant in our waiting; not too much wine, mistreating people, and such. We must actively wait for the master to return and be ready.
in Habakkuk, it is the same…waiting until the right time, not mistreating people, standing ground instead of getting off task.
B. Reflect on Habakkuk 2:1-4. What jumps out to you now?
The Lord did answer Habakkuk.
C. Respond (Pray it into your heart)
Dearest Lord Jesus, I am waiting patiently for you. You will answer in Your own time. Just as Your Father was seemingly silent when You were going through the worst pain of the world, there on the cross, He was really in the background working it all out for the world. He is like that now for us. He is in the background working it out for the world. To us, it seems as if He has forgotten the persecuted, but He LOVES His people and is working it all out for us. Thank You Father. Amen.
4. This week get an overview of Habakkuk 2:5-29. Read it slowly once. At first reading, what stands out to you? Woe and violence. Prophecy is really hard for me…. There is a definite parallel to current events and my heart is sad to read: woe to him who builds a town with blood…. Aren’t almost all cities founded on blood from battles for possession? Even Israel was commanded to take cities through battle and blood.
5. Now identify verses that stand out to you concerning:
A. The visible behavior of the Chaldeans- They are in debt and continue to acquire debt in order to “heap up” what is not theirs. They have plundered. They have spilled the blood of man and have been violent to the earth. They have gotten gain through evil in order to be safe. They make their neighbors drunk in order to see their nakedness. They have worshiped idols.
B. The invisible root sins of the Chaldeans – pride and arrogance that they can do as they please with no accountability. They do what it takes to keep their own lives safe, is this comfort and control? I just see an overwhelming sense of pride, they feel as all they do is justified because they want what they want and because they are clever enough to manipulate circumstances (even killing and evil) to get it…therefore they “deserve” to be safe, etc.
C. The verses that connote the impending judgement of God on the Chaldeans – the cup in the Lord’s right hand will come around them, they will be filled with shame instead of glory, th violence done to Lebanon will ove them, they have forfeited their lives.
I listened to Holy, Holy Holy by Micheal W smith and a huge choir and the entire audience just went on and on and it just took me to the thrown. It has been such a hard week for so many of you! I have been praying overtime! Im sitting outside listening to the birds and feeling the sun on my face and God is filling me up after being poured out for the last 2 weeks. weddings are so much work and so emotionally draining! BUT WHAT A JOY! God will renew…even it it is not till we get to heaven, for that we can be sure.
2. I get not peace or comfort that justice will prevail. it just makes me sad….I just want EVERYONE to love each other! I want ISIS to know HIM, not be destroyed. I do not want what I deserve!!! I dont deserve any of the amazing blessings in my life. Im very thankful that HE is a God of mercy….but I struggle with the whole “they will get what is coming to them” thing.
Loved seeing your wedding pictures on Facebook, Cyndi. Esp the one of your joyful son with you.
We ARE to pray for our enemies — including ISIS. We’ll discuss this more next week as several of you have these same feelings of struggling with the justice aspect.
3. Review Habakkuk 2:1-4 and Luke 12:35-48.
A. What parallels do you see?
When taken side by side I love how Jesus affirms and amplifies Habakkuk’s words! For instance the opening verses of each passage speak of “active waiting” for God. Jesus clarifies for us that what might look like delay is anything but delay! It is our Sovereign God’s timetable in action, requiring us to walk by faith and not by sight – faithfully! I think Jesus gives us more of what true faith looks like in vs. 42&43 of Luke 12: “And the Lord said ‘Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom his master will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes.” So in one sense, it’s really VERY SIMPLE — who has the Lord Jesus placed in my life? THEY are the ones who He desires me to “give them their portion of food at the proper time”! I think of the name of the blog that Kara Tippetts beautifully poured her heart and soul out of in her walk through cancer into the arms of Jesus: “Mundane Faithfulness” – oh, doesn’t that say it all? Oh, to be faithful THIS DAY to the lovely life He has graced me to live!! One of our dear sisters here just blew me away with her words about this very concept this week…..the very idea of not seeking “great things” but of pouring out her life for HIM!!! The ripples of blessing from that conversation are just warming my heart all week long! Amen!
