Habakkuk 3
Introduction
Habakkuk has just had a challenging conversation with the Lord God, during which he was informed of the coming discipline that the nation can expect. At this writing, America is less than twenty-four hours from electing the next President. The Democratic nominee has made abortion open season the centerpiece of this election cycle. The Republicans have weakened their commitment to anti-abortion. Hence, the evangelical world has a fresh appreciation for the fear that Habakkuk experiences in this interchange with the Lord.
For the evangelical, not only is abortion evil, but it is also a reminder of Pharoah commending the midwives to perform post-birth abortions, and it is a reminder of the practice of sacrificing children on the altar of Moloch. In the first case, God judged Pharoah and Egypt; in the second, God judged Israel. While these were not their only sins, they represented the magnitude of the sins of these cultures. America has had its share of sin, but the radical demand for abortion at will, the killing of multiple millions of the image bearers of God, will not go without judgment.
Hence, I fear and cry out for mercy. God’s self-revelation to Moses was, “I am that I am.”
The testimony of Jesus is “the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Hence, if God judged Israel similarly to how He judged Egypt, I fear He must also judge all Western civilizations.
Habakkuk’s Prayer for Compassion 1-2
Like a good lieutenant, the prophet salutes with appropriate fear. “I stand in awe of thy work, O Lord, amid the years, revive it! Display your character by showing compassion when you discipline” (my paraphrase of his thought).
Habakkuk’s Remembrance of Judgements 3-15
Of Israel (3-7)
Of the nations through Israel (11-15
Habakkuk’s Confession 19
Confession of his dread 16
Confession of his confidence 17
Confession of his worship 18
Confession of his dependence 19
We can do no better in this election cycle than the prophet did. He found rest in the one who said, “Come unto me all you who are heavily laden, and I will give you rest.” I fear for this country, be it Harris or Trump who wins. I am a committed Christian. And because my Lord gave us the home of the brave through His Divine Providence, I am a committed patriot. I think, though I will remain fearful, that Trump to win gives us a measure of compassion. And if Vance can turn it into a twelve-year run, may the Lord grant that we as a people turn from our wicked ways. But, if not, come quickly Lord Jesus, to quote the Apostle John.
Conclusion
Amid his dreadful fear, the prophet finds solace in this realization: the just shall live by faith.
Know the Truth, trust the Truth, and live the Truth. Habakkuk models how to live in a decaying culture, and his message is consistent from Genesis to Revelation.
Be assured of the HOPE! That HOPE that Paul pointed toward and that Jesus promised. The HOPE of the return of the resurrected Lord Jesus Christ brings ultimate hope. He will judge and right this world. In the meantime, the just shall walk by faith.
The whole book of Habakkuk is poetry, but the final chapter comprises a unique song—actually, a prayer set to music, according to Habakkuk 3:1. The shigionoth mentioned in Habakkuk 3:1 could be a reference to the content of the poem, the accompanying instrument, or to the song’s meter, its musical setting, or its tone. Most commentators think the word shigionoth carried the idea of “strong emotion,” “erratic wandering,” or “wild tumult.” Thus, the song was composed as a dithyramb (a vehement, impassioned poem). HYPERLINK “https://www.gotquestions.org/shigionoth.html”https://www.gotquestions.org/shigionoth.html Cited 11-04-24.
His work: Covenant redemption (Gen 3:15), Covenant with Noah, Covenant with Moses, Covenant with Abraham, Covenant with David. The pattern has been judgement for evil combined with compassion (mercy).