Habakkuk 1: 1-4, 2: 1-4
The oracle that Habakkuk the prophet received.
How long, O Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen? Or cry out to you, “Violence!” but you do not save? Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrong? Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and conflict abounds. Therefore the law is paralyzed, and justice never prevails. The wicked hem in the righteous, so that justice is perverted.
I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts; I will look to see what he will say to me, and what answer I am to give to this complaint.
Then the lord replied:
“Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it. For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and not delay.
“See, he is puffed up; his desires are not upright–but the righteous will live by faith–
A Thought
Habakkuk is interceding to God on behalf of his people who have sinned, questioning how long will God permit the wicked Babylonians to prevail against them. God answers and tells Habakkuk to write it down and to proclaim to the people. God reveals for them to wait in faith until the appointed time of judgement even though it may seem that God lingers, he will come and not delay. The righteous must live by faith in God regardless of what hardships may come.
Our Prayer
Father we know there is sin and violence all around the world today. Strengthen us in your word by the power of the Holy Spirit to live in your righteousness by faith in Jesus Christ. We know your judgement will come in the end and justice will prevail. We pray that we our desires will be upright and that you will find us living by faith. We ask in Jesus’ name, amen.