4. This week get an overview of Habakkuk 2:5-20. Read it slowly once. At first reading, what stands out to you?
God is ordaining this! At first this reminded me of our two presidential nominees but I am seeing this in all of us-in me. I see how easily we can cling to idols just as much as the Chaldeans did..Perhaps God is raising up this evil to sift us-wheat and the tares, shake us away from our idols and change our desires to His. What Grace!
Knowing God ordains my trials is a comfort for this is an opportunity to experience His goodness through His body which I am, and through repentance for some yuk is coming to the surface. I hear myself saying, when I get through this then everything will be comfortable again-my comfort idol. :(( I bend toward depression and yesterday was VERY tempting..I just wanted to sleep until this all went away and everything was back to normal. I even overate yesterday. BUT His mercies are new every morning-Great is his faithfulness. 🙂 I read this the other day and am going to listen to it today: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/why-god-didnt-ordain-that-tragedy-is-terrible-news
I’ve been awakened to this and so now I am struggling to say God ‘allows’ my trials because it makes God look like He is wishy washy and satan may get the upper hand sometimes-no way-only if God gives him permission and if God does, as we see in Job, then it is to accomplish his purpose in Job’s life and in ours as a result of the book of Job…I would rather have a bad back, even though I hate it, if it means God is going to make me more beautiful and ready for when He comes to sweep me off my feet face to face. If it means I can experience His goodness more.
WOW..I totally rabbit trailed. :~)
I don’t think you rabbit trailed, Rebecca. You are very good at taking God’s Word and bringing it right down into daily life.
Rebecca, I love your last paragraph. It is what God is beginning to show me, as well. I would rather have the “bad” and experience His presence more rather than miss both! Praying for you this morning and your healing. I have had a bad back for years so I can sympathize a small bit (crushed three vertebrae in 2007)
5. Now identify verses that stand out to you concerning:
A. The visible behavior of the Chaldeans
They are never at rest..nothing satisfies them so they seek more and more…I see the idols of comfort and control here and it never seems to be enough for they go deeper and deeper to shedding blood and killing others. They set their houses on high, which were built with the plunder and shed blood of others, in an attempt to escape ruin but ruin is right around the corner for them. They try to run and hide and take refuge in their idols but they won’t be able to..their idols demand a sacrifice which is their very life.
B. The invisible root sins of the Chaldeans
Comfort and control
C. The verses that connote the impending judgment of God on the Chaldeans
God lets their idols have them in the ‘woe’s’. Idols demand a sacrifice and this says it so clearly! I find comfort in God’s justice for it always fits the crime.
V 6-7 They will become their creditors prey for they extorted to gain their wealth
V8-The people they plundered will plunder them.
V9-11 They have plotted the ruin of many people-so when they try to escape ruin they won’t be able to for they forfeited their life when they forfeited others.
V12-14 They built their city with bloodshed so all that labor is a huge waste of time for For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. His Glory like the waters covering the sea will cover their city.
V15-16 Woe to them who take advantage of their neighbors getting them drunk so they can ridicule and laugh at their nakedness. for they will be covered with disgrace instead of Glory. They will drink until their nakedness is exposed.
V17 Their destruction of Lebanon will overwhelm them and the destruction of the animals will terrify them.
4. This week get an overview of Habakkuk 2:5-20. Read it slowly once. At first reading, what stands out to you?
God is ordaining this! At first this reminded me of our two presidential nominees but I am seeing this in all of us-in me. I see how easily we can cling to idols just as much as the Chaldeans did..Perhaps God is raising up this evil to sift us-wheat and the tares, shake us away from our idols and change our desires to His. What Grace!
