Tag Archives: Pastor Rob

Posted in Habakkuk

Or would you rather be a fish? – Big Fish or little fish?

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Habakkuk 1:14 CEV

‘You have made people like the fish in the sea, like the sea creatures that have no ruler.’

Image by Pexels from Pixabay

Have you ever caught a fish?

  • Have you ever gone fishing? What was your experience?

A neighbour here at our retirement village is very keen on fishing. However, I have only participated in a fishing trip twice. On the first occasion, as a youngster I was taken fishing at the seashore near Gordon’s Bay in the Western Cape, by two uncles. They loaned me a rod but sadly I lacked the patience to persevere, caught nothing, gave up, and instead explored the rock pools.

Years later I was invited by a colleague to minister at his church in Sinoia (Zimbabwe). At one point over the weekend, we went fishing at the Kariba Dam. I caught two angelfish whilst my colleague, a keen fisherman, caught nothing.

Mankind likened to fish

The late Bing Crosby had a popular tune entitled ‘Swinging on a star’. In the song he asks whether you would like to swing on a star or be a … and he goes through various creatures. In one of the verses he asks, ‘or would you rather be a fish’. He describes a fish and concludes ‘ though he’s slippery, he still gets caught.’

In Habakkuk’s second complaint to God about the use of the Chaldeans to punish Judah, the prophet likens all men to fish – speechless and helpless, with no power to resist who therefore soon get caught.

  • Can you recall an occasion when Satan has tricked you into believing that you have no power to resist?

‘He [Habakkuk) compares the world to the sea; men to fishes; Nebuchadnezzar to a fisherman’ (Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary), constantly casting his nets and capturing his prey.

Big fish eat little fish

We live in a society today where the big fish eat the little fish, and the even bigger fish eat the big fish. The same was true of Habakkuk’s day. Babylon was gobbling up the smaller nations, and God was seemingly not taking any action to establish justice.

  • Can you think of a present-day example of this in practice?
  • Into which group would you place yourself – big fish or little fish?

Scripture teaches us that God is not blind to the evil in our world. God constantly warns evil-doers throughout Scripture.

“They have left the true road and have gone down the wrong path by following the example of the prophet Balaam. He was the son of Beor and loved what he got from being a crook…These people are like dried up water holes and clouds blown by a windstorm. The darkest part of hell is waiting for them.” (2 Peter 2:15,17 CEV)

Fish without a ruler

Habakkuk asked the Lord why He had made people like fish and other sea creatures, apparently without a ruler.

‘You have made people like the fish in the sea, like the sea creatures that have no ruler.’ over them.

Mankind, in general, may be likened to fish without a ruler because without Jesus in their lives they are a law unto themselves. We continue to see clear evidence of this during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown protocols. Despite numerous appeals by our state president here in South Africa, many folk still refuse to wear masks covering both nose and mouth, to sanitise their hands regularly, to keep their social distance, and avoiding mass gatherings. 

  • Is it the same in your country? Share in a comment below, and tell us where you live. 

Many who have opened their lives to Jesus as their Saviour have yet to yield to him as their Lord.  They still fail to allow His Holy Spirit to guide and direct their words and actions.

  • Is there perhaps an area of your life where you are still very much in control?
  • Can you honestly say Jesus is Lord of your life? If not why not? How can you rectify this?

God has made us for Himself and we are incomplete until we are complete in Him - St Augustine Click To Tweet

Please join me in prayer:

Gracious Heavenly Father I realise that there are areas in my life where Jesus is not Lord of my words or my actions. Please forgive me. Holy Spirit, please help me to be so guided and directed by you that Jesus is seen to be, not only my Saviour, but also Lord of my life. These things I ask in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Don’t forget to tell me what country you’re from. I’d love to know.

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

Why silence in the face of evil, God?

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Image by Peggy und Marco Lachmann-Anke from Pixabay

Habakkuk 1:13 NIrV

“Your eyes are too pure to look at what is evil. You can’t put up with the wrong things people do. So why do you put up with those who can’t be trusted? The evil Babylonians swallow up those who are more godly than themselves. So why are you silent?”

