Prayer 101 - Part 69: Christ In Habakkuk
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Outline
Habakkuk is one of the last of the minor prophets to preach in Judah before the Babylonian captivity. Living in the days of the righteous king Josiah this book was probably written about 609BC during the reign of the evil king Jehoiakim. Habakkuk, in his conversation with God which he initiated, starts out in this book wrestling with God, yet finishes up worshipping Him.
As we look at the evil being committed throughout these times we live in we can certainly identify with the prophet Habakkuk.
Habakkuk 1: IN THE VALLEY
Habakkuk 1:1-4
Habakkuk 1:5
Paul quotes this in his sermon in the synagogue at Antioch in Pisidia Acts 13: 14-52
Acts 13:41
God’s ways are not our ways
Three sieges follow during Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin and Zedekiah following Isaiah’s prophecy to Hezekiah in 2 Kings 20:12-19
Isaiah 55:8,9; Phil 4:7
Habakkuk is overwhelmed to find out that they would be invaded by the Chaldeans, yet he knows the nature of his covenant-keeping God who would not allow His people to be wiped out. As seen in the Magog invasion in Ez 36,38.
HABAKKUK 2: IN THE TOWER
Habakkuk 2:1-3
As a watchman awaiting instruction. He is of a strong attitude of mind ready to receive and even take notes. Patience is a requirement. God is in control. His timing immaculate.
Habakkuk 2:4
The just call live by faith.
Two types of people:
1. Those who’s soul is lifted up - Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon
2. The just who live by faith. The righteous. Those who put God first in their lives. Those who seek first the kingdom and his righteousness.
By faith and not intellect, sight, feelings, touch for faith is the currency of eternity. Be rich in faith.
Rom 1:17; Gal 3:11, Heb 10:38 - the just shall live by faith.
Hebrews 11 is the GREAT faith chapter.
But as for the Chaldean oppressor…
Proud ambition(2:5-8)
Covetousness(2:9-11)
Ruthlessness and Cruelty(2:12-14)
Debauchery(2:15-17)
Idolatry(2:18-19)
All these shall ultimately lead to their destruction as an empire. There are three steps to the downfall of a nation:
1.Spiritual apostasy
2.Immorality
3.Political anarchy
HABAKKUK 3: ON THE MOUNTAIN TOP
Habakkuk 3:1-15
Recall what God has done for you in the past
Be expectant as to what He is going to do in the future
And you will be at peace with what is happening here in the present
Psalm 91
Habakkuk 3:16-19
No matter what happens in my nation in the days ahead I will choose to rejoice.
Habakkuk had been in the valley, then the tower and now on the mountain top.
He ran to God wondering what God would do. He saw the sovereignty of God through the Gentiles - in this case the Babylonians. His story ends in faith as he trusts in God. He learnt in the high tower.
May we be as Christ would have us live - dependent upon Him, trusting in Him because He is the way, He is the truth, and He is the life. No man cometh to the Father except but through Jesus. Jn 14:6