Title: Habakkuk’s Prayer Scripture: Hab. 3
Type: Expository series Where: GNBC 10-17-21
Intro: How do you live by faith in a fallen world? Have you ever struggled with the perception of there being a lack of justice in this world? In philosophy courses in college the problem is often put as a syllogism: If God is all-powerful and loving, He would put a stop to evil. Evil has not been stopped. Therefore, either God is not all-powerful or He is not loving. In his best-seller, When Bad Things Happen to Good People, Rabbi Harold Kushner argued that God is loving; He just isn’t able to stop evil. While that is obviously not a satisfactory solution, many Christians fall into essentially the same error. They try to escape the problem by saying that God permitted evil by giving man free will, but He did not ordain or cause evil. Habakkuk was a prophet who had revealed to him some very troubling news. It was shattering news and it was news that would soon befall his beloved nation. This revelation shook his faith. That’s what we face too, living in a fallen world. Daily obstacles living by faith in a fallen world.
Prop: Examining Hab. 3 will give us 3 insights into living by faith in a fallen world.
BG: 1. Convinced this prophet has distinction of most mispronounced name in the Bible!
2. Written in about 605 BC. Time of Battle of Carchemish when allied armies of Egypt and Assyria vs. Babylonians, Medes, and Persians. Was a change in dominance from Assyria to Babylon.
3. Hab. 3 was written as a song to be sung as a result of what the prophet learned from God.
Prop: Examining Hab. 3 will give us 3 insights into living by faith in a fallen world.
I. Habakkuk Begins by Recognizing God’s Fame and Awesome Deeds in the Midst of His Own Discouragement. Vv.1-7
A. Habakkuk Begins by Taking his Frustrations to the Lord.
1. The Prophet write about this in the 3rd chapter.
a. Chap. 3 is essentially a Psalm. It is a prayer psalm. Like all psalms it was a song to be sung. It was a prayer psalm written out of the frustration he was going through while underscoring his personal reliance upon the Lord to see him through.
b. “Shigionoth” – interesting word used here in v. 1. “according to Shigionoth”. The word is only used here and in Psalm 7. Scholars believe it was a term used to direct how the song was to be performed. Most likely meant: “A wandering style”. Music is stylistic and the mood of the music expresses the composer’s temperament or idea attempting to communicate. No different here. In his mind the prophet is weighing out the balance of the evil and injustice he sees in the world while balancing that with the understanding that God is in charge, fully capable, and loving.
2. Habakkuk starts by affirming a complete reliance upon the Lord even though he does not understand what God is doing.
a. Vv. 1-2 (Read). Essentially the prophet is saying, “I hear you, but I don’t understand You.” I hear the report…” Possibly, it is the victory of Babylon, and he knows already that this will spell doom for the Kingdom of Judah. This report that Habakkuk has learned of causes fear to well up within him. By divine revelation he has learned that in the coming years God is going to use the new superpower to punish the sins of Judah.
b. V.2 – “In wrath remember mercy.” God is perfectly just in using one sinful nation to chastise another. Sadly, seemingly “innocent” people get hurt and killed in these calamities. The prophet pleads for mercy. “In wrath, remember mercy.” Possibly he means in the intervening time between these events and the destruction of Judah, remember to be merciful to your people. (Illust: Can you and I do that?
B. Habakkuk Focuses on God’s Greatness in the Midst of his Struggle with the Perceived injustice of the coming events.
1. Why is it Important to Meditate on God’s Greatness When Struggling with Issues of perceived Injustice? Habakkuk’s problem is what the theologians/philosophers call a.“Theodicy” or divine justice. Habakkuk saw the violence, the law breaking, the injustice so he questions God’s purposes in this. It troubled him and it troubled his faith in a good God. How could the beast of Babylon on the horizon be used for good in punishing Judah for her sins against God? It didn’t seem “fair” it didn’t seem “right”. It’s an observable argument, isn’t it? Certainly are injustices in the world. Not the least of all was how God was going to use a horrifically pagan kingdom to chastise His chosen people.
b.Many people, when faced with struggles of perceived injustices have lost their awe because they are too hurried and superficial. The prophet makes a 3-fold appeal: 1.revive Thy work. 2. Reveal Thyself 3. Remember mercy.