Silence why?

As we see in verse 13 of chapter 1, the silence of God in the face of wickedness continues to puzzle Habakkuk.

  • How do you react to the widespread violence, hatred, persecution, oppression and corruption reported in the media?
  • Is there a particular news item in recent days that has caused you to feel like Habakkuk? “You can’t put up with the wrong things people do,…so why are you silent?”
  • What’s your take on why the Lord does not punish the wrongdoers?

In verses 1:13 to 2:1 Habakkuk reveals his surprise at God”s intentions.

Puzzling over Silence

Habakkuk reveals his faith and trust in God when he says, “Holy LORD God, mighty rock, you are eternal, and we are safe from death” (1:12), yet He is nevertheless puzzled. God is holy, pure and righteous, so surely he cannot use such wicked people as the Babylonians! 

The prophet questions the wisdom of God in overlooking the Babylonian (Chaldean) sins, and punishing His own people, Judah. In Habakkuk’s eyes they were, by comparison, far less sinful. Wouldn’t the use of the Babylonians bring dishonour upon God’s holy name?

  • What are the things we do as a nation which bring dishonour to God’s holy name?
  • How about in your own life?

An appeal in the silence

In the remainder of this chapter, Habakkuk goes on to again ask God not to overlook the Babylonian sinfulness but instead to judge them (Verses 13-17).

  • Is there anyone in your life who deliberately makes your life difficult because you are a Christian?
  • Why do you think does God allow …fill in the blank…to make life difficult for you?

Scripture shows us that God, for reasons often difficult to understand, often allows Satan and his minions to persecute His children.

Job in the Old Testament (or the first testament as our pastor suggested last Sunday) demonstrates this truth (Job 1:6-12). “The LORD said to Satan, “Very well, then, everything he has is in your power, but on the man himself do not lay a finger.” (Job 1:12 NIV) God’s permissive will enabled Satan to launch a full-scale attack on Job.

And in the New (or second) Testament Jesus told Peter, “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” (Luke 22:31,32 NIV).  We know that Peter did fail—in a way he would never thought possible—when he denied his Lord three times. But, praise God, his restoration came alongside the Sea of Galilee after Jesus resurrection  (John 21:15-17)

Silence is golden

Job and Peter are by no means the exceptions. Jesus said, “Satan has asked to sift all of you.” That’s what our adversary seeks to do with all of us who follow Jesus. But notice, he needs God’s permission first. Although God gives the forces of evil a certain degree of leeway in making life difficult for us, if Satan wants to really turn up the heat, he needs to ask God first!

First, Satan has to seek God’s permission. Secondly, God may, and sometimes does, grant that permission. I wonder how often God refuses? That’s an encouraging thought.

The Bible teaches that we all get tested so that we can be ‘sifted’ of things that are detrimental to our witness for Christ. This is God’s way of refining us, like gold is refined (1 Peter 1:6,7 NIV). Job also proclaimed, “But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold” (Job 23;10 NIV).

Silence is temporary

Although God may allow Satan to sew his seeds of wickedness for a while, or even unleash a wholesale attack, He remains holy, and does not approve of wickedness. He has promised us that by faith we will overcome our enemy. That’s a thought to latch onto when things are tough.

1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”

1 John 4:4 NIV “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world”.

Dwight D Eisenhower made a clever statement:

There is no victory at bargain basement prices. Dwight D Eisenhower Click To Tweet

Please join me in prayer.

Loving Heavenly Father thank you for the reminder that times of trial and persecution are allowed by You to put my faith to the test and sift me. Thank you too for the promise that in times of temptation you provide a way out so that I may overcome. Holy Spirit please help me to rely more on You so that I don’t lose my faith in Christ but instead overcome the powers of darkness. I pray these things in Jesus’ glorious name. 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

How does Habakkuk react to devastating news?

