The Punishing Rod Part 2 Series

Habakkuk 1:12 – 2:20

Now the prophet asks a second question. How can God allow such a godless nation to be allowed to bring judgment upon His children? Granted Judah has been wicked, but how can God use another wicked nation to punish them? Although this is hard to understand, Habakkuk waits on the Lord.

Second question: 1:12-17

Judah's impending discipline would be on account of the Babylonians. Habakkuk was dismayed that God would utilize a country more insidious than Judah for Judah's discipline. However, the Babylonians did not realize that God was utilizing them to assist Judah with getting back to him, and Babylon's pride in its triumphs would be its downfall. Evil is pointless, and it is never outside God's ability to control. God might utilize whatever surprising instrument that he decides to address or rebuff us.

When we merit correction or discipline, how can we or why do we grumble and complain about what type of "ROD" that God utilizes on us?

This is faith grasping the solution.

Second answer: 2:1-20

The watchmen and the watchtower, frequently utilized by the prophets to show a mentality of assumption (Isaiah 21:8, 11; Jeremiah 6:17; Ezekiel 3:17), are images of Habakkuk's disposition of persistently sitting tight and looking for God's reaction. Stone lookouts were based on city walls or bulwarks so watchmen could see individuals (foes or couriers) moving toward their city while they were currently a way off. Watchtowers were additionally raised in grape plantations to assist with watching the maturing grapes. Habakkuk needed to be in the best situation to be able to receive a message from God.

This chapter records God's responses to Habakkuk's inquiries: How long would evil win (1:2-3)? For what reason was Babylon picked to rebuff Judah (1:13)? God said that the judgment, however lethargic, was certain to come about. Despite the fact that God utilized Babylon against Judah, he knew about Babylon's transgressions and that they would be punished in time.

Evil appears to have the high ground all over the world. Like Habakkuk, Christians frequently feel furious and debilitated as they see what continues. Habakkuk grumbled overwhelmingly to God about it. God's solution to him is the very response that he would provide for us, "Calm down! Things will work out as I want them to in my timing." It is not a straightforward process in being patient, however it assists us with recollecting that God despises sin significantly more than we do. Discipline of wrongdoing will surely come. As God told Habakkuk, "Do not give up." To confide in God completely is to believe him although we are not sure why such situations happen as they do.

The insidious Babylonians confided in themselves and would fall, yet the righteous live on account of their faith and confidence in God. This verse has motivated innumerable Christians. Paul quotes it in Romans 1:17 and Galatians 3:11. The author of Hebrews quotes it in 10:38, not long before the well-known chapter on faith. Also, it is useful to all Christians who should survive troublesome occasions without seeing the result. Christians should believe that God is coordinating everything as per his motivations.

Babylon was a proud nation, it confided in itself and its military strength, and lived to fulfill its own desires to the detriment of its prisoners. Nevertheless, these very sins would ascend to pass judgment upon it, and the hostages it violated would strip and insult Babylon. Justice would come gradually; however, it would come.

Babylon's wealth came from the setbacks of others, and this wealth would transform into useless remains in its grasp. The people in question and their urban areas would shout out against Babylon. Money in itself is not malicious, however God censures the affection for wealth and all detestable methods for securing it (1 Timothy 6:10). We ought to be mindful so as not to crave for wealth in such a way that we lose our hunger for God. Try not to permit money to replace family, companions, or God.

Idolatry might appear to be a transgression that today’s modern individuals need not dread, yet idolatry is not simply doing homage (bowing down) to idols; it is confiding in what one has made, and consequently, in one's own power as maker and sustainer. Assuming that we say that we love God, but then we put our confidence in financial balances, homes, organizations, and associations, then we are idolators. Do we believe God more than we trust what our hands have made?

Idols are not alive nor personhood, and they have no power, for they are vacant lumps of wood or stone. Sanctuaries built for idols are similarly void; for nobody lives there. Nevertheless, the Lord is in his Temple. He is a genuine individual, alive and amazing. He is genuinely and completely God. Idolaters order their deities to save them, yet we who love the living God come to him in quiet adoration, extraordinary regard, and veneration. We recognize that he is in charge and knows what he is doing. Idols stay quiet since they cannot reply. The living God, paradoxically, expresses through his Word. Approach God respectfully and stand by quietly to hear what he has to say.