Daily Blast - Minor Prophets: Day 23
Scripture
“See, the enemy is puffed up;
his desires are not upright—
but the righteous person will live by his faithfulness”
Reflection
Welcome to Habakkuk. Rather than speaking to the people on God’s behalf, Habakkuk spoke to God on behalf of the people. The entire book is a conversation between Habakkuk and the Lord. Habakkuk was perplexed that wickedness, conflict, and oppression were rampant in Judah, but God seemingly did nothing.
Chapters 1 and 2 are framed as a back and forth argument between Habakkuk and God. The prophet states two complaints, to which God offers two responses. He first complains that life in Israel has become horrible, full of violence and injustice and corrupt leadership. God suddenly replies and tells Habakkuk that He is aware of the corruption of His own people, Israel, and that He is raising up the Babylonians to bring down justice on Israel because of their injustice and evil. Habakkuk responds with his second complaint, that Babylon is even worse than Israel, even more corrupt and more violent. How can God use such evil nations as His instruments of justice? God then responds again. He gives a vision for a time in the future - He will bring Babylon down. He explains that though He may use a corrupt nation like Babylon for a certain time, He does not approve of them, and they will all be made accountable.
As God responds for the second time, one thing He says is “the righteous one will live by faith”. Although there are times of trouble, worry, and pain, God expects us to live by faith in His promises. That He will not leave or forget about us, and He will bring restoration and peace.
Challenge
Today’s reading teaches us something important about prayer. We learn that it is totally okay to come before God with our anger, tears, and confusion, and that God will answer them as He would answer any other. When you’re praying, I challenge you to be completely honest with God. It is okay to ask questions, to be upset or angry. This is called lamenting. He will gracefully listen and He will respond.