Posted in Habakkuk

The Anointed

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In this week’s  verse the prophet speaks of ‘your anointed‘.

How much do you know about the process and purpose of anointing as described in the Bible?

Habakkuk 3:13 ESV

‘You went out for the salvation of your people, for the salvation of your anointed.’

Photo by Ivan Samkov from Pexels

ANOINT

The word anointed appears 75 times in the Old Testament and 6 times in the New Testament.

In addition to the 81 references to ‘anointed’, the word ‘anoint’ appears 27 times in the Bible.

The dictionary defines ‘anoint’ as (1) ‘smear with oil or ointment or (2) ‘consecrate with oil.’

So I thought today would be a good idea to look a bit deeper at what the Bible has to say about anointing.

 ANOINTINGS

When Moses completed the Tabernacle according to God’s blueprints, God then gave this instruction.

“Make these [a selection of spices and olive oil] into a sacred anointing oil, a fragrant blend, the work of a perfumer. It will be the sacred anointing oil. Then use it to anoint the tent of meeting, the ark of the covenant law,  the table and all its articles, the lampstand and its accessories, the altar of incense,  the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils, and the basin with its stand.” (Exodus 30:25-28)

Then Moses was instructed to, “Anoint Aaron and his sons and consecrate them so they may serve me as priests.” (Exodus 30:30)

ANOINTED RULERS

During the time of the Judges, there was an outcry from the people. They demanded that the Judge and Priest, Samuel, allow them to be ruled by a king like many of the neighbouring nations.

Samuel was strongly opposed to the idea. But God said:

“Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you, they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king.” (1 Samuel 8:7)

Subsequently, God told Samuel,

“About this time tomorrow I will send you a man [Saul] from the land of Benjamin. Anoint him ruler over my people Israel; he will deliver them from the hand of the Philistines. I have looked on my people, for their cry has reached me.” (1 Samuel 9:16)

Initially, King Saul appeared to be a humble man. But his power and authority went to his head and he blatantly disobeyed a clear instruction from God. In response, the Lord told Samuel,

“I regret that I have made Saul king because he has turned away from me and has not carried out my instructions.” ( 1 Samuel 15:11)

Later God told Samuel,

“Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what to do. You are to anoint for me the one I indicate.”  (1 Samuel 16:3) As a result, Samuel ‘anointed’ David the youngest of Jesse’s eight sons as Saul’s successor.

ELIJAH’S INSTRUCTION

God later told the prophet Elijah to,

“…anoint Hazael king over Aram. Also, anoint Jehu son of Nimshi king over Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel Meholah to succeed you as a prophet.”  (1 Kings 19:15b,16)

All these articles and persons were specifically anointed to consecrate them to the service of the Lord.

In some denominations, today, articles and specific people are anointed for the same purpose—that they might be set aside for the Lord’s work.

SALVATION THROUGH THE ANOINTED

In view of the previous references to the Exodus in Habakkuk’s prophecy, it is possible that ‘salvation of your anointed’ refers to Moses and the people of Israel, who had, as God’s anointed people, achieved victory over Pharaoh and his Egyptian army at the Red Sea.

It is an interesting fact that both Messiah and Christ mean anointed. Messiah is a title that we get from Hebrew while Christ is the Greek equivalent. The Anointed One, therefore, is Christ. He comes as Savior.

‘You crushed the head out of the house of the wicked”, which appears in the remainder of our text verse (not quoted) would then be a reference to Satan and his principalities and powers defeated by Christ on the cross.

Others see this as a foreshadowing of the future, looking to the final judgement when the Antichrist, the man of sin, who is at the head of all who are opposed to Christ, along with his following will be utterly consumed.

Praise God we also know there will come a time when Jesus will reign as King of kings and Lord of lords.

“Promise to obey completely and fully all that you have been told until our Lord Jesus Christ returns. The glorious God is the only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords. At the time that God has already decided, he will send Jesus Christ back again.”(1 Timothy 6:14,15 CEV)

ANOINTED FOR SERVICE

Here’s a last interesting verse that speaks about ‘anoint’.“Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord.“(James 5:14)

Church leaders have been given the specific responsibility of praying for the sick and anointing them for healing.

Peter reminds us that all Christians are members of a priesthood.

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” (1 Peter 2:9

And the book of Revelation endorses this commissioning.

  • “…has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father–to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.” (Revelation 1:6)
  • “You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.” (Revelation 5:1o)
  • “Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years.” (Revelation 20:6)

The old testament priests were anointed as a means to consecrate them to the Lord’s service. So too, you and I who love Jesus are His priests anointed by the Holy Spirit and set apart to live our lives to His glory.

Sit and relax for a moment as you listen to the words of this beautiful worshipful song.

PS

If you haven’t yet read the background to the prophecy, please do. It will benefit you throughout our time together.

 

Posted in Habakkuk

God Marching

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When we see a battalion of soldiers on the march, how it stirs the emotions. How much more so if you are in a country under attack, like Ukraine is at the moment.

In our text this week the prophet pictures God on the march throughout the earth in the cause of justice.

Photo by Yogendra Singh

Habakkuk 3:12 ESV

‘You marched through the earth in fury; you threshed the nations in anger.’

MARCH?

The term, march, as in our text verse, is frequently used to describe military campaigns with the purpose of carrying out judgment. 

According to Clarke’s Commentary,  “This refers to the conquest of Canaan. God is represented as going at the head of his people as general-in-chief, and leading them on from conquest to conquest.”

He adds, “you threshed the nations in anger.”  this can be likened to what oxen do to the sheaves on the threshing floor.

The commentator Smith asks the question, “Who did He thresh? Was this a reference to the church?”

Smith continues, “No. That’s inconsistent with God. The great judgment is directed against the heathen, not against God’s people . . . You see indignation and His wrath upon the heathen. But for His people, salvation; that is, deliverance.” (Smith’s Commentary)

MARCH FORTH

Here in this verse, the term march is referring to God’s awesome unhindered progress as He leads His people onward in their victory against their enemies.

“When you, LORD, went out from Seir, when you marched from the land of Edom, the earth shook, the heavens poured, the clouds poured down water.” (Judges 5:4 NIV)

“Wait until you hear a sound like troops marching through the tops of the trees. Then attack quickly! That sound will mean I have marched out ahead of you to fight the Philistine army.” (2 Samuel 5:24 CEV)

God, when you took the lead with your people, when you marched out into the wild, (Psalms 68:7 The Message). (Bold mine.)

THRESHED 

Threshing in the verse refers to the way a farmer threshes his wheat. God separates His children from those who are lost, as the wheat is separated from the chaff.

John the Baptist prophesied concerning the Messiah, “He has his winnowing shovel with him to thresh out all the grain. He will gather his wheat into his barn, but he will burn the chaff in a fire that never goes out.” (Matthew 3:18 GNB)

Jesus took up this same concept in the parable He told of the wheat and the weeds.

A man sowed good seed in his field. One night, when everyone was asleep, an enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat. The man’s servants came to him and said, ‘Sir, it was good seed you sowed in your field; where did the weeds come from?’ ‘It was some enemy who did this,’ the owner answered. ‘Do you want us to go and pull up the weeds?’ the servants asked. ‘No, because as you gather the weeds you might pull up some of the wheat along with them. Let the wheat and the weeds both grow together until the harvest. Then I will tell the harvest workers to pull up the weeds first, tie them in bundles and burn them, and then to gather in the wheat and put it in my barn.’ ” (from Matthew 13:24b-30 GNB)

Jesus went on to say, “. . . . the same thing will happen at the end of the age: the Son of Man will send out his angels to gather up out of his Kingdom all those who cause people to sin and all others who do evil things, and they will throw them into the fiery furnace, where they will cry and gnash their teeth. (Matthew 13:40b – 42 GNB)

  • When Jesus looks upon you what does He see? Wheat or Weeds?
  • If you have given your life to Him, He sees wheat. No matter how you may feel about yourself, if you belong to Jesus, you are wheat—and He will separate you from Satan’s weeds.

THE ENEMY

The enemy Jesus alluded to in the above story is none other than Satan.

Have you ever watched the movements of a chameleon? It changes colour to that of whatever it is resting on so that it is invisible to its prey. Satan has the same ability to take on another form, one which we will not fear. Paul warned the Corinthian believers that “Even Satan tries to make himself look like an angel of light.” (2 Corinthians 11:14)

Satan and his emissaries are very active in the world. They often don’t march around waving banners. His followers may even be hidden within the membership of the church. The weeds that Jesus spoke about will always be there, maybe undetected by you and I, but known to God. Jesus assured us that God will deal with them at the end of the age. 

Our role is not to determine who we think are wheat or weeds. Our role is to concentrate on allowing the Holy Spirit free reign in our lives so that we will grow more like Christ. That we may look like healthy wheat.

“God’s Spirit makes us loving, happy, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle, and self-controlled. There is no law against behaving in any of these ways.” (Galatians 5:22,23 CEV)

ON THE MARCH TO EASTER

We are in that period of the year known as Lent. Easter is only a short time away. So in the Church we begin to focus less on Jesus the teacher and miracle worker. Instead, we focus more on the Christ of Calvary. We remember how God, in the form of His Son Jesus Christ, marched into our world to rescue us from the penalty of sin.

In closing, this study won’t you pray along with me now?

Loving Heavenly Father I thank You for the amazing love You demonstrated when You sent Jesus into our world as our Saviour.

Lord Jesus, I thank You for Your life here on earth, for Your teachings. Above all else, I thank You for going to that cruel cross to take upon Yourself the burden of my sinfulness. Thank You for sending the Holy Spirit to help me live life to God’s glory.

Holy Spirit please grow in me those characteristics which will turn me  into healthy wheat. Amen

P.S.

If you haven’t yet read the background to the prophecy, please do. It will benefit you throughout this series of studies.

 

 

Posted in Habakkuk

Blame it on the weather

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Many of our activities are affected by the weather.

Some folk make a practice of checking out the weather forcast before making any plans for the day. Problem is, sometimes it looks as if the weather man doesn’t look to see what it’s supposed to be like!

Often an outdoor sporting event has had to be rescheduled because of heavy rain accompanied by thunder and lightning. I recently saw a short clip of a football match actually played in thick snow.

In this week’s text verse the prophet uses strange language when he is actually describing weather conditions.

Habakkuk 3:11 NIV

“At the flash of your speeding arrows and the gleam of your shining spear, the sun and the moon stood still.”

Photo by Johannes Plenio

The prophet continues to reflect on God’s involvement with His people in the past.

STORMY WEATHER

The speeding arrows and the shining spear, speak of hail mixed with lightning.

  • Have you experienced this type of weather – hail mixed with lightning? Think about it, or if you’re in a group, describe the situation.

