A tool of Judgment

Habakkuk 1:12-17

Yesterday we explored Habakkuk’s conversation with God, and today we will continue with Habakkuk’s prayer.  “Are You not from eternity, Yahweh my God?
My Holy One, You will not die.  Lord, You appointed them to execute judgment; my Rock, You destined them to punish us.  Your eyes are too pure to look on evil, and You cannot tolerate wrongdoing.  So why do You tolerate those who are treacherous?  Why are You silent while one who is wicked swallows up
one who is more righteous than himself?” (Habakkuk 1:12-14)

Habakkuk is not reminding God He is from eternity, that He is the Holy One, that He will not die, but is telling himself about these truths.  And though he is not happy about Babylon being used by God to bring about his peoples judgment, he must ask these questions. “So why do You tolerate those who are treacherous?  Why are You silent while one who is wicked swallows up
one who is more righteous than himself?” Have you not ask the same questions of God when it comes to those like the Clintons and others whose only god is money and power, have you not wondered how long Lord before you bring judgment on them and their house?

Now back to verses 15-17, “You have made mankind like the fish of the sea, like marine creatures that have no ruler.  The Chaldeans pull them all up with a hook, catch them in their dragnet and gather them in their fishing net; that is why they are glad and rejoice.  That is why they sacrifice to their dragnet and burn incense to their fishing net, for by these things their portion is rich and their food plentiful.  Will they, therefore, empty their net and continually slaughter nations without mercy?

Habakkuk’s complaint could be made against anyone or any nation that begins to trust in its might or wealth, as a source of worship.   Maybe you have not given thought to the word worship: adoration or devotion comparable to religious homage, shown toward a person or principle.  Worship is anytime you put someone or even a football team or government above God.  We do it with our children, our mates, our jobs, and our golf, fishing, and the list goes on.

Babylon captured so many nations and people it was like the fish in the sea, and they put trust in their nets or better military might, and it became a source of worship.  How foolish of you and me to not see and understand that our God can use the smallest of nations, to bring down the proud and mighty.  Look at Rome or Great Britain, both were great and powerful at one time, and so was Germany, but God!

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice