The Praise of Habakkuk

I read an article the other day that implied that the book of Habakkuk was dry and uninteresting. Maybe the preacher didn't do a good job, but Habakkuk is anything but dry and uninteresting.

Habakkuk received a vision from the Lord of coming destruction. It is a vision full of action, violence and punishment. Habakkuk stands and waits to see what God will say to him and what he will answer. Habakkuk must have been petty humble. Most of the time I try to boast about what I will do and what I will say. When the time comes, no words flow, and I am humiliated by my lack of verbal skill. Habakkuk said, "I will watch to see what I shall answer when I am reproved."

Habakkuk 2:4 contains the pivotal statement of the whole Bible. "The just shall live by his faith." Faith in God brings life. Pride refuses to accept the grace of God by faith, and the result is death. Hebrews 11:6 says: "Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for whoever comes to God must believe that He is, and that he is a rewarder of them that do diligently seek Him." That may be challenging or scary or difficult, but it's not dull.

Then, in chapter 3 there is a glorious description of God measuring and evaluating the earth. When Habakkuk saw the power and majesty of God, rottenness entered his bones and he trembled. He got weak all over. This sounds as good as Stephen King!

Finally, we read what Habakkuk said when he was reproved. "Even though the fig tree doesn't bloom, and there are no grapes on the vine, and the olive tree doesn't produce any olives, and the calves die, and the lambs are killed, I will still rejoice in the Lord, and I will find joy because God has saved me. The Lord God is my strength and He will make me like a mountain goat that runs up the cliffs, and I will stand on the mountaintop."

Habakkuk found challenge, promise, joy and adventure in his journey with God. Never let it be said that he or his story is dull!