The book of Habakkuk was written not long before Judah would be carried off into Babylonian captivity. In it we read about a conversation that Habakkuk has with God. The prophet is frustrated by the sin being promoted about his people, and he wanted to know when God was going to do something. When was God going to step in and do something (Habakkuk 1:1-4)?

God responds to Habakkuk’s question by revealing four things about Himself.

He uses the wicked to punish the wicked.

  • God knew about all of the sins of Judah. Their wickedness had not escaped His notice.
  • God would punish His people by using a heathen nation (Habakkuk 1:5-17). He would use the Babylonians to judge and purify them.
  • We are not the only ones able to recognize when our culture goes deeper into the pits of sin (Hebrews 4:13).
  • Habakkuk didn’t like that God would use a heathen nation to punish Judah (Habakkuk 1:12-13). He felt that God’s people were more faithful than the Chaldeans.

He is just.

  • While Judah would be punished for her sins, Babylon’s sin had not gone unnoticed (Habakkuk 2:1-17). God is no respecter of persons. In due time, He would also punish Babylon for her sins.
  • It doesn’t matter if it is people in the church or the world; the Lord doesn’t let anyone get a pass regarding His expectations for righteous living.
  • Only those who live by faith in God will be able to avoid His wrath (Habakkuk 2:14).

He prevails.

  • The book of Habakkuk offers a contrast between idols and God. Idols are the work of men’s hands and will ultimately fail (Habakkuk 2:18-19).
  • God is living, active, and capable of doing whatever He wants to whoever He wants (Habakkuk 2:19-3:1-15).
  • We also live in a time when many practice idolatry. They may not bow down and worship gold statues, but they idolize politicians, science, money, and possessions.
  • Anything we make an idol will ultimately fail, but God endures forever (1 John 5:21; Matthew 6:19-21; Hebrews 13:8).

He is always worthy of our trust.

  • Even though difficult days were on the horizon, Habakkuk was determined to continue in faith with God (Habakkuk 3:16-19). He wasn’t going to bail on God during trying times.
  • We can’t control what happens in the future of our nation, but we can control how we respond. We can always trust in God because He is faithful and able to save our souls.

Conclusion:

Do you need to experience and rejoice in the salvation of God?