Rejoice in the Lord
Rejoice in the Lord
Habakkuk 2:5 – 3:19
FPBC 11/20/05
Introduction:
Habakkuk’s Second Dilemma [1:12 – 2:4]; 2:5 – 20
Why would God use the wicked Chaldeans?
First 1/2: Live by faith
Second 1/2: God will destroy the Chaldeans
· Reason: Their wanting 2:5 – 11
o Overindulgence would be punished
o Those who had been plundered would plunder them
o The stolen materials that fortified Babylon testified to their own destruction and the coming judgment.
· Reason: Their warring 2:12 – 17
o All that had been labored over to get would be destroyed quickly. Isa. 11:9
o The Lord is in control, not armies or kings
o The violence shown to others would be repaid
o The violence to Lebanon (marring its natural beauty) was nothing compared to the violence shown its people. All would be avenged.
· Reason: Their worship 2:18 – 20
o Carved or molded, the idols were worthless!
o To worship what you make is pointless
Habakkuk’s Prayer 3:1 – 19
Praise 1 – 15
· A request for revival prompted by a reflection on God’s Person and work
· A desire to see God mercifully at work during his lifetime
· Praise for past demonstrations of power
o Mt. Sinai Ex. 20:18 – 21; Dt. 5:23 – 27
o Wilderness wanderings
o Jordan & Red Sea
o Control of the sun Josh 10:9 – 14
o Continued protection (from exodus to monarchy)
Petition 16 – 19
· Rest in the coming day of trouble
o Famine would come
o Situation would look grim
o But Habakkuk would not waver from rejoicing!
o God was his strength!
Conclusion