Category: Habakkuk

“Why God?” is the question we see Habakkuk asking the Lord in this book. Why is there injustice? Why is there violence? Why is there oppression? Why is God judging wicked Judah by raising up wicked Babylon? Why isn’t God setting things right? Habakkuk is grappling with some tough questions. He is crying out to God about the oppression and violence in front of him. Why is God tolerating this wrongdoing? Many of us have asked these same questions. How can God be good and there still be evil in the world? How can the Lord love us, but allow us to experience suffering? 

Habakkuk recognized how dark and chaotic this world can be. He saw the violence and injustice around him and concluded that this world is not how it should be. Despite these questions Habakkuk was asking, he concluded with a joyful praise. He reminded himself of who God was despite his current circumstances. Habakkuk says, “Though the fig tree does not bud and there is no fruit on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though the flocks disappear from the pen and there are no herds in the stalls, yet I will celebrate in the Lord; I will rejoice in the God of my salvation!” (v. 17-18). There is no fruit on the trees, no grapes on the vines, no produce, and no livestock. Regardless of this, he will rejoice. 

Paul makes a similar statement in the book of Philippians expressing that he has found joy despite his situation. Paul says, “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:12-13). We can endure all things through Christ. God alone is the source of our joy. However, this is sometimes hard to believe. It is tempting to seek security and satisfaction from the things of this world. But Jesus is so much better than this world has to offer. Our contentment is not found in physical blessing or circumstances, but in a relationship with God. Only He will truly satisfy.

We can come to the Lord with our honest questions and the ways we feel He has let us down, but it is important to remind ourselves of His consistent character. There is evil in this world, and God is still good and in control. There are troubles in this life, and we can take heart because He has overcome. We can have confidence in God knowing that we don’t see the full picture, He does. The Lord is still on His throne, no matter our circumstances. He is worthy of our trust. He is a just God and will punish the wicked. He will make all things right.

There is no future for the wicked. 

As we survey the world today, this promise can be hard to believe. Everywhere we look, the world celebrates the proud. The greedy accumulate wealth and luxuries. The violent wreak havoc on cities without consequence. The drunkards appear to experience more fun and pleasure than we do. The idolatrous seem to have all the answers. 

Scripture is clear that those who defy God will be judged, and whenever that day comes, they will be brought low before Him. Everyone who appears to gain from their wickedness will receive their due, in this life or the next.  

Habakkuk 2 is one of the many passages where God explicitly makes this  promise. It opens with Habakkuk receiving a word from the Lord about the coming Babylonian conquest of Judah. He is instructed to send the warning to all the earth and trust that no matter how long it takes, the promise “speaks of the end and will not prove false” (v. 3).   

The chapter categorizes five types of people (and nations) who will ultimately face God’s judgment: the proud, the greedy, the violent, the drunken, and the idolatrous. Line by line, God lays out the fate of those who defy Him and His ways. Amazingly, these same words apply to our modern world just as they applied to ancient Israel.

Sins such as drunkenness, extortion, greed, and violence easily translate to the modern world. We can comprehend how wealthy people exploit the poor and how arrogant people acquire power. The description of idolatry isn’t far from our modern understanding either. Maybe we don’t ask carved images to come alive, but we do have technology devices covered in gold and silver. They have no breath, and yet we ask them to “wake up” and give us guidance. While we may be tempted to accuse other nations or other people of sin, let’s not rush past where God’s warnings apply directly to us.    

Habakkuk wrote this book during the last years of the southern kingdom of Israel when the people had given themselves over to injustice and idolatry. These chapters were likely written after the death of King Josiah of Judah but before the destruction of Judah. Habakkuk is wrestling to believe God is good even in the midst of mass tragedy. He asks questions like, “Why isn’t God saving us from violence?” or “Why does God allow injustice?” 

If we are honest, these questions don’t sound much different than ones we ask today. Our world is full of injustice, violence, and evil. On top of that, global, up-to-the-minute media makes us hyper-aware of this evil. If we go back to the text, God’s response to Habakkuk’s questions is far from what we would expect. God certifies that He is aware of Israel’s corruption and is going to allow one of the most wicked nations of all the earth to overthrow Israel. The people of Israel who have turned from God will face their punishment from a cruel and ruthless nation. 

Let’s put ourselves in Habakkuk’s shoes for a moment. Now the question is: “Why would God use wicked people to bring holiness back to Judah?” As followers of Jesus, it makes sense for the injustice and wickedness of the world to concern and disturb us. Habakkuk shows us that we can bring our concerns to God and ask Him to bring an end to the unrighteousness. Habakkuk gives us an example of how to be brokenhearted for those who have turned from God and to petition God to make things right, even if His answer is unexpected.

Mark 9 tells a story of a young boy who is possessed by a spirit that makes him convulse and become mute. His father brings him to Jesus to see if he can be healed.

‘But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.’”
“‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.”
Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:22b-24)

Jesus questions the father’s faith, and the father is honest in his response. With a simple change in how we word our prayers, they become sentences of faith rather than doubt. Instead of looking at injustice and asking God “why” or “if you can,” we can rely on the hope that Jesus offers and ask God to help us have faith in those areas of doubt.