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Let’s start off today by thinking about how we react in the face of any devastating news or calamity.

What is your first reaction? Now let’s see Habakkuk react to God’s devastating news.

Habakkuk 1:12 CEV

“Holy LORD God, mighty rock, you are eternal, and we are safe from death. You are using those Babylonians to judge and punish others.”

These words remind me of the solid rock Jesus taught about in this parable: 

They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete” (Luke 6:48-49 NIV).

Photo by Mike from Pexels

How did Habakkuk React? 

As we look at Habakkuk’s reaction, let’s think for a moment about what confusing circumstances are throwing you into turmoil.

We all experience those times in our lives when we are confronted by situations that we really don’t know how to handle. Sometimes, we question how and why God has allowed these things to touch our lives. Perhaps, we ask “Why did God have to take my spouse/child/sibling?” It’s not wrong to ask those questions. God knows they’re in your mind, so speak them out to Him. Just always remember that He is God … and He does have a plan, and it’s guaranteed to be the best plan.

In this verse, we read how Habakkuk reacts to the perplexing revelations that we read of in verses 5 to 11— “I am going to do something that you will not believe when you hear about it (v5). I am bringing the Babylonians to power, those fierce, restless people (v6). They spread fear and terror (v7). Their horses are faster than leopards…They come swooping down like eagles attacking their prey.(v 8). “Their armies advance in violent conquest,… Their captives are as numerous as grains of sand (v9). No fortress can stop them—they pile up earth against it and capture it (v10) Then they sweep on like the wind and are gone. (v11)”  (Habakkuk 1:5-11 GNB)

Here, the prophet openly declares his confidence in the Lord. “Holy LORD God, mighty rock, you are eternal, and we are safe from death.”

Like Habakkuk, perhaps now is a good time to acknowledge afresh that your future is actually in God’s hands. Take your time. I’ll wait. 

Some men see things as they are and ask 'Why?' I dream of things that never were and ask 'Why not?' George Barnard Shaw Click To Tweet

What caused Habakkuk to react in this way?

Although the prophet could not fully understand God’s thinking, he nevertheless expresses his complete faith and trust in Him. Habakkuk was convinced that although many Judaens would die under Babylonian attack, Judah would not be completely annihilated. God was in control. 

The only certainty we have in life is that we will die physically, whether saints or unrepentant sinners. But, praise God! We who have put our faith in Jesus can be sure that “We are safe from spiritual death.”

Why? 

Because as we put our trust in Jesus, He assures us that none who have opened their lives to Him will ever experience spiritual death. By God’s Grace, we have been quickened by the Holy Spirit, and upon our physical death, our spirits will be united with our Lord in glory. Praise God indeed!

Under God’s direction, Habakkuk came to see that the Babylonian role was to correct, and not annihilate, God’s people.

Why do the innocent also have to suffer?

In the home:

Those of us who are parents or any who have cared for children, at some stage have probably encountered situations where the kids have gotten up to some form of mischief and we have not been able to pinpoint the real culprit.

  • Have you been there? Done that?
  • How did you deal with such a situation?

When our three were growing up, this happened so often that eventually we devised a scheme whereby we created a fourth “child” code-named “Mr. Nobody”. Each month, we gave each child pocket money which we “banked” in a notebook. All four! Each time none of the three owned up to a crime, we put the blame on Mr. Nobody, and he lost some of his funds. At the end of the month, each of our children received whatever was still in their “bank account” – and all that belonged to Mr. Nobody was split between the three. Suddenly, Mr. Nobody seemed to fade away as the children learned to take responsibility for their actions.

At school:

Unfortunately, that wouldn’t work in a school situation. When children are disobedient at school, and the chief culprit doesn’t own up, the entire class is often kept in or punished. That’s just how it works. Kids react by crying, “That’s not fair!” And no, it’s not fair. But it’s life. 