Knowing God ordains my trials is a comfort for this is an opportunity to experience His goodness through His body which I am, and through repentance for some yuk is coming to the surface. I hear myself saying, when I get through this then everything will be comfortable again-my comfort idol. :(( I bend toward depression and yesterday was VERY tempting..I just wanted to sleep until this all went away and everything was back to normal. I even overate yesterday. BUT His mercies are new every morning-Great is his faithfulness. 🙂 I read this the other day and am going to listen to it today: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/why-god-didnt-ordain-that-tragedy-is-terrible-news
I’ve been awakened to this and so now I am struggling to say God ‘allows’ my trials because it makes God look like He is wishy washy and satan may get the upper hand sometimes-no way-only if God gives him permission and if God does, as we see in Job, then it is to accomplish his purpose in Job’s life and in ours as a result of the book of Job…I would rather have a bad back, even though I hate it, if it means God is going to make me more beautiful and ready for when He comes to sweep me off my feet face to face. If it means I can experience His goodness more.
WOW..I totally rabbit trailed. :~)
Sorry-this post is mine. I accidentally put my last name down so now Dee has to approve me.
3B. Reflect on Habakkuk 2:1-4. What jumps out to you now?
Humble faith can say things like “I will”! There is an intentionality about humble faith. Saying “I will” in this way is NOT like the state of having our soul “puffed up” (v. 4), but is throwing ourselves totally into watching and waiting for the Lord! There is nothing on earth that can keep me from saying “I will take my stand at the watchpost…..and look out to see what He will say to me…”. Some of the most tender ears I have known have been those prisoners who our society has discarded and pretended no longer exist! When they hear Jesus call their name, repent and begin to live for Him….look out world!!! Because the gates of hell will not prevail against the imprisoned church! Never more so than across the world where the prisoners are imprisoned BECAUSE of Christ. So what stands out…..humble faith that takes its stand upon the LORD.
Oh Jackie! This is going on my wall: Humble faith says I will. This is my prayer, for both of us, today!
3C. Respond (pray it into your heart).
Oh Great God of the universe. King of my heart. Without You, I cannot even work up within myself any power to respond to You….and I bow down before You. Who am I that You should call me by my name and fill my heart with Your Spirit, with Your joy? With Your HOPE. I am dust, but You have made me live. In You I live and move and have my being. In You I will wait expectantly this day for a word from You…..for Your still, small voice……and in You I will take my stand and work out what You have worked into my heart today. I will walk in mundane faithfulness in the land of the living this day. And when I am afraid…..for oh sometimes Abba Father, You know I am afraid…..I will look for You, I will put my trust in You. May Your Name be greatly praised throughout all the earth – and it will be, Amen! – today. I am SO THANKFUL that I can come boldly to Your throne of Grace…through the blood of Christ, eternal in its efficacy. Before You Jesus, one day every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Amen and amen.
3. Review Habakkuk 2:1-4 and Luke 12:35-48.
A. What parallels do you see?
Habakkuk: standing at your watch, looking – this is expectant waiting
Luke: servants who are expectantly waiting for the master’s return, illustrated by the fact that they are dressed and have their lamps lit
Habakkuk: The Lord promises a revelation at the appointed time. However, it may delay or linger
Luke: Son of Man comes at an hour when you do not expect Him. Compared to a thief at night. My little aside here: I wish Jesus would have chosen something more pleasant with which to compare his coming. A thief in the night is a scary image!
Habakkuk: the righteous live by faith
Luke: It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready.
Habakkuk: those who are puffed up with wrong desires
Luke: Some of the servants decide the master will not coming for awhile. So meanwhile they behave badly by getting drunk and beating the other servants.
B. Reflect on Habakkuk 2:1-4. What jumps out to you now?
2:1 – “I will look to see what he will say to me, and what answer I am to give to this complaint.” It occurs to me now that Habakkuk wasn’t just asking for the sake of his own peace of mind, but he was wanting an answer he might give to others who throw up this complaint to Habakkuk.” There have been times when other people have turned to me for a faith answer, and I haven’t even gotten it worked out for myself. It is hard not to have an answer to give.
C. Respond (Pray it into your heart)
Dear Lord, I take such comfort in knowing that you have a plan and you are in charge. You are awesome in your care of me! Help me to be faithful through the tough times when, like Sophie, I can only stammer out my prayer to you. I only ask that you give me your answer by the time I really need to have it. I trust in your perfect timing! Amen.