2. Even though Habakkuk didn’t Understand God’s plans, he trusted Him.
a. The prophet focuses on the greatness of God. V.3 – God’s splendor and praise and radiance are witnessed. Mountains and hills collapse before Him, rays of light come from His hands, He lays waste with pestilence and disease. Great warriors from enemy armies shake in fear at His presence. (v.7)
b. Illust: CS Lewis once said: ““My argument against God was that the universe seemed so cruel and unjust. But how had I got this idea of just and unjust? A man does not call a line crooked unless he has some idea of a straight line. What was I comparing this universe with when I called it unjust? If the whole show was bad and senseless from A to Z, so to speak, why did I, who was supposed to be part of the show, find myself in such a violent reaction against it?... Of course I could have given up my idea of justice by saying it was nothing but a private idea of my own. But if I did that, then my argument against God collapsed too--for the argument depended on saying the world was really unjust, not simply that it did not happen to please my fancies. Thus, in the very act of trying to prove that God did not exist, I proved that He did.”
c. Illust: Past year hew and cry about : “Social Justice” and “CRT” and feminism, and LGBT advocacy, progressive immigration policies, and a whole host of other leftist policies actively vying for evangelical acceptance under the rubric of “Social Justice”. Today amongst big evangelicalism virtually any theory, ideology or amusement that captures the fancy of pop culture will adopted and slightly adapted with strained Bible verses proof texting the passage, peddled as vital for evangelicals to embrace so that “Christianity won’t become irrelevant.” The Bible has much to say about justice. In the English Standard Version of the Bible, the word is used more than 130 times. It is never preceded by an adjective, except in Ezekiel 18:8, which speaks of “true justice.” It is occasionally paired with possessive pronouns. God Himself speaks of “my justice” twice in Scripture. Twice in prayers addressed to God, we read the expression “your justice.”
The point? There are not different flavors of justice. There is only true justice, defined by God Himself and always in accord with His character.
C. Applic: “Will not the judge of all the earth do what is right?” (Gen. 18:25) Abraham understood this when pleading for his family in Sodom. Habakkuk realized it when seeing the looming monster of Babylon on the horizon. Do you and I understand this when facing our challenges today?
II. Habakkuk Praises God for His Salvation in the Midst of His Discouragement. Vv.8-15
A. Habakkuk Praises God for His Salvation in the Midst of Discouraging Circumstances.
1. Look at what the Prophet states. V.13
a. As Illust: What is the prophet doing here? I hate to break the news but this is Iowa and snow will be coming soon! When we have a snow and the walks have been cleared, but there are still patches of ice, you carefully walk, putting your feet on safe ground. This is what the prophet does and we are to do as well. Put your feet on safe ground. Remind yourself of what is true! You walk slowly, safely, and securely in the light of God’s sure Word, while slowly, prayerfully, waiting on the Lord for Him to reveal His will in those areas where difficult to understand. ( JM Boice, Minor Prophets, 2:401)
b. V.13 – God is Holy and does not approve of sin. That’s the sure ground. God is good and through Christ has made a way for our salvation! That’s the sure ground. God is has made a way for us to have access to Him. That’s the sure ground. Christ will take us to be with Him in eternity. That’s the sure ground. Rejoice and walk on that ground even if the flurries of injustice, sickness, or strife clouds our view.
2. We Should Follow Habakkuk’s example when faced with Discouraging Circumstances.
a. It is important for the Christian to remember Who he/she belongs to and where he is going, and what you have been saved from.
b. Colossians 1:13-14 says: “For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”
B. Habakkuk Declares God’s Strength Over the Problems he was facing.
1. Notice What the Prophet states God specifically has power over.
a. The prophet states that God has sovereign power over: nations vv.7&12, nature: v.8 rivers and sea, v.10 mountains quaked, v.11 sun and moon fled before His presence.
b. Listen dear one, Habakkuk’s God is the same God we serve today! The same God Who has power over the sun and moon has power over the harsh circumstances you are presently facing. Concern over job? Relationship/marriage? Medical diagnosis? Financial situation? Struggling with a class? May God forgive the awful testimony so many churches displayed over the past year and a half cowering in fear when we should have been exalting the Christ Who is infinitely more powerful than a virus and able to give hope to the hopeless. Either God is a God you can trust WITH YOUR WHOLE LIFE or HE IS NOT! Make the choice and live it but quit hesitating between two opinions.
2. As believer we need to proclaim by faith God’s power over problem areas we are facing.
a. Illust: One of my favorite stories in the OT comes out of Daniel 3. This is when King Nebuchadnezzar sets up his vainglorious golden image that was about 100’ high by 10’ wide. Calls all of his satraps, prefects, governors, counselors, treasurers, judges, magistrates and rulers of the provinces to dedicate this foul statue. Tells them at the moment you hear the loud music, falls down and worship the golden image. “But whoever doesn’t fall down and worship shall be cast into a furnace of blazing fire.” (Dan. 3:6) Peer pressure! Plus government edict. (Kind of like a shot mandate!) Music wails, and people look around… Umh…Shadrack, Meshack, and Abed-nego still standing! Sure enough, v.12 – someone sells them out! Always finks. “They have disregarded you and do not serve your gods or worship the golden image you have set up.” (v.12) Response of the king: (My patience is running thin… I will deal with you…) No! Wrong ruler! In a rage, Nebuchadnezzar calls then men in and lays out the game plan again. “Boys, do it this time or die.” (Read Daniel 3:16-18). They knew their God was able! They spoke His ability and they put their lives on the line to demonstrate it.
b. Let me ask you, what struggle are you facing right now that you need to proclaim God has ultimate power over? Salvation? Your spouse? Your marriage? Your health? Wealth? Job? Grades? Emotional health?