In a nation:

If it doesn’t work in the classroom, it certainly won’t work for an entire nation. Sadly, sometimes God sees a need to punish His children, and some of those who are innocent also get hurt in the process. There is also the possibility that the problems you are facing are God’s means of getting you to admit your own disobedience. Perhaps they are part of God’s disciplining process to help you fall in line with His plans—His good plans—for your future.

How should God’s children react to discipline?

The writer to the Hebrews has this advice to God’s children, “When the Lord punishes you, don’t make light of it, and when he corrects you, don’t be discouraged. The Lord corrects the people he loves and disciplines those he calls his own.” (Hebrews 12:5b,6 CEV)

Despite the bad news of God’s intention to punish Judah via the Babylonians, Habakkuk still could acknowledge God’s sovereignty:

“…You are eternal, and we are safe from death. You are using those Babylonians to judge and punish others.'”

Is there something happening in your life where you cannot understand what the Lord is up? Perhaps you need to try and look beyond the problem to the rock of ages and give God thanks and praise that He is indeed in control, and is working our your life for good—even if you don’t understand.

Is there a particular problem area that you would like prayer for?

Please share this as a comment so that I may pray for you.

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

To Whom Do We Give the Glory?

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Habakkuk 1:11 NIV

“Then they sweep past like the wind and go on– guilty people, whose own strength is their god.'”

When we give glory to super heroes

Image by S. Hermann & F. Richter from Pixabay

We live in a world dominated by hero worshippers. Where people give glory to super-sportsmen and women, popular movie stars, amazing entertainers, musical groups or bands, charismatic leaders, popular politicians and the like. 

Some of my favourite television programs are those in which amazing talent is displayed for example, the ‘X factor’, ‘America has talent’, and ‘Britain’s got talent’ shows. It is mind blowing the things that people have the ability to achieve.

  • What sort of television programmes do you enjoy?
  • Is there someone you hero worship? Maybe a film star? Or maybe a grandchild, or a brother who has done amazing things.
  • What attracts you to people?
  • Is there any person whom you give glory to in place of God?

Many countries claim to be Christian. Yet both those in power and the people themselves do not live lives that give glory to God. They depend instead upon their own ability and strength.

The God is Dead philosophy

Perhaps much of this type of thinking can be laid at the door of the “God is Dead” protagonists.

  • Have you encountered folk who do not believe there is a God?
  • How might one counter their arguement?

One only has to spend some time on social media to see there is a large segment of society who believe either that God is dead, or that there is no God.

A short while back two films were released on circuit which countered this philosophy, entitled ‘God is not dead’ and ‘God is not dead 2’. I’ve just realised there is a third in the series. I plan to look for it on Netflix! These films provided sound evidence for the fact that God is still alive and active in our world today. You can see the trailer for the first film here.

Though the Chaldeans were God’s instruments of judgment, their confidence and excessive self-glory would ultimately lead to their own downfall (see Habakkuk 2:2-20). For in God’s sight they stood guilty of idolatry and blasphemy.

Who did the Chaldeans give glory to?

The only reason why they were permitted to be so successful was by God’s grace and his judgement upon his sinful people. Yet the Chaldeans arrogantly claimed the credit for themselves and insisted that their false gods had given them the ability to conquer.

  • Is this not a danger we all face, of taking credit for some achievement when in fact it was accomplished through God’s grace? He gave us the ability in the first place.
  • Can you think of an occasion when something amazing happened through God’s intervention for which you received the praise and failed to give glory to God the glory?
O Lord, You have given me so much. Give me one more thing - a grateful heart. Click To Tweet

Who do we give glory to?

  • Many Christians are guilty of pride. Is that perhaps a major obstacle in your own witness?
  • Do you pray regularly for the ability to give glory to God for your achievements?

As a pastor, I face this problem regularly when greeted by folk at the church door at the end of a service. Many will express their thanks for the message. Some will even comment that they were personally blessed. My general response usually is ‘Praise God.’ But there is a risk of self praise. Perhaps a better response would be “I am so glad the Lord has blessed you.”