4. This week get an overview of Habakkuk 2:5-29. Read it slowly once. At first reading, what stands out to you?
To be honest, I said “Aha, that is where that famous call to worship comes from!” (verse 20)
I also wondered “Do you suppose somebody way back then actually plied their neighbors with alcohol just to see what weird things they might do (like shed their clothes)?”
Deanna, I guess there really isn’t anything new under the sun:))
Deanna, I wondered if the “nakedness” could be referring to telling their secrets? Revealing their plans and sins?
good point, Jill.
This verse also reminded me of Noah and his sons. When Noah was drunk and naked in his tent. Ham saw his father and went out to tell his brothers. They, on the other hand, covered their father’s nakedness. ham and his offspring were cursed while Japheth and Shem were blessed by Noah.
I’m trying to find where I read that gazing at nakedness was a euphemism for having sex with them — but I can’t find it!
Dee, I’ve heard that, too. I remember hearing it in the context of Ruth uncovering Boaz.
Well, I’ve heard that with Boaz too but I don’t agree with that. Otherwise it sinks the whole book and Ruth being a woman of noble character. It just says she uncovered his feet — and it was a request for marriage. I’ve also heard Rachel Held Evans (who is often inaccurate) say feet is a euphemism for genitals. What? We could have a good discussion here except this week is over. Love you being here.
I live in a college town and for about fifteen years I lived within two blocks of campus. This behavior of getting your ‘friends’ drunk to see what weird things they might do was a weekly occurrence. oh how very sad
6. Compare Habakkuk 2:11 to Luke 19:39-40. What similarity and what difference do you see?
In looking at a cross-ref. in Joshua 24:27 I saw that stones symbolized a sort of witness. In Joshua, after Joshua shared with the people all of God’s decreesss, he took a big stone and told the people that the stone would be a witness: it had “heard” all the words of the Lord and would be a witness against them if they were untrue to the Lord.
In Habakkuk, the stones of the wall are said to “cry out” (in witness) against the Chaldeans. In Luke, when the people were shouting praises to Jesus, the Pharisees said it wasn’t right to do that, and Jesus said, “If they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.” Here, the stones cry out in witness for Jesus, as in they would attest to who He is and that He deserves praise.
I am not sure why stones were chosen to represent a witness – maybe because a large one was big, solid, and not easily moved away? And if you were doing something bad, it might “fall” on you. Does it have anything to do with the fact that in the OT, stoning someone to death was a punishment?
Good questions Susan. D. A. Carson raised the possibility that it could have been a veiled prophecy to the destruction of Jerusalem when not one stone would be left upon another — historically that was fulfilled in that gold melted in the temple so each stone was pried up by the destroyers to get the gold…
Wow, like each stone being pried up, one by one, was a witness to what God said would happen.
Susan, thank you for these thoughts. It immediately brought to mind “Here I raise my Ebeneezer…” Which comes from 1 Samuel 7:12′ “The Lord has been an help thus far.” Then my brain went to many different times in the Old Testament of people erecting stones and altars to not forget what the Lord had done, or even promises made between two people. We even do this today with monuments, gravestones, memorials…. We try to not forget. These things are witnesses to the events and people.
You just made me think of the cemetery where my baby brother is buried. There are many Jewish graves there, too, and I remember seeing some of the Jewish graves that had 3 or 4 smaller stones placed on them. I’d have to look that up as to what the Jewish tradition is behind that.
Susan…..I believe that there is more than one “possible” Jewish tradition as to the stones……this came to light for me when Abel was buried in Jerusalem – and Jes has a stone there for his grave….. :(. Though honestly, that was such an overwhelming time that I cannot remember anything more than that!
Thanks for sharing the Joshua reference, Susan.
Susan – interesting. Part of my Scripture reading this morning was in Romans 9, where I was reading this: “They have stumbled over the ‘stumbling stone’, as it is written, ‘Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense; and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.” Definitely Jesus being spoken of there…..and he himself said this: “Have you never read in the Scriptures; ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes’?” (Matt 21:42). I’m leaning toward the stone as a witness …..even in the O.T., all of the “witnesses” were pointing forward to Christ. 😉 Witness always has more than one facet – both judgement and grace.
