Today's Text: Habakkuk 1.1-11
God punishes sin. Sometimes in frightening ways that might even affect us. But, all the while, still loving and watching over His own.
Habakkuk's Complaint (2-4): perplexed and pointing out the problem.
God's Answer (5-11): shock and awe and horrors of horrors.
Our Response: prayer, holiness, selfishness.
“… a fierce, cruel people who will never tire in quest of their goal of conquest (v.6b). Their successes will strike fear into the hearts of all who stand in their path (v.7a). A terror and dread to all, they arrogantly acknowledge no law but themselves (v.7b)… Not alone for spoil but seemingly for the sheer sport of it they campaigned fiercely and inflicted violence on their enemies.” Richard Patterson, The Wycliffe Exegetical Commentary: Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, page 147.
“Since prayer is provided specifically as the framework in which all the burdens of God’s people may be poured out before the Lord, prayers expressing perplexity are appropriate so long as they are offered in a context of trust.” O. Palmer Robertson, The New international Commentary on the Old Testament – The Books of Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah, page 138.
Caregroup Questions:
Have you ever experienced the affects of God punishing someone's sin? How did you respond? Would you now respond differently now? If so, in what way?
Is it ok to pour out a complaint to God? Under what circumstances? With what kind of an attitude?
If you were Habakkuk, how would you have responded to God's answer?