Paul’s encouragement to the Thessalonian believers was, “Whatever happens, keep thanking God because of Jesus Christ. This is what God wants you to do.” (1Thessalonians 5:18 CEV)

  • Has the Lord blessed you in some amazing way recently? Who did you share it with?
  • Do you perhaps realise now that you forgot to give glory to Him? How about stopping to do so now?

“Every desirable and beneficial gift comes out of heaven. The gifts are rivers of light cascading down from the Father of Light. There is nothing deceitful in God, nothing two-faced, nothing fickle” (James 1:17 MSG).

Please join with me in praying a prayer based on Hebrews 13:21 (GNB)

PRAYER:

“May the God of peace provide me with every good thing I need in order to do His will, and may He, through Jesus Christ, do in me what pleases Him. And to Christ be the glory forever and ever! Amen.”

Take time at the close of each day this week to reflect on your day and give glory to God the glory for His involvement.

Share with us one item for which you give glory to God.

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

How Do We React When God Turns a Blind Eye?

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As part of the Welcome to My World challenge, I am first answering this week’s question:

What book (paperback or ebook) would you recommend to your readers this week?

I am a keen reader of legal dramas so my present reading material is ‘A Time for Mercy’ by John Grisham. A gripping courtroom drama.

However for those who are following this series of studies in Habakkuk I would recommend you read the whole of this prophecy in a modern English translation, perhaps The Message by Eugene Peterson. This has all the makings of a gripping courtroom drama. 

Habakkuk 1:10 CEV

‘They make fun of rulers and laugh at fortresses, while building dirt mounds so they can capture cities.’

  • Did God allow Covid-19 as a means of His justice upon a sinful world, in much the same way as the Chaldeans were about to punish sinful Judah?  This is what some believe, what do you think?

How do you respond to the person who says God is dead? Click To Tweet

Has God turned a blind eye?

Image by fernando zhiminaicela from Pixabay

We live in a world where we see the wicked prospering while many of God’s people are suffering. Many ask what is the point of serving a God who seems to turn a blind eye to His people and allows the ungodly to benefit from their evil practices while the righteous battle to make ends meet?

  • How might you respond to someone who says there is no point in being a Christian when God allows the wicked to get off scot-free?

God works according to His timetable, not ours. When He does, He often chooses ways we do not expect. Even when He does the unexpected, it is for both His glory and our good (Romans. 8:28).

Why did God allow COVID-19?

  • If the coronavirus is not God’s means of punishing mankind’s sins, why then did God allow the world to become locked down by the pandemic? What are your thoughts?

Some believe that the virus is yet another clear sign that the end of the world is near. How do you feel about that idea?

Is it perhaps God’s means of pruning Christians and His church. After all, as believers, we can no longer worship regularly in large numbers at will. Has that harmed your faith or has it forced you to find spiritual feeding elsewhere?

The church certainly has had to rethink its means of getting the gospel out. Via the internet, the message is being beamed worldwide. In Mark’s gospel we read,“The good news has to be preached to all nations before the end comes.” (Mark 13:10 NIrV) Was this what God had in mind?

  • Is God perhaps using this time of lockdown to prune you personally for better service? 

The Chaldean menace

The Chaldean army advanced, scornful of the opposition. They piled rubble and dirt up against fortresses and city walls as ramps to gain entry. Walls or fortresses were no problem to them. When they finally departed they left cities and villages as piles of rubble.

The ruthless Chaldean army desecrated Judah and took many of its residents captive. Had He turned a blind eye on His people?

  • How would you answer those who claim that God is a God of love so He will not send anyone to hell?

Habakkuk clearly underlines the fact that our God is also a God of justice who did not turn a blind eye, but withdrew his support of Judah when his children continued to live in disobedience.

When we turn a blind eye

The Judaens were caught up in the evil practices of their pagan neighbours. They turned a blind eye on God’s principles. Similarly, as Christians, it is so easy to fall in line with what is the norm in the world’s eyes.

