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So last week, we began to look into the Book of Habakkuk and the time and context around this text. Hopefully, in the interim, you went and gave this book a read-through… I mean, it’s only three chapters.
Taking a bit of a different tact, this week I want to share some things with you regarding this text and my thoughts and/ or insights into it. Up front, I want to share with you that much of what I am going to present to you is conjecture. You see, I have in the past been guilty of reading too much into things I know that I have heard from the Lord, and honestly, that’s unacceptable. You see, if I take something the Lord said, and wrongly apply it, I have effectively tried to add to it, and the principle this violates is found in the Torah;
Do not add a thing to what I command you nor subtract from it, so that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God that I am delivering to you.
Deuteronomy 4:2
I’ve said before and will say again – it is not my purpose nor intent to “make merchandise” of you – nor would I make merchandise of myself.
Now, in full disclosure, when I read the first four verses of Habakkuk, my jaw dropped. Within these opening lines I see echoes of the exact same sentiments I myself have expressed – and not infrequently. Within the revealed character of Habakkuk, I see a kindred spirit – zealous for the things of God, and disgusted with his own people and culture.
Yeah, that pretty much sums up the past seven plus years of my life. Honestly, many portions of this text felt more like looking into a mirror of my soul than just reading a book.
Through the ongoing dialogue, we’re shown things which were yet to come, and which did come to pass. We were shown that Babylon would sweep across the earth, and that Israel would fall before them – which happened. We were shown that at the end of this period, Babylon herself would be laid low and judged for her wickedness – which happened. In the third chapter, we are shown a vision of God as a mighty warrior, well able to deliver His people from bondage – which happened and on more than on occasion.
As the text concludes, the prophet is filled with a renewed faith and vigor for the days ahead – and so too should we be. Now let’s talk about why.
As I look at this text, I see stark corollaries with our present age, and honestly, I think the Lord may be highlighting a “template” of sorts – an illustration of the season we’re presently in. The question for me becomes, where are we at within it? I mean, no one who knows much about the ancient Babylonians would look forward to their coming. They were wicked, foul, merciless and repugnant. The idea that my (and others) calls for judgement and justice could bring such a wicked foe into power is… well chilling.
When I look at the circumstances we’re presently faced with however, I don’t think we’re at that point – I think we’re past it. To be clear, I don’t think the Babylonians are coming, I think they’re already here. I think they’ve been here and running the show for quite some time. I furthermore think that time is drawing swiftly to a close.
Every day, I seem to come across new faces, new voices – those of the “freshly awakened”. People who seem to be seeing things as they actually are for the first time. The reactions from such people is unsurprising and, as their voices join with others, the volume is increasing.
That is not a recipe for degenerates to maintain power by the way – crack a history book to see what happens to despots when the people receive the vision and the will to simply say “enough“.
Is that what’s going to happen? I don’t know really, but God I hope so. I am well aware of how late the hour has gown, and that time of Jacob’s trouble grows ever closer with each passing day – yet I also know that hour is not yet. There is more to happen and more to be done before that time – I pray that the winds of culture blow in such a way as to aid us – as the people of the Most High – in the works we are to which we are set, before the end begins.
Short and sweet this week. I hope you “get it”.
This Sunday evening begins Sukkot, the Feast of Tabernacles. If you’d like to know more, you can visit my original article on this appointed time from 2019 – or better yet, go to the actual scriptures themselves.
Until next time,
חג סוכות שמח – Chag Sukkot Sameach – Joyous Sukkot Festival
שלום עליכם – Shalom Aleichem – Peace Be Upon You