One of the towns that I ministered in was Krugersdorp where we often experienced thunderstorms in the afternoon. On one occasion my wife Shirley and I were out of town leaving our two teenage sons at home alone. It proved a terrifying time for them for there was a horrendous hailstorm. The hailstones were as big as tennis balls and actually broke through the roof tiles above our lounge area. They collected some huge rocks of ice from our sitting room carpet and stored them in the freezer to show us.

The prophet’s words were a reminder of how God enabled the Israelites to overcome the Amorites en route to their conquest of the Promised land.

The LORD made the Amorites panic at the sight of Israel’s army. The Israelites slaughtered them at Gibeon and pursued them down the mountain pass at Beth Horon, keeping up the attack as far south as Azekah and Makkedah. While the Amorites were running down the pass from the Israelite army, the LORD made large hailstones fall down on them all the way to Azekah. More were killed by the hailstones than by the Israelites (Joshua 10:10,11 GNB). [Bold added.]

SUN AND MOON STANDSTILL?

  • “The sun and the moon stood still.” What do you make of this statement?

During the same battle against the Amorites, scripture records an amazing scene. Joshua actually took control of the elements.

Joshua spoke to the LORD. In the presence of the Israelites he said, “Sun, stand still over Gibeon; Moon, stop over Aijalon Valley.” The sun stood still and the moon did not move until the nation had conquered its enemies. This is written in The Book of Jashar. The sun stood still in the middle of the sky and did not go down for a whole day.  Never before, and never since, has there been a day like it, when the LORD obeyed a human being. The LORD fought on Israel’s side!”( Joshua 10:12b,13,14 GNB) [bold added]

Joshua appears to have received confirmation from God before instructing the sun and moon to a standstill.  He then gave the command and God held back the movements of both sun and moon. This is endorsed by the words,  “Never before, and never since, has there been a day like it, when the LORD obeyed a human being.”

HOW CAN THIS BE?

While many may accept that hail and lightning rained down upon Israel’s opponents, the story of Joshua commanding the sun to stand still is usually brought up to demonstrate the imperfection of Scripture. People don’t believe it actually happened.

Numerous interpretations of this passage have been put forward. To quote a few:
1. The passage is poetical and not to be taken literally.
2. The sun “standing still” refers to an eclipse of the sun.
3. Alternatively, the earth stopped its rotation around the sun for almost 24 hours.
4. Or the earth’s rotation was actually slowed down, not stopped. This lengthened the day by almost 24 hours.

THE MISSING DAY 

A story has been circulated that a Yale astronomer found that the earth was twenty-four hours out of schedule. The astronomer started to read the Bible from the beginning to see if the Bible could explain the missing time. When he came to the account of the long day of Joshua, the astronomer rechecked the figures and found that at the time of Joshua’s battle with the Amorites only 23 hours and 20 minutes were lost.

He came to the conclusion that the Bible was not the Word of God because there was an error of 40 minutes. However, a colleague, Professor Totten, showed him that the Bible does not say twenty-four hours, but rather “about a whole day” (ASV, ESV. KJV).

THE BACKWARD SUNDIAL

In his book Seal of God’, F C Payne refers to another biblical incident involving the unusual movement of the sun.

Hezekiah had asked for a sign that the Lord would heal him. The Lord gave him the choice that either the shadow on the sundial would go forward, or it would return backward. Hezekiah asked the Lord to move it backward and “He brought the shadow ten degrees backward, by which it had gone down…” (‘Seal of God’  by F C Payne – page 58)

Image by Marc Pascual from Pixabay

When I asked Google the question, ‘How long are ten degrees on a sundial?’ I received the following formula.      Simply (10°/360°)(24 hours) = 0.6 hours = 40 minutes.

SCIENTIFIC CONFIRMATION?

While these two articles might provide an exciting verification of scripture, the Bible does not need scientific confirmation. Jesus reminds us that, “We know that Scripture is always true.” (John 10:35 NIrV) 

The Bible contains many miracles but does not explain how God caused them to happen.  He may choose to amplify an existing natural law, as was the case in Noah’s Flood. 

Alternatively, the miracle may be the outcome of God’s perfect timing of natural events such as we have been seeing in our study. God’s separation of the Red Sea through a strong wind which blew all night (Exodus 14:21). Also, the opening up of a path through the Jordan River (during a flood season) to enable Israel to enter the Promised Land (Joshua 3:16)

As a facinating exercise, why not read the full account of the above two amazing events as we find them in Joshua 10 and 2 Kings 20? Then praise the Lord that God’s Word is true. That even when the weather seems to be uncontrolled God still has the weather under His control.

P.S. If you haven’t yet read the background to the prophecy, please do. It will benefit you throughout this series of studies.

Posted in Habakkuk

Natural Disasters! Why?

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When nature is out of control the consequences can be disastrous

DEVASTATING ELEMENTS

You may have experienced or perhaps viewed on TV, elements out of control – the desolation caused by earthquakes, flooding, landslides, tsunamis, forest fires, to name a few.

I recently watched a series of five natural disasters on Youtube which included one of tall trees falling suddenly across a highway due to heavy rainfall which had loosened the ground. Another showed a landslide down a mountainside and into a village for the same reason.

As I prepared this blog, here in South Africa, the residents of Carltonville were recently terrified because deep sinkholes suddenly appeared in their town as a result of the underground gold mining activity that had taken place in the area in the past.

  • What for you has been the most horrific natural disaster?

The prophet Habakkuk hints at terrifying natural disasters in this week’s study.