Thanks for bringing these verses in too, Jackie. Wow – stones are all over the place! We think of them as just inanimate heavy objects, but the Bible sure brings them to life being witnesses, stumbling blocks, and of course, the “living stone”!
7. Extra blessing! Read and comment on Psalm 73 in light of Habakkuk 2.
First, on D.A. Carson’s comment that rabbis connected Habakkuk 2:11 with Psalm 73: Habakkuk 2:11 talks about the stones crying out, and their cry echoing off the wooden beams. They are crying out about what the Chaldeans are doing. I think this connects with Psalm 73 in verse 11 where it says, “They say, How can God know? Does the Most High have knowledge?” He most certainly knows what the wicked are doing – again, those stones will testify even if no one else does!
Psalm 73’s description of the wicked really mirrors the description of the Chaldeans – their arrogance, strength, pride, greed and wealth, violence, oppression of others for their own gain. They go on and on and think they will never be held accountable. However, both Habakkuk and the Psalm speak of the sudden turnaround when the Lord says, “Enough!” Psalm 73:19, “How suddenly they are destroyed, completely swept away by terrors!”
The psalmist’s journey here is so interesting and applicable. He is lamenting at first, but interesting that he can see that he started to “slip” (But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold” v. 2) when he began to envy the prosperity of the wicked and their health, wealth, and carefree lifestyle. He took his eyes off God and looked longingly at their seemingly prosperous lives and how they get away with everything; how they seem to have no struggles or trials. The psalmist feels that in his own life, he has been through a lot of trials (“All day long I have been plagued; I have been punished every morning.” v.14)
The psalmist essentially says what’s the use? So what that I’ve tried to be good. (“Surely in vain have I kept my heart pure…” v. 13)
The “turn” comes when he enters the sanctuary of God. It is there that he says, “….then I understood their final destiny.” (v. 17) I think this parallels Habakkuk 2:20, “But the Lord is in His holy temple; let all the earth be silent before Him.” Suddenly, everything comes into perspective. God is HOLY. The psalmist realizes the benefit of whose side he is on. How could he have almost wanted to be like the wicked, just to get earthly riches and ease, health and wealth, but he would have given up his best treasure, which is God?
He recognizes his sin – he had been bitter, depressed, stupid (“When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered, I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before you.” v. 21. I think here he repents and turns back to God. Now he begins to see that he has everything: “Yet I am always with You; You hold me by my right hand. YOu guide me with Your counsel, and afterward You will take me into glory.” (vv. 23-24)
It seems then that the psalmist sheds his fretting and envy like old clothes. He has hope in God and earthly things lose their hold on him: “Whom have I in heaven but You? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.” (v. 25)
I suppose in Habakkuk’s day, there were some who perhaps wished they could throw in their lot with the Chaldeans; they may have envied them for their prosperity and strength. But there are the same warnings in Habakkuk as in Psalm 73 of their ultimate fate, so who really wants to join up with them? I love this in Psalm 73:28, “But as for me, it is good to be near God.” That really becomes a good question to ask myself when confronting my own jealousies and idols. Do I say, “Well yes, it’s good to be near God and to have Him, but….” Why should there be any “buts”?
6. Compare Habakkuk 2:11 to Luke 19:39-40. What similarity and what difference do you see? There is mention of stones crying out in both. We have discussed this above in comments some. Stones are a part of God’s creation, they will do His will. In Habakkuk they testify against the evil with which they were used to build a house with evil gain. In Luke the stones are on deck to sing Christ’s praises…or rather, perhaps they are already giving glory to God (Rom 1:20) and His Son by merely being but we can’t hear them well because of the humans, but if the humans were silent we would “hear” the stones.
