Scripture Text: Habakkuk 1:5-11
“Look among the nations, and see; wonder and be astounded. For I am doing a work in your days that you would not believe if told.
Habakkuk 1:5
Conrad Maier-Sogheg made a lot of money, enough to deposit $10,000 per day to his bank account in Georgia. How did an unemployed man manage this? It turns out he was literally making money, printing his own bills from inside a rented storage unit. He used laser templates, special paper, and a variety of chemicals, including baby powder, to create his counterfeits. Said one police officer: “It's the best counterfeit scheme I have seen in my law enforcement career. The bills look and feel real.” How was he caught? He failed to pay the rent on his storage unit, and when workers went to empty it out they discovered the scam.
“You may be sure that your sin will find you out,” the Bible warns (Num. 32:23). Justice is inevitable. That's exactly how God answered Habakkuk's first question. He told him that justice was about to be done, that the nation's punishment for sin and covenant-breaking was imminent. It would not be allowed to continue indefinitely. This was not a prophecy of the distant future, for God told the prophet it would happen “in your days” (Habakkuk 1:5).
What was He going to do? He planned to raise up the Babylonians and use them to conquer Judah. This is stunning in at least two ways—spiritually, in that a pagan nation would be used to judge God's people, and politically, in that the mighty Assyrians were about to be displaced as a world superpower. The imagery relates mostly to hunting and prey. Like a leopard or vulture, the Babylonians would descend upon their hapless victims. They would be as irresistible as a desert wind, defeating even those seemingly secure in fortified cities. But God was under no illusion about the Babylonians. He knew they were idolators. He knew they would be “ruthless” and portrayed them as typical conquerors (Habakkuk 1:6-7), that is, as proud lovers of power and domination who would be dreaded by others and “whose own strength is their god” (Habakkuk 1:11).
Reflect
1. How does this affect you?
2. Does this give you confidence? guilt? or fear?
Remember
When reading biblical prophecy, it is helpful to have handy a timeline or chronology of events. Otherwise, we can get lost in the various historical episodes that are presented as past, present, and future from the prophet's perspective.
Dear readers, God surely answer prayers. That’s exactly what He did with Habakkuk’s problem, concern and first question to Him. He revealed Himself true to His nature, name, promises and reputation by giving an answer to him and even telling him what He will exactly do to evil and sin of His people.
In the Person of Christ Jesus, the very reality was seen once again. In Him, we find all “YES” to all our prayers and in Him we can boldly approached the throne of grace and find mercy in our times of need. Also, Christ’s agony, pain, suffering and death on the cross, God dealt with the problem of sin and when His Son, Jesus Christ return, He will finally put an end of evil.
Read
Deuteronomy 28:47-50; Hebrews 10:30; 2 Peter 3:8-10; 2 Corinthians 1:20; Hebrews 4:16; Romans 5:6-8
Pray
Dear Heavenly Father, Lord, it is such a confidence to know that You truly answer my prayer. It is also assuring that You deal with evil and will act rightly and fairly. Thank You for reminding me that I cannot hide anything from You and whatever wrongdoing that I do, I will surely face its consequences. Have mercy on me and show me grace once more. This I pray in His name, my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
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