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Habakkuk – The Burden Prophet (3 of 4)

Focus Text: Habakkuk 2.18-20

Habakkuk’s burden was a heavy one; God had revealed to him that the Chaldeans would rise and triumph over his beloved nation, Israel. He wondered out loud as to the fact that the wicked (i.e. the Chaldeans) could prosper. This was one of his “complaints.” Likewise, he wondered (complained) about the propriety of God’s use of such a wicked nation to punish a nation which had historically called on the name of Jehovah. What a blow it must have been for the prophet to have to speak such words to his people! Yet, he had no choice, none that is if he was to continue to be pleasing in God’s sight. His complaints had been answered by God Himself; there was no other alternative but to speak out the awful future that lay before Israel!

The 2chapter of Habakkuk ends with a humble prophet proclaiming the conviction that had come to his heart, especially after hearing God’s answers to his complaints. The lesson that Habakkuk learned was one which all the earth needed (and still needs) to learn. This lesson he voiced eloquently and in a manner that rings in the ears of all who profess to believe in God Almighty. We sing songs which are formed around Habakkuk’s statement - wonder if we really understand the significance of the lessons he learned and the words that sprang from those lessons. First, read carefully what Habakkuk wrote.

“What profit is the image, that its maker should carve it, The molded image, a teacher of lies, That the maker of its mold should trust in it, To make mute idols? Woe to him who says to wood, ‘Awake!’ To silent stone, ‘Arise! It shall teach!’ Behold, it is overlaid with gold and silver, Yet in it there is no breath at all. But the LORD is in His holy temple. Let all the earth keep silence before Him.” (Habakkuk 2.18-20).

Note the last two sentences: “But the LORD is in His holy temple. Let all the earth keep silence before Him.” Habakkuk knew in practice what he had known in theory before! He had known in theory that God was an awesome and wise God but he seemed to equivocate when it came to announcing to his fellow-citizens the fate that awaited them. However, after hearing God as it were face to face, Habakkuk’s objections melted entirely into insignificance; humility once again was in control and his own will was made subservient to God’s. Indeed, let all the earth keep silence before Him! What Habakkuk exhorted others to do he had learned firsthand!

Merely to acknowledge God is not enough. Merely to perceive His superiority is not enough. Mere words are never enough! It is not everyone that one says, “Lord, Lord…” but he who “does the will of” the Father in heaven who gains acceptance before God (see Matthew 7.21). Faith/belief is but a starting point from which repentance springs when humility is present. Where humility is absent, faith is vain; “…the demons believe and tremble” but with no profit (see James 2.19)! Humility is a prerequisite to salvation and has been in every age and dispensation. Habakkuk the Burden Prophet learned this invaluable lesson; so must we!

Questions:

1. Why should all the earth keep silence before God?

2. What does silence represent in this statement?

3. How do we know that faith without works is dead (see James 2, latter half)?

4. What is the connection, if any, between humility and obedience?

"'Christ in You...'" from Dale Krebbs

Longing For God