7. Extra blessing! Read and comment on Psalm 73 in light of Habakkuk 2. Susan did a great job of summarizing this. The thing that stood out to me is verse16-17 After speaking of how well off the evil doers are the Psalmist says, ” but when I thought how to understand this, it seemed to me a wearisome task, until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I discerned their end.” The Psalmist, like Habakkuk, is finding comfort in God’s judgement. They both sought the Lord – the Psalmist in the sanctuary and Habakkuk on the watchtower – and found answers to the evil swelling around them. The Psalmist also seems to be repenting of being embittered toward the situations – verse 21 “when my soul was embittered” and then he is forgiven – verse 23-24, “nevertheless, I am continually with you, you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel and afterward you will receive me to glory.”
4. This week get an overview of Habakkuk 2:5-29. Read it slowly once. At first reading, what stands out to you?
The entire passage is a warning to the people of what will happen if they proceeded with their evil deeds.
5. Now identify verses that stand out to you concerning:
A. The visible behavior of the Chaldeans
plundering cities, killing, worshiping a wooden god, drinking:
“Woe to him who heaps up what is not his own— for how long?— and loads himself with pledges!”
Because you have plundered many nations, all the remnant of the peoples shall plunder you, for the blood of man and violence to the earth, to cities and all who dwell in them.
“Woe to him who builds a town with blood and founds a city on iniquity!
“Woe to him who makes his neighbors drink— you pour out your wrath and make them drunk, in order to gaze at their nakedness!
Woe to him who says to a wooden thing, Awake; to a silent stone, Arise! Can this teach? Behold, it is overlaid with gold and silver, and there is no breath at all in it.”
Habakkuk 2:6, 8, 12, 15, 19 ESV
B. The invisible root sins of the Chaldeans
Arrogance and greed:
““Moreover, wine is a traitor, an arrogant man who is never at rest. His greed is as wide as Sheol; like death he has never enough. He gathers for himself all nations and collects as his own all peoples.””
Habakkuk 2:5 ESV
C. The verses that connote the impending judgment of God on the Chaldeans
The people will rise up:
“Will not your debtors suddenly arise, and those awake who will make you tremble? Then you will be spoil for them. Because you have plundered many nations, all the remnant of the peoples shall plunder you, for the blood of man and violence to the earth, to cities and all who dwell in them.”
Habakkuk 2:7-8 ESV
The Lord will judge them; shame:
“For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.
You will have your fill of shame instead of glory. Drink, yourself, and show your uncircumcision! The cup in the Lord’s right hand will come around to you, and utter shame will come upon your glory! The violence done to Lebanon will overwhelm you, as will the destruction of the beasts that terrified them, for the blood of man and violence to the earth, to cities and all who dwell in them.
But the Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before him.””
Habakkuk 2:14, 16-17, 20 ESV
7. Extra blessing! 🙂 Read and comment on Psalm 73 in light of Habbakuk 2.
I have spent all morning in Psalm 73 in NIV and looked at the Complete Jewish Bible version..(CJB) I am not sure about this version-does anyone know if it is solid? I like how it spoke in some of the verses.
I love Susan’s thorough comparison-her insight is right on. Especially with how she ended with that question-so important.
What I cling to in these books are this:
Habakkuk 2: 3 For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay. HIS JUSTICE WILL COME.
Habakkuk 2: 18-20 “Of what value is an idol carved by a craftsman? Or an image that teaches lies For the one who makes it trusts in his own creation; he makes idols that cannot speak. Woe to him who says to wood, ‘Come to life!’ Or to lifeless stone, ‘Wake up!’ Can it give guidance?It is covered with gold and silver; there is no breath in it.” The Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth be silent before him.”
-The contrast of the value of idols and of God..oh!! He is helping me to be aware more of idolatry in others as well as myself and helps me to cling to Him when everything around me on this Earth vies for my worship, vies for me to fear it, to envy it, vies for me to join in it or else. It pulls on my dark heart like Gravity!! YET I can take refuge in Him for He is with me-always for I am His beloved-dark but lovely and that those who aren’t His, whose idols are their refuge-His justice will reign down on them for their idols are with them but turn on them and destroy them. I agree-just knowing their end helps me to get past envying their seemless lives in the now..but what helps me get past that even more is His uncomparable beauty. WIthout Him I wouldn’t be ‘yet always with Him-Him holding my right hand’ IN my sour attitudes and pained emotions! Giving me counsel, healing and changing my dark heart-changing my desires to His. What do idols do to hearts??? oh my. And so I pray the wicked would awaken and turn to Him.