C. Applic: Are you in the midst of a discouraging circumstance? Praise the Lord! It is your and my opportunity to see God prove Himself strong. II Chron. 16:9 declares: “For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.”
III. Habakkuk Expresses Trust in God in Spite of His Difficult Circumstances. Vv.16-19
A. The Prophet Carefully Considers the Coming Calamity. Vv.16-17
1. As the Distant Danger Draws Near, the Prophet Praises God.
a. Please notice, I am not saying we are to be flippant in the face of persecution or suffering. I am not saying that we ignore injustice. Rather, look at the prophet’s assessment of the news and what it did to him: (Read. V. 16) inward parts trembled, lips quivered, decay of bones, trembling. He knew an invasion was on the way but he apparently did not know when that invasion would take place. Terrifying.
b. Illust: WWII After the retreat from Dunkirk. Bulk of British army’s weaponry left on the beaches of France. RAF was small. The fleet could not be trapped in the channel. Would be a sitting duck. On June 4, 1940, in one of the great speeches of history, Churchill informed Parliament of the conclusion of the evacuation and then informed them that Germany would most likely attempt an invasion. He defiantly stated that Hitler’s troops would find an enemy “prepared to defend our islands” at any cost.” That was brave posturing. The truth was, however, British coastal defenses were appallingly sparse at that moment. Churchill was gravely concerned. So much so that his bodyguard of 18 years, Walter Thompson, wrote that the PM always carried his Colt 1911 .45 ACP, “with which he was a crack shot”.
2. Notice the Prophet predicts the coming Disasters.
a. V.17 – no figs, no fruit on the vine, no olives, no produce from the fields, loss of flocks, no cattle. What was the prophet saying? “God forbid, if disaster strikes, if the Babylonians pillage the land, if famine and blight hit, I WILL STILL WORSHIP THE LORD!
b. Illust: About a week and a half someone of some importance said: “It’s too early to tell if Christmas can go ahead as normal this year.” I have one word to say: “Bro!” If you think my worship of the Messiah, the Second Person of the Trinity, Savior of Mankind, Christ the King is dependent on your mandates, your vaccination percentages, or even your “just in time supply chain” interruptions that you created, YOU ARE SADLY MISTAKEN! Christ is King and I will worship Him! We worship and we REJOICE in spite of our circumstances or situations!
B. Habakkuk Finishes His Psalm with Declaring his Dependence Upon His God! V.19
1. The Prophet Proclaims his Utter Dependence upon the Lord as he concludes his canticle.
a. This is an adaptation from Psalm 18:33. The “hinds’ feet” indicate the strength and elasticity of the prophet’s confidence like those of the mountain sheep or goats; the “high places” are, as Kleinert observes, “the heights of salvation which stand at the end of the way of tribulation, and which only the righteous man can climb by the confidence of faith.”
b. “For the choir director” - So ends one of the most magnificent pieces of imaginative poetry in Scripture or anywhere else. The singer has been describing a great delivering manifestation of the Most High God, which, though he knew it was for the deliverance of God’s people, shed awe and terror over his soul. Then he gathers himself together to vow that in this God, thus manifested as the God of his salvation, he ‘will rejoice,’ whatever penury or privation may attach to his outward life. Lastly, he rises, in these final words, to the apprehension of what this God, thus rejoiced in, will become to those who so put their trust and their gladness upon Himself.
2. Christian, can you, like the prophet of old, declare your utter dependence upon Jesus Christ today?
a. Illust: Anyone recall the names Rob Pilatus or Fabrice Morvan? You remember the German/French R&B group Milli Vanilli? They were a big sensation until someone exposed them as a fake because the guys were lip-synching instead of singing themselves. I’d like to suggest that the lesson to be learned for us is instead of trying to lipsynch the Christian life, faking our way through while mouthing all the right words, God wants us to “life-synch” the Christian life by having complete dependence on Christ by faith. (Credit: Abraham Shanklin)
b. Christian, We do not have enough strength in ourselves to remain committed to every facet of the gospel. Instead, we are utterly dependent on the Spirit to create a love for God and His truth in our hearts. If we study the things of God without regularly confessing our need of the Spirit’s help, we can easily be led astray. In II Cor. 12:9 Paul said: “"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (ESV). We are weak. We are frail. We have defeats and set backs. We are fearful and afraid. The future may look unsure. Your friends may have abandoned you. You may be facing a very big crisis! His grace is sufficient for you and me!!!
c. Applic:
