Introducing Habakkuk (2)

The book of Habakkuk is one single prophecy arranged in two parts: (1) In the form of a conversation between God and the prophet Habakkuk, judgments are announced, the instrument of judgment is revealed and the terror of that judgment is disclosed; (2) the overthrow of those conquerors, a prayer and an exaltation of God.

This is a great book of prophecy on the prediction of coming events. It foretold the fall of Israel under Chaldean domination. God is the God of all time. He sees into the future and knows what is coming. He actually determines what is coming. He has been there before we get there. He lives in eternity. He is everlasting and all sovereign. A study of this marvelous work of prophetic genius is an encouragement to our faith in a great God.

The study of Habakkuk is very rewarding spiritually. It is a rich and vital book with a certain and vital message for today. The whole study is a joy in which to engage. Not only will a study of this book increase your faith in God, it will encourage you in your work and witness for Christ in the present. It gives a determination to please God.

The book of Habakkuk is one single prophecy arranged in two parts: (1) In the form of a conversation between God and the prophet Habakkuk, judgments are announced, the instrument of judgment is revealed and the terror of that judgment is disclosed; (2) the overthrow of those conquerors, a prayer and an exaltation of God.

This is a great book of prophecy on the prediction of coming events. It foretold the fall of Israel under Chaldean domination. God is the God of all time. He sees into the future and knows what is coming. He actually determines what is coming. He has been there before we get there. He lives in eternity. He is everlasting and all sovereign. A study of this marvelous work of prophetic genius is an encouragement to our faith in a great God. The three great doctrinal books of the New Testament, Romans, Galatians and Hebrews, quote from Habakkuk. In fact, Habakkuk 2:4 -- “The just shall live by faith,” is the basis of the message of these great books. Habakkuk is a short but very significant book.

The study of Habakkuk is very rewarding spiritually. It is a rich and vital book with a certain and vital message for today. The whole study is a joy in which to engage. Not only will a study of this book increase your faith in God, it will encourage you in your work and witness for Christ in the present. It gives a determination to please God.

The meaning of the prophet’s name is important. Little is known about Habakkuk save that he was a prophet. About the only thing we have is his name. The name of the prophet is a combination of words which mean “embracing” or “embraced.” Thus the name Habakkuk can mean either k”one who embraces” or “one who is embraced.”

Either meaning has profound significance for the book which the prophet wrote by inspiration of God. The meaning “one who embraces” is significant because, as Luther contended, Habakkuk did embrace his people and loved them. As one embraces a weeping and hur child, Habakkuk embraced his people. He could only do that, however, because he knew the other meaning of his name -- “one who is embraced.”

Only “one who is embraced” by God can “embrace” another. A lost and straying world cannot be loved unless we realize God’s love ourselves and that He desires to love others through us. There is the marvelous truth in Habakkuk’s name. It is profoundly Gospel. God has embraced us in Christ. We can, because we are embraced by God, embrace others in His love and grace.

God embracing His people and His people embracing a lost humanity wherever they meet them is the exciting good news of God’s Word.

There are several great themes which weave throughout the Word of God. The fabric of Scripture, composed of these themes, is like a mosaic or a tapestry.

In the little book of Habakkuk several themes are considered:

(1) The Sovereignty of God. God is in charge of things. There is none greater. Not anything happens which does not happen because He causes it. He is Lord--the sole sovereign in the Universe. The practical result of this greatest fact in life is the conquest of fear. We need not fear because Christ is here. God is in charge.

(2) His is progressive. God is in control and things are moving forward according to His plan. Man is creature, not creator. His is not cyclical, it is linear. History progresses toward a goal, God’s goal. All history is moving toward a climatic conclusion. Initially Habakkuk did not understand that, but he finally came to realize and acknowledge it.

(3) Sin and suffering are dealt with in this book. Why sin and suffering? Shouldn’t this be a good world? Why all the wrong? Why sin? Why is there so much suffering? Habakkuk gets some answered and they are real answers--relevant for us in the present day, also.

(4) God’s judgment is certain. This is often passed over lightly. God is going to judge the world. He is going to bring it under a mighty condemnation for the wrong and sin in it.

(5) Revival is possible through prayer. God sends revival as His people seek it. God can and will do a work that will amaze and mystify folks for years. He did in Habakkuk’s day and He is willing to do so in our day. He uses strange instruments to accomplish His purposes and plans.

(6) God works through men. God is not looking for better methods, but surrendered men. He wants those who are willing to believe Him and be His servants. This is God’s Way--the way of personal witness and testimony. “The burden which Habakkuk the prophet did see” (1:1). It is through such personal faith and testimony that God continues to work.

God’s prophets are not “carbon copies.” God calls and uses men who are different. Somebody says, “He’s not like any preacher I’ve ever heard.” Wonderful. I don’t want to be like any other preacher. God is not the God of monotony. He’s different. The fact is that at present we have so many preachers who are just alike that it’s hard to tell which is which. God wants us to be ourselves. He wants us to know His personality and to serve Him.

God wants to work in us His work. He needs a faith that is ours. I want a faith that is mine, given to me by God, not a faith in books or from books, but a faith in the lviing Lord Jesus Christ. My faith is not a faith out of a book on a shelf. That kind of faith can be stolen or marred. My faith is from God in God. Neither do I want a faith that you approve, but a faith that God gives, God approves, blesses and prospers. That is what we all need. I want an experience that is mine, given to me by God. Such a faith cannot be plundered. It cannot be discouraged. It cannot be defeated. It cannot be destroyed.

If anyone is discouraged, it is obvious that his faith isn’t from God or in God. If anyone is disappointed, it is obvious that he’s got his eyes in the wrong direction and God’s isn’t directing him. Habakkuk learned that God is working and that we need to take courage in that work. God is going to accomplish His purpose and plan, regardless of man.

Habakkuk gives us much to encourage us in our walk as people serving the living God. God works in amazing and encouraging ways. Let’s affirm our God. Let’s tell the story of His mighty works in Christ and what He has done and is doing in our lives. Let’s share our burden. Let’s dream our dreams and share those dreams with one another. Let’s encourage one another in our walk with God that God can work mightily in our lives.

CONCLUSION

As we study this book of Habakkuk , we will see unfold before our eyes the work and witness of Almighty God. God is working, even when we don’t think He is. He is working, even when we think things are the worst they can possibly be. The fact is when things seem their worst, they may get even worse, but that doesn’t mean God is not working. God’s work is never according to our estimate of it. It is in His time and in His way that He works. Before every resurrection victory there must be a cross of suffering and disappointment. Before every revival there comes a dark cloud and depressive time.

Look up! God is going to do something, something that will amaze the critics, confound the enemies and confuse the ungodly. He is going to do something that will strengthen His people and bless His church. This is not my work, your work or even our work. It is first and foremost God’s work. So let’s take our hands off it and let Him do with it what He wills and wants to do with it.

Introducing Habakkuk (2)

I. The Meaning of Habakkuk’s Name

II. Great Themes in Habakkuk