Psalm 73: 21-28 “When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered, (CJB VERSION: When I had a sour attitudeand felt stung by pained emotions,) I was senseless and ignorant, I was a brute beast before you. Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you? My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you. But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.”
Rebecca, I’ve looked at that translation (CJB) on Bible Gateway and I also like how it translates certain passages. This sure brings it home, “When I had a sour attitude….”
7. Extra blessing! 🙂 Read and comment on Psalm 73 in light of Habbakuk 2.
I love where the “turn” occurs in Psalm 73! (v.17):”until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I discerned their end.” Up until then, he is envious of the arrogant and their prosperity, he says (v.4-5) “their bodies are fat and sleek. They are not in trouble as others are; they are not stricken like the rest of mankind.”
But it is when he goes to God, in His sanctuary, then he gains wisdom and insight from the Lord. Then he gains perspective and sees the sovereign hand of the Lord.
I’m also struck, in contrast by Hab. 2:19 “Woe to him who says to a wooden thing, Awake; to a silent stone, Arise!” Instead of seeking the Lord, they have sought wisdom, satisfaction,LIFE out of worthless idols.
And then, the conviction of my heart. What worthless, self-created idols have I sought to fulfill me? What lessor love am I looking to, saying ‘awake!’ in futility. I strive to keep peace in my relationships. I strive at home and at work, to exercise and be organized–but why? I know they are good disciplines and yet when I “fail” at one area I realize how easily they have ceased to merely be disciplines and have become gods. I want to accomplish my goals so that I can feel secure, proud, satisfied. When I fail, or especially if someone gets in the way of my achieving a goal–I recognize the frustration that comes with idolatry. I have a mental picture of me yelling at these lifeless idols “awake! you’re supposed to give me life, meaning!” But no, they are not.
Oh Lord, grant that I may firmly say with the psalmist ” But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, that I may tell of all your works.”
Lizzy, I like your thoughts here about idolatry. Oh, how I have learned and keep learning (the hard way) that our idols only turn on us and “cut us to pieces”! And I do this too – making my good disciplines or good deeds a matter of me feeling proud and satisfied in my own abilities, instead of relying on His Spirit to produce the fruit. Yes, I think that when we fail, that’s when the heart idols are revealed because of our frustration, even anger, or despair. I find it so hard to distinguish between what is my own self effort and what is the Holy Spirit’s work in me.
My take-away for this week is the comparison between Habakkuk 2 and Psalm 73. The psalmist definitely gives voice to the lament that I can feel, and the turn….I want to continue to ponder this Psalm.
7. Extra blessing! Read and comment on Psalm 73 in light of Habakkuk 2.
I have been reading the wonderful comments here on this question and noted so many rightly highlighting “the turn” in Psalm 73:16&17. Something to ponder about the turn: in this case at least, it doesn’t happen alone on a mountain with God! It happens in “the sanctuary of God”…..in corporate worship with God’s people! In a Bible study yesterday we were looking at the body of Christ and how each one of us is VITAL in community! All throughout the Scriptures we see the Lord’s heart for HIs people to gather, to minister together….to WORSHIP. And it is here in our local churches, small groups, studies…..that we so often find our crooked ways being straightened! The subtle self-deceptions that can linger even over our precious alone time with Jesus gets exposed by the Spirit in corporate times of worship together. 😉 And that is a sweet, sweet mercy.
Such wonderful sharing — how I love this group!
I just got the book about Bonhoeffer written by Eric Metaxas from the library. It’s only a two week check out (no renewal). I don’t think that I’m going to be able to read it all 🙁
No, probably not Dawn. I guess you can aim for 100 pages and see if you like it well enough to buy it for your own to underline. I bought one used.