EXPLORE IT - HABAKKUK 1:1-11

Our Scripture passage this week, Habakkuk 1:1-11, is the first of two questions that Habakkuk asks God and God's responses to Habakkuk.  Habakkuk begins by lamenting to God because He seems to be ignoring Habakkuk’s cry for help.  Oftentimes, we see people in the Bible crying out to God because their enemies are oppressing them, but here Habakkuk is calling to God because the Israelites are full of corruption.  During this time, King Jehoiakim was ruler of Judah.  The courts were controlled by the rich, accepting bribes for unjust rulings.  Habakkuk was crying out against the corruption of his own countrymen.

In response to Habakkuk’s cry, God foretells His judgment against Israel (this is why the book of Habakkuk is titled as an oracle, because an oracle is a pronouncement from God through a prophet that directs action, either in the present or prophesying the future).  God will use the Babylonians (the Chaldeans are synonymous with the Babylonians) to judge the Israelites.  The cruelty of the Babylonians was well known, these are not God’s people.  They were known for deporting conquered nations back to Babylon, exiling them from their home country.

God’s response to Habakkuk’s cry may seem drastic to us.  God is calling upon a nation who are not only known for their cruelty, but also have no relationship with God, to overtake the Israelites in order to judge them for their sins.  What we forget, God has sent prophets before, telling the Israelites to turn from their sinful ways.  God has provided for them, led them, cared for them through the years to reveal Himself to His people.  Nonetheless, the Israelites did not listen.  Drastic times call for drastic measures.

God desires that we all have a relationship with Him, that we depend on Him for our needs, that we seek Him for the right direction in our lives.  The Israelites did not do any of this and they were judged.  We will all be judged.  While the book of Habakkuk encourages us that we are able to question God, it also encourages us to follow God and be obedient to His Word or there will be consequences.

Are you currently following after God every day or are you living life according to your own wishes?  Let me encourage you – seek God, seek forgiveness if needed, patiently wait for His direction (not taking matters in your own hands!), and serve Him every day.  Keep your eyes on the prize of eternal life with our King!

Blessings,
Pastor Amy