Habakkuk 3:10 NIrV

‘The mountains saw you and shook. Floods of water swept by. The sea roared. It lifted its waves high.’

Image by Hans Braxmeier from Pixabay

MOUNTAINS QUAKE

The prophet’s emphasis in this week’s verse is on the effect of God’s devastating power revealed in the elements.

By referring to ‘the mountains’ the prophet repeats the phenomena mentioned in verse 6 

“When he stops, the earth shakes; at his glance the nations tremble. The eternal mountains are shattered; the everlasting hills sink down, the hills where he walked in ancient times.” (Habakkuk 3:6  GNB)

We know that Mount Sinai quaked in the presence of God.

“And mount Sinai was altogether on a smoke, because the LORD descended upon it in fire: and the smoke thereof ascended as the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mount quaked greatly.“ (Exodus 19:18 NIrV) (Bold mine)

FLOODWATERS

The prophet is using poetical language in the next sentence. Floods of water swept by and The sea roared. It lifted its waves high.

This is a possible reference to the river Jordan in flood at the time that the Israelites passed through it. When the waters above stood and rose up as a heap, the waters below were cut off and passed away into the Salt Sea.

“When the priests got to the Jordan and their feet touched the water at the edge (the Jordan overflows its banks throughout the harvest), the flow of water stopped. It piled up in a heap–a long way off–at Adam, which is near Zarethan. The river went dry all the way down to the Arabah Sea” [the Salt Sea]. “And the people crossed, facing Jericho.”  (Joshua 3:15,16 MSG).

Another possibility is it refers to the time the deep waters of the Red Sea separated to enable the Israelites to pass through. The waters then rose up, made a great noise, and stood in a heap. God led his people through, and they did not even get their feet wet!

What the prophet appears to be saying, is that at the command of God, the waters overflow. His voice is like thunder coming up from the deep. This probably refers to the roaring that accompanies the sea.

Where we live in Summerstrand, a suburb of Gqebetha (formerly Port Elizabeth), we are only a seven-minute walk away from the sea. Most nights, when there is no traffic around, we can hear the roar of the sea.

GOD’S INTERVENTION

Despite those occasions when the elements appear to be out of control, they are never out of God’s control. In fact, there are times when God uses the elements to carry out His judgement upon sin.

In the book of Numbers, we read of Korah’s rebellion. Korah along with Dathan, Abiram and On and a further 250 community leaders, rebelled against the leadership of Moses and Aaron. Their contention was,

“The whole community is holy. Every one in it is holy. And the LORD is with them. So why do you put yourselves above the LORD’s people?” (Numbers 16:3 NIrV)

After a time in prayer, Moses responded

“In the morning the LORD will show who belongs to him. He will show who is holy.” (Numbers 16:5 NIrV)

The next day Moses and Aaron were instructed to move away from their opponents.

“The ground under them broke open. It opened its mouth. It swallowed up those men. In fact, it swallowed up everyone who lived in their houses. It swallowed all of Korah’s men. And it swallowed up everything they owned.” (Numbers 16:31b, 32 NIrV)

I have highlighted the main gist of the story but you can read about how God dealt with those rebels by using an earthquake in Numbers 16.

GOD’S LOVE NEVER FAILS

In Psalm 136 the psalmist records God’s involvement in the creation and in the history of His people the Israelites.

'When the grandeur of nature overawes you, when its terrific phenomena, thunders, earthquakes, volcanoes seem to overwhelm you, still praise Him. There is goodness in all.' (Psa 136:1-9 The Biblical Illustrator) Share on X

The psalmist goes on to remind us of our loving God

“He split the Red Sea apart. God’s love never fails. The Lord brought Israel safely through the sea. God’s love never fails. He destroyed the Egyptian king and his army there. God’s love never fails.” ( Psalm 136:13-15 CEV)

No matter what life throws in our path … despite worldwide pandemics … regardless of the natural disasters which may come our way,  we who have received God’s gift of salvation through Jesus Christ have this assurance. The chief characteristic of God is love (1 John 4:8,16) and, as the psalmist says, God’s love never fails.

As we close this session spend time reflecting upon the Lord’s steadfast love. Click on this link and sing along with these words. Then thank Him for His unfailing love for you.

Have a great week!

P.S.

If you haven’t yet read the background to the prophecy, please do. It will benefit you throughout this series of studies.

 

Posted in Habakkuk

Armed for battle?

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At any particular point in time somewhere in the world a nation is armed for battle against another nation,

to confront terrorism, or to contain internal civil unrest.

As I prepare this study the world is incensed at Russia, armed for battle, invading Ukraine. Worldwide there have been large-scale protests against this act of aggression.

According to the news, even within Russia itself, there have been protests. Russian protestors are being manhandled and arrested for voicing their opposition.

Photo by Kony Xyzx:

In our verse for today, the prophet Habakkuk depicts God as being armed for battle

Habakkuk 3:9 TNIV

‘You uncovered your bow, you called for many arrows. You split the earth with rivers.’

ARMED FOR BATTLE

God had made a covenant with His people and promised to deliver them.

This verse describes the Lord as a warrior King. The “uncovered bow” means it is ready for use. 

Habakkuk pictures God’s powerful bow ready for battle. He says God has ‘called for many arrows’ to shoot at His enemies as pictured in Deuteronomy.

“When I sharpen my lightning sword and execute judgment, I take vengeance on my enemies and pay back those who hate me. I’ll make my arrows drunk with blood, my sword will gorge itself on flesh…” (Deuteronomy 32:41,42 The Message)

The prophet pictures the Lord as using weapons of war to execute his judgement.

SPLIT THE EARTH

The prophet also imagines the rivers as God’s instruments to split the earth—perhaps like an earthquake.

One Bible commentator links this verse to an incident in Exodus, to the occasion when Moses split the rock to produce water.

“Remember how he led you in that huge and frightening desert where poisonous snakes and scorpions live. There was no water, but the LORD split open a rock, and water poured out so you could drink.” (Deuteronomy 8:15 CEV)

Yet the context of this verse is not referring to providing water for His people to drink, instead, it refers to God’s fearful means of overwhelming Israel’s enemies.

The Word of God reveals that as Christians we are engaged in warfare against forces of evil. The world news is full of stories of how the people of Ukraine are constantly ready for conflict. They dare not let their guard down. So too, we as Christians need to be consistently armed for battle.

  • What examples can you think of where the devil is attacking his enemy, the Church, often taking Christians by surprise? 
  • In what area of your life does he attack?
  • What can you do to prepare to defend yourself against these unexpected onslaughts?

WEAPONS OF OUR WARFARE

Just as God promised to defeat Israel’s enemies, He has promised that if we use the weapons He has provided we will be able to overcome the forces of evil.

Image by Joel Arfi from Pixabay

Above is a picture of a typical Roman soldier of Paul’s day. Paul was rescued from angry Jewish fanatics in Jerusalem by Roman soldiers. He was transported under their guard to Caesarea. He travelled across the Mediterranean Sea under the guard of a Roman centurion. And he was finally imprisoned in Rome under a four-man guard of Roman soldiers.

Paul knew all about a Roman soldier’s armour through close contact. So he was able to use this knowledge to teach a very important lesson about how to deal with our adversary and his minions.

“For we are not fighting against human beings but against the wicked spiritual forces in the heavenly world, the rulers, authorities, and cosmic powers of this dark age. So put on God’s armor now! Then when the evil day comes, you will be able to resist the enemy’s attacks; and after fighting to the end, you will still hold your ground. So stand ready, with truth as a belt tight around your waist, with righteousness as your breastplate, and as your shoes the readiness to announce the Good News of peace.

At all times carry faith as a shield; for with it you will be able to put out all the burning arrows shot by the Evil One. And accept salvation as a helmet, and the word of God as the sword which the Spirit gives you. Do all this in prayer, asking for God’s help. Pray on every occasion, as the Spirit leads.” (Ephesians 6:12-18a GNB)

  • How many weapons for both attack and defence are included in this passage?

FULLY ARMED?

Eugene Peterson in his version of the above passage brings across Paul’s encouragement in a down-to-earth way, encouraging all believers to be fully armed for battle at all times.

“Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare.”(Ephesians 6:13-18a MSG)

Paul had the same kind of advice for the Thessalonian believers.

“But we belong to the day, and we should be sober. We must wear faith and love as a breastplate, and our hope of salvation as a helmet.”(1 Thessalonians 5:8)

JOINING THE BATTLE

The world is hoping for a speedy end to the Russia/Ukraine conflict. Only time will tell. Yet as God’s children, we are engaged in a never-ending battle. A battle that will rage on until we go to be with our Captain, Jesus Christ, in glory.  We cannot drop our defences. We must continue to use the defensive weapons—the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, wearing the shoes of our testimony to God’s peace, carrying the shield of faith, and protected by the helmet of salvation.

It is also essential that we use our offensive weapons of the sword of the Spirit (God’s Word) and pray constantly.

  • Where in the world do you live? Are you able to say you’re far from the war raging in Ukraine? Maybe geographically you are far away. But your fellow soldiers are in deep trouble. They need you to use your weapons to help them in their defence.
  • How are you going to stand by the Ukrainian Christians? The soldiers? The mothers and children? The ministers, pastors, missionaries?
  • How about the Christians in Russia? Those who have seen their young sons, husbands, brothers, and fathers, march off into a foreign country to fight a war that they may not even believe in.
  • You have the weapons, my friends. Do all you can to remain fully armed in your own battle against Satan. And then go to fight against the enemy on behalf of those who are trying to save their countries. 

Join me as we sing an ancient hymn which encourages us as we move onward into battle against the powers of evil. Take in the words as you sing.

P.S.

If you haven’t yet read the background to the prophecy, please do. It will benefit you throughout this series of studies.

 

Posted in Habakkuk

Victorious living

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I am sure that we all enjoy that sense of victory that we experience from time to time.

  • On those occasions when our favourite team scores a goal, we cheer.
  • When our kids do well in school or on the sports field, we are quick to show our pride.
  • Upon the graduation of friends or family from university, it’s almost as if we had done all the hard work ourselves.
  • After a long struggle to achieve a particular goal, when it is finally achieved we are elated.
  • No doubt, we like to be part of a victorious team.

The prophet speaks of the victorious conquests of the God of Israel

Habakkuk 3:8 NIV

‘Were you angry with the rivers, LORD? Was your wrath against the streams? Did you rage against the sea when you rode your horses and your chariots to victory?’

Image by Zsolt Nagy from Pixabay

Over and over again the God of Israel has proved Himself to be victorious over individuals, nations, and situations.

In our last session, we focussed on man’s inevitable fearfulness. We saw that as opposed to a natural inborn human fear there is an encouragement to grow Godly fear. We also saw that, in place of fear, the Lord offers us His peace which far surpasses any level of peace the world may be able to generate. 

When our fear is overcome by God’s peace we begin to enjoy that sense of victory.

VICTORIOUS CHARIOTS 

Asking a series of rhetorical questions, the prophet confirms that God was not angry with the rivers – Not the Rivers Nile or Jordan, nor with the Red Sea.

Habakkuk is reflecting on God’s involvement in rescuing Israel from Egyptian slavery. 

First, His wonderful work in the passing through the Red sea, where Habakkuk envisages the Lord at the head of the Israelites in His chariot of war,  to rescue them from their cruel oppressors, the Egyptians.

The next is His intervention in stopping up the flow of the flooded Jordan River so that the Israelites could pass through into Canaan. This was in contrast to the chariots of Pharaoh which pursued the Israelites, then subsequently sank in the Red Sea. Like a mighty warrior riding in His chariot, God used His power to save His people.

“He makes the clouds his chariot and rides on the wings of the wind.” (Psalm 104:3b)

The horses and chariots which the Lord is pictured as riding upon are the elements — the clouds and the winds. 

ELEMENTS OUT OF CONTROL

“As they sailed, he [Jesus] fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!” He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm.”( Luke 8:23,24)

Here we see the Lord God having control over the elements on the Sea of Galilee.

Yet there are times when He seems to allow the elements to get out of control, are there not?

As I prepare this blog there have been severe thunderstorms in the Gauteng area of South Africa. In the meantime, along the Garden Route of the Southern Cape, many miles away,  several towns experienced flash floods of devastating proportions.

By contrast in our area of the Eastern Cape, the dam levels are so low that at times we are without any water in our taps (faucets).

When this happens we are inclined to ask ‘Why Lord?’

  • Could this be the Lord’s way of prompting us to determine new ways of harnessing the rainwater when it does come so that it does not simply flow back into the sea?
  • Or is it a result of neglect of the infrastructure (As a nation, South Africans are experiencing water shortages due to failure to maintain the dams we have at present and to build new dams to cater for our population growth.)
  • What could be done to harness the rainwater?
  • How about desert regions, where they don’t see rain clouds for years on end? What could the Lord be telling them?

VICTORIOUS OVER THOUGHTS.

  • What are some of the elements, objects, or people, you allow to dictate your plans and actions?

 For example here are some of the reasons given for not attending church:

  • We are going to be without power for a few hours so the service will be affected.
  • It’s my child’s birthday and a gang of kids is arriving this afternoon so I need to prepare.
  • The preacher for this week tends to be very longwinded and boring.
  • I don’t get on with certain church members.
  • I have had a busy week and there are urgent tasks to do around our home etc.
  • Are any of these genuine? What do you think? Can you think of others?

Think on these words of Jesus:

“But more than anything else, put God’s work first and do what he wants. Then the other things will be yours as well.”(Matthew 6:33 CEV)

VICTORIOUS OVER OPPOSITION

Pharoah’s pursuing army, along with the elements—the Red Sea, the dry and dusty desert of Sinai, and the flooded Jordan River—as well as opposing nations en route, all threatened the progress of the children of Israel from Egypt to Canaan.

God’s wrath was not directed at the elements—the rivers or seas,  but at those who opposed His people.

Our adversary uses whatever means are available, including the elements, to thwart our efforts to live a God-glorifying life. God still opposes those who seek to destroy His people. However, He may allow the devil a certain degree of leeway in order to teach us a valuable lesson.

VICTORY ASSURED

Jesus never promised His followers an easy life. In fact, He warned that they would face persecution. However, He does assure us of victory.

David who certainly had more than his share of persecution wrote, Now this I know: The LORD gives victory to his anointed. He answers him from his heavenly sanctuary with the victorious power of his right hand. (Psalm 20:6)

In a Psalm by the Sons of Korah we read, “…but you give us victory over our enemies, you put our adversaries to shame.” (Psalm 44:7)

The Apostle Paul wrote, “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57)

And the Apostle John adds, “…for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.” (1 John 5:4)

In the book of Revelation in His message to the seven churches God gave this assurance, “Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.” (Revelation 2:7)

In what area of your life are you experiencing a victory? How about spending some time praising God for His goodness! Think of a song expressing your joy, and sing it through now.

P.S. If you haven’t yet read the background to the prophecy, please do. It will benefit you throughout this series of studies.

Posted in Habakkuk

What do you fear most?

By Comments:

Is it right for Christians to be afraid?

I’m sure many would say, ‘No! A Christian has no reason to ever be afraid.”

HOW ABOUT JOSHUA?

How do you visualize the great and mighty Joshua? I think of him as a tall, strapping man. Not someone you would want to mess with!

  • He was bold
  • He was brave
  • And he was fearless
  • Right?

Now do me a favour and read the following verses.

The LORD gave this command to Joshua son of Nun: “Be strong and courageous, for you will bring the Israelites into the land I promised them on oath, and I myself will be with you.” (Deuteronomy 31;23 NIV)

After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, the LORD said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ aide:
“Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them–to the Israelites. (Joshua 1:1,2 NIV)

“Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.
“Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.
Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:6-9 NIV)

  • What phrase occurs frequently in the above verses?
  • Why do you think it was necessary for God to repeat these words to Joshua?

‘

Image by PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay

FEAR AND TREMBLING

The prophet describes Isreal’s enemies as being afraid and trembling.

Habakkuk 3:7 GNB

‘I saw the people of Cushan afraid and the people of Midian tremble.

The fear and trembling of Cushan and Midian reminded the prophet of how God had intervened between Israel and her foes in the past.

  • Can you recall occasions when God intervened to rescue Israel?

A FEARFUL SITUATION 

  • Do you remember an occasion when God intervened to rescue you from a fearful situation?

In December 2019 my wife Shirl and I were on our way to Hoekwil near George in the Western Cape (South Africa) to join our family for Christmas. A fair distance from any large town our car broke down completely. We were stuck on the roadside with no cellular phone connection and we had very little data on our phone. For those of you who know South Africa, this is a very dangerous situation. We had every reason to be afraid. We hastily prayed, asking the Lord to protect us, and to “send an angel.”

Suddenly, a vehicle travelling in the opposite direction made a U-turn and pulled up behind us. A young fellow asked whether we needed help. Without us asking, he transferred data onto my wife’s phone so that she could phone our insurance company and our son in Hoekwil.

He was deeply concerned about two elderly citizens waiting on the roadside for their car to be towed away. He insisted on taking us, together with our pet cockatiel, to Storms River in the opposite direction to the way he had been driving. There we were able to wait at a fast-food outlet until the tow truck and our son came to the rescue. 

It was no surprise to us to discover that this young fellow and his wife were committed Christians. It is wonderful to know that the same God who constantly rescued Israel from her oppressors is available today to rescue His children from the problems that we often face.

FEAR FILLED

The pandemic that has hit the world has introduced us to a variety of reasons to be fear-filled.

  • Some are fearful of even being inoculated against the virus because of the weird stories that have been circulated.
  • Others are concerned about being hospitalised because they have heard of folk who have actually contracted the virus in hospital
  • Then there are those who are afraid of losing a loved one to the dreaded disease.
  • Some have become shut-ins in fear of having contact with someone who may have the virus.
  • Parents are fearful of allowing their kids to go to school.

And so the list goes on.

Apart from the virus-related fears, because of man’s sinfulness, we live in an imperfect world where we are constantly confronted by overwhelming factors which induce fear.

I have not done an actual count myself but I believe phrases like ‘ don’t be afraid’ ‘fear not and others that touch on the aspect of fear, appear something like 365 times in Scripture. The Lord certainly understands the human tendency to be fearful.

FEARFUL HEROES

We opened this session by looking at the fearfulness of Joshua. But he was not alone. Many of the other greats of the Bible entertained fear.

When commissioned to go rescue his people from slavery in Egypt Moses was fearful and made excuses.

“Who am I to go to the king and lead your people out of Egypt?” (Exodus 3:11)

“Suppose everyone refuses to listen to my message, and no one believes that you really appeared to me?” (Exodus 4:1)

“I have never been a good speaker. I wasn’t one before you spoke to me, and I’m not one now.” (Exodus 4:10)

Jonathan told David, the giant killer, “Don’t be afraid,…. My father Saul will not lay a hand on you. You will be king over Israel, and I will be second to you.” (1 Samuel 23:17)

During Jesus earthly ministry many believed in Him but we learn,

“Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not openly acknowledge their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue;” (John 12:42)

Peter who had been a close follower of Jesus throughout His earthly ministry boldly proclaimed on the night of the Last Supper, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.” (Luke 22:33) Yet we know when challenged about his relationship with Jesus out of fear he denied knowing Jesus three times.

Even our Lord in the Garden of Gethsemane experienced fear and prayed for the cup to be removed, but then accepted the Father’s will. Luke records that. “:….being in anguish, he (Jesus) prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.” (Luke 22:44)

Our adversary Satan is out to get us. He will use whatever means at his disposal to get us to lose faith in the Almighty God. Fear is but one weapon in his armoury.

GODLY FEAR

As opposed to the fear that Satan seeks to instil God’s Word encourages ‘Godly’ fear

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. (Proverbs 1:7)

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.(Proverbs 9:10)

Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the LORD evil is avoided. (Proverbs 16:6)

OVERCOMING FEAR

Matthew Henry comments,

“All the wonders done for Israel of old, were nothing to that which was done when the Son of God suffered on the cross for the sins of his people. How glorious his resurrection and ascension! And how much more glorious will be his second coming, to put an end to all that opposes him, and all that causes suffering to his people!” (Matthew Henry’s concise commentary of Habakkuk)

Praise God we are on the victory side. Our captain Jesus Christ assures us,

“My little group of disciples, don’t be afraid! Your Father wants to give you the kingdom”. (Luke 12:32 CEV)

“I give you peace, the kind of peace that only I can give. It isn’t like the peace that this world can give. So don’t be worried or afraid.” (John 14:27 CEV)

“The LORD doesn’t hate or despise the helpless in all of their troubles. When I cried out, he listened and did not turn away.” (Psalm 22:24 CEV)

Yes! Christians do encounter situations that cause us to panic and become fearful. Satan is out to get us and if he can use fear to get us to lose faith he is only too happy. 

Is there something that is really robbing you of peace of mind? Don’t hesitate, to share your fears with Jesus right now. Jesus has promised us His peace. Ask Him to take away your fear and replace it with that peace of mind which demolishes all fear.

Are you aware of someone who is going through trying circumstances? Spend some time praying for that situation right now . Contact that person and ask if there is anything you can do. Assure that person that you will continue to uphold them in prayer.

P.S. If you haven’t yet read the background to the prophecy, please do. It will benefit you throughout this series of studies.

Posted in Habakkuk

Mountains Scattered?

By Comments:

Habakkuk 3:6 ESV

‘He stood and measured the earth; he looked and shook the nations; then the eternal mountains were scattered; the everlasting hills sank low. His were the everlasting ways.’

Mountains have been split or shaken by an earthquake or a volcano, but ‘scattered’?

Habakkuk says ‘the eternal mountains were scattered.’ What on earth did he mean?

Photo by Eriks Cistovs:

Measured 

The prophet imagines God on the move. As He advances, Habakkuk pictures God stopping suddenly to measure the earth.

  • Does this not seem strange to you when we know that God created the earth in the first place?

The explanation becomes a lot clearer as we examine some of the other translations.

Several translations do not use the word ‘measured’:

  • Earth Shook –  Contemporary English Version; New International Readers Version
  • Earth shakes – Good News Bible; Message
  • Shook the land (earth)- International Standard Version; New International Version
  • One commentator Franz Maurer a German Protestant theologian, provides a different interpretation viz, “rocked the earth”; which ties in with the next part of the verse “shook the nations.”

God’s Judgement

God’s judgement is so fearsome that it even affects nature.

“Mountains were scattered” (ASV; ESV; KJV) Other versions have:

  • Shattered – GNB; ISV; LITV; MKJV
  • Fall to pieces – Message
  • Crumbled – CEV; NIrV; NIV

. “hills sank low.” Several versions have similar wording but others interestingly have ‘hills did bow’ (ASV) ‘bowed down’ (ISV; LITV; MKJV) ‘did bow’ (KJV).

Habakkuk was actually issuing a very firm warning of the pending judgement upon both Judah and Babylon

What God Says About Measuring

God does have a lot to say about measuring in the Bible.

He provides his children with very definite instructions with regards to the use of weights and measures.

“Use honest scales and don’t cheat when you weigh or measure anything.” (Leviticus 19:35 CEV)

“If you weigh and measure things honestly, the LORD your God will let you enjoy a long life in the land he is giving you.”(Deuteronomy 25:15 CEV)

Eternal and Everlasting

The mountains are eternal and everlasting in the sense that they have not moved. They have remained in the same place from the very foundation of the world.

The apostle John in his revelation of the last days says, “When I saw the Lamb open the sixth seal, I looked and saw a great earthquake.…..Then the sky was rolled up like a scroll, and all mountains and islands were moved from their places.” (Revelation 6:12,14 CEV)

Habakkuk 3:6 in a sense is a foreshadowing of the last days. He tells us, these mountains and hills that were from the beginning of the creation have never moved. Yet, one day they will tremble or shake under the judgemental power of God.

Similarly, Judges 5:5 says, “Mountains tremble at the presence of the LORD.”

Scripture records that even Mt Sinai shook—at the presence of the LORD God of Israel.” (Exodus 19:18 ISV)

Everlasting ways

A keyword from our text is also in a popular Christmas verse:

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:60)

  • What comes to mind when you hear of a God who is everlasting? 
  • What are some of God’s everlasting ways?

For example, God’s ways are everlasting in that He is constantly saving His people. What he has done in history he can do again and again. His power, his provision, his wisdom, and his grace, never change. Yesterday, today and forever God is still the same. 

“Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations.” (Psalm 145:13a NIV)

All He does in time, every action he takes, is according to his plans, purposes, and decrees, and they will come to pass. Everything is subject to his control. Nothing can happen without his permission.

Even Satan is bound by God’s will as we noted in the last session. (Refer to Job 1 & 2 as a recap).

Immeasurable

Earlier on we looked at the use of the word ‘measured’.

With this in mind, read the following:

  1. “Haven’t you heard? The LORD is the eternal God, Creator of the earth. He never gets weary or tired; his wisdom cannot be measured.” (Isaiah 40:28 CEV)
  2. “….because of Christ, there are blessings that cannot be measured.” (Ephesians 3:8)
  3. “I want you to know all about Christ’s love, although it is too wonderful to be measured.” (Ephesians 3:19)
  • What three qualities of God are mentioned in these Scriptures?
  • What do they have in common?

Christ’s love is so beyond measure, that He was prepared to sacrifice His life for us.

From Everlasting to Everlasting

Mohammed and Buddha were each born on a particular day, and their lives ended on specific dates.

The Greek and Roman gods were a figment of man’s imagination so they never lived at all. 

By contrast, Christ existed eternally. He was born on earth and lived as a human being for over thirty years. He was crucified and died. But on the third day, after His death, he rose again. After forty days He ascended back into heaven to continue His eternal existence.

Our God is from everlasting to everlasting.

  1. “Before the mountains were brought forth, Or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, Even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.” (Psalm 90:2 ASV)
  2. “But the steadfast love of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him,...” (Psalm 103:17 ESV)
  3. “Stand up and praise the LORD your God, who is from everlasting to everlasting.” (Nehemiah 9:5 NIV)

In my youth group days (and that was a very long time ago!) a popular song we used to sing was ‘Yesterday, today, forever Jesus is the same.” based on Hebrews 13:8. Do you know this song? It reminds us that Jesus is always the same.

Isn’t it great to know that the God we serve is timeless? As we have noted the gods worshipped by some of the other religions and sects were men who were given the status as gods, but because they were mere mortals they had a limited lifetime.

Our God is alive forevermore.

Indeed why not take Nehemiah’s words to heart and spend some time in praise of our everlasting God. Perhaps you would like to sing along with that song Yesterday, today forever God is still the same.

P.S.
If you haven’t yet read the background to the prophecy, please do. It will benefit you throughout this series of studies.