  • Is there perhaps a worldly norm which is causing you hassles? Perhaps you know that it is not in line with biblical principles and yet, it feels so good.
  • Are you perhaps in a relationship with someone who is leading you astray?
  • Are you battling with the dilemma of whether you should keep up a friendship in the hope of winning that person to the Lord, or break off the relationship because you are being led into things that are not glorifying to God?

Ask the Lord to pinpoint any of these areas that need to be repented of and to show you how to deal with any harmful relationships you may have.

As we bring this session to a close please carefully think and pray about what the Lord wants you to do during this period of lockdown in order to grow your faith and to share the good news about Jesus.

Over to you: Can you be specific? Name one thing you plan to do or work on during this coming week that will strenghen your faith. Share it in the comment section below.

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

An Ill Wind Blows No Good ~ even for Habakkuk

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As part of the Welcome to My World challenge, I am first answering this week’s question:

If there were no limitations, which country would you most like to vist?

I certainly would not like to visit the dusty Sahara desert. No! my choice is beautiful Switzerland.

 

Image by Vicki Hamilton from Pixabay

 Habakkuk 1:9 NIrV

“All of them are ready to destroy others. Their huge armies advance like a wind out of the desert. They gather prisoners like sand.”

Shirl and I were once walking on the beach with my daughter and son-in-law who were with us on a short holiday. Suddenly, out of nowhere, a dreadful wind sprung up. We had to walk for quite a distance before reaching the safety of the car park. The sand got in our eyes, stung our cheeks, stuck to our lips and matted our hair. We were walking bent over, hanging onto each other, in an effort not to get blown over. It was a truly horrible experience. 

  • Can you remember a similar occasion? Perhaps at the beach, or somewhere else, when the wind suddenly sprung up? What do you remember about that time?

Port Elizabeth, or Gqeberha as it has been recently renamed, is known as The Windy City. It is common knowledge that you go to our beaches in the morning, because very often, by afternoon the wind usually springs up and the unpleasant beach sand begins to blown at you and on you.

Several alarming factors emerge from our key verse:

1.  Chaldean purpose – An Ill Wind of Violence & Destruction.

  • Can you recall a recent incident where the initial peaceful actions of those involved ended up in violence and destruction? What actually happened?

The above version of Habakkuk 1:9 speaks of  the Chaldean desire to ‘destroy’.  Yet another version uses the word ‘oppress’.  But most versions state they came for ‘violence’.

One thing is certain the objective of the Chaldeans was to get all that they could through violent means.

In the same way a major area of Judah’s sin was also that of ‘violence’ (Habakkuk 1:3-4). Moreover violence would be her punishment.

2. Facial Evidence

“The set of their faces is forwards;” (Verse 9  ASV)

  • Do you find it difficult to hide your feelings?
  • How do others detect when you are angry?

It is easy to detect when someone is fiercely angry, their faces show it. The faces of the attacking Chaldeans would appear so stern and fierce. Their very looks would cause the Judaens to  become fearful and their courage to wilt in absolute terror.

What ill wind has hit your life? Jesus stills all life's storms. Click To Tweet

3. An Ill Wind from the Desert

As plants shrivel up and wither away, when blasted by a hot desert wind, so too the Judaens would wilt before the impending attack of the Chaldean army.

Our text states “Their huge armies advance like a wind out of the desert”. Mention of the “desert wind” is reference to an ill wind – an unpleasant wind. We have a saying, “it’s an ill wind that blows nobody any good.” The Chaldeans were an ill wind that would certainly do Judah no good.

  • Can you think of someone you might describe as an ‘ill wind’? (Don’t mention names if you’re in a group!) What makes you feel that way?

We all probably know someone whom we could label an ‘ill wind’. Just to see them coming prompts one to turn and go in the opposite direction, to cross over to the other side of the street, or to take refuge in the nearest building. They are usually gossipers and trouble makers. Yet they are surely nothing like the Chaldeans! And perhaps God will use them in our lives to teach us a lesson.

  • Is there perhaps something the Lord would have you do to help such an ‘ill wind’ in your life?

4. Defenceless captives

The picture created in this verse is of just how easily the Chaldeans would take vast numbers of prisoners. In the same way as one might stoop down and scoop up a handful of sand they would scoop up numerous captives. How helpless these poor people must have been.

  • What causes you to feel helpless today? Leave your answer in a comment below

There are folk who through circumstances have become captive to someone or something.

  • Do you know of someone who falls into that category? And can you think of a way you can help them?

Ask the Lord to reveal what, if anything, you can do to set them free.

Think about this:

Jesus assures us through the words of the prophet Isaiah that:

“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me,
Because the Lord has anointed me
To bring good news to the afflicted;
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to captives
And freedom to prisoners.”

Isaiah 61:1 NASB

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

Swift Leopards, Eagles, and Horses

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As part of the Welcome to My World challenge, I am first answering this week’s question:

What is your favourite type of scenery?

As an artist who enjoys oil painting  my preferance is either mountains or seascapes.

On one occasion I did paint a lion but have never tackled, leopards, eagles or horses.

.

Habakkuk 1:8 ESV

‘Their horses are swifter than leopards, more fierce than the evening wolves; their horsemen press proudly on.
Their horsemen come from afar; they fly like an eagle swift to devour.’

Image by Bee Iyata from Pixabay

Swift Moving Devastation

As I compile this study the nation is reeling at the devastation caused by the recent fires on the slopes of Cape Town’s Table Mountain. Swift-moving fires have totally destroyed the University of Cape Town’s main library with its contents of valuable books and documents. It has also destroyed the nearby popular tearoom adjacent to Rhodes Memorial, as well as the city’s historic Mostert’s Mill. University students and many residents living in suburbs adjoining the mountain had to be evacuated until the fires were finally brought under control three days later. 

  • What is your reaction to such devastation?
  • How would you react to a news flash of an impending disaster approaching your place of residence?

This was the type of message the prophet Habakkuk received from God.

Horses Swift on their Feet

  • Have you ever attended a local annual horserace such as the Durban July?
  • If not, have you perhaps seen a horse race on television?

As you’ll know, horses are speedy animals. And the Chaldean horsemen were known for their swift and courageous attacks.

When referring to the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar, Jeremiah said, “his chariots come like a whirlwind, his horses are swifter than eagles” (Jeremiah 4:13).

God's judgement is likened to leopards and eagles swooping on their prey. Click To Tweet

Swift Leopards

The prophet emphasizes the speed of the Chaldean war horses by comparing them with the leopard, one of the fastest of all quadrupeds to attack its prey. He also compares them with the eagle that swoops down on its prey with amazing speed.

World-shattering disasters often strike suddenly like a raging fire, a train smash, an earthquake, a dam break….

  • What others can you think of?

During the early months of 2020, the world was completely taken aback at how swift the Coronavirus spread. More than a year later, the statistics of  cases and deaths worldwide remain mind blowing.

  • What world shattering events alarm you most?

Despite this worldwide pandemic, there are many who believe that this is all a conspiracy perpetrated by world government leaders. That somehow all the governments of the world have united in one belief. 

  • Is this not a bit hard to believe? Oh, that all the governments would unite over world hunger, nuclear weapons, women and child abuse. What others can you think of?  

Evening Wolves – Swift and Vicious

The evening wolves tended to fast during the day and prowl in the night for food. The wolf has an amazingly sharp eyesight, even in the dark. Aelian, a Roman author and teacher, is quoted as saying, “The wolf is a very fleet animal; and, besides, it can see by night, even when there is no moonlight.” (Adam Clark Bible Commentary)

The term evening wolves underlines the ferocious nature of Judah’s enemy. Like wolves, Babylon’s mighty army displayed extraordinary stamina and ferocity as it attacked in order to gain the spoils of victory. 

Several other prophets speak of God exercising judgement on sinful mankind via animals attacking swiftly or birds of prey swooping down. (Deuteronomy 28:49; Jeremiah 48:40; Jeremiah 49:22; Lamentations 4:19. Zephaniah 3:3) 

In Jeremiah we read “That is why lions from the forest will kill them; wolves from the desert will tear them to pieces, and leopards will prowl through their towns. If those people go out, they will be torn apart because their sins are numerous and time after time they have turned from God.” (Jeremiah 5:6 GNB)

Swift Judgement

God’s judgement on sinful mankind is not a pretty picture.

  • Are you afraid that God might strike you down suddenly because of your sin?
  • Do you at times feel feel so overwhelmed, so weak and powerless to resist sin?.

The bad news is that God could indeed wipe us all out in a millisecond. We certainly deserve it.

BUT the good news is that Jesus Christ stepped up on our behalf. He took our sin on His own shoulders when He went to the cross. As long as we are in a right relationship with Jesus, God will not punish us as we deserve. 

David was conscious of the magnitude of his sin, yet he knew God to be a forgiving God and so he could confidently write, “Our terrible sins get us down, but you forgive us.”  (Psalm 65:3 CEV)

Spend some time now acknowledging your guilt and sin, but thanking God for His promise of forgiveness through the shed blood of His Son Jesus Christ.

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

A Fearsome Future – But the Lord is Present

By Comments:1 Comment

As part of the Welcome to My World challenge, I am first answering this week’s question:

What NEW thing have you learned this last week?

As I contunue this series of studies I am learning new things each week.

You will notice that this week for the first time the image below also appears on my facebook notification thanks to advice of  Shirl, my editor.

Habakkuk 1:7 CEV

‘How fearsome and frightening. Their only laws and rules are the ones they make up.’

People, Cover, Cry, Desperate

Image by PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay

God’s Fearsome Message

As we saw last session, the Lord’s response to Habakkuk was that He intended to punish the people of Judah and He would be using the Chaldeans to do it. This was a surprise to the people as well as to Habakkuk. Surprised because the Chaldeans (Babylonians) were a wicked people who worshiped false gods. Why would God use such people to discipline His people?

They were notorious for their violence, their vast numbers, the bravery of their army and the overwhelming victories they had gained. The mere mention of their name spread terror wherever they went.

  • Are there circumstances that have thrown you into a state of terror? What are they?
  • What about those circumstances causes you the greatest concern?

When we find ourselves confronted by fearful concerns we need to remember Jehovah-Shammah, ‘the Lord is present’.

Despite the fearful things which may seem to lie ahead of us in the future we are reminded of Jehovah Shammah - The Lord is present. Click To Tweet

A Fearsome Enemy

These pagan Chaldeans certainly would not be guided by the laws of God, but instead by their own precepts. Therefore they would act according to their desires and pleasure. The Judaens knew that no one would be able to successfully oppose them. They could expect no mercy or pity from such a lawless and arrogant enemy.

The mere sight of the Chaldean army advancing brought feelings of apprehension and fear to both the prophet and the people of Judah.

  • What do you fear most as a Christian?

The cause of our apprehension and fear is often an unseen enemy, like the COVID-19 virus which we may contract with no initial obvious symptoms. And then suddenly, unexpectedly, we may display symptoms of the virus and become extremely ill.

  • What do you fear most about this Covid-19 pandemic?

Who Causes Us to Feel Fear?

The bad news that whilst Judah had a visual enemy, we all also face an unseen adversary: Satan. He attacks us through our minds, focussing in on the unexpected circumstances of life. He is quick to prompt us to say and act in ways which do not glorify our Lord. Furthermore, he lures us through enticing prospects so we may find it all too easy to fall into temptation and sin.

Praise the Lord—the good news is, our enemy is a defeated foe, defeated at Calvary.

Paul reminds us that, “In him (Christ) we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.” (Ephesians 1:7 ESV)

Confidence for Those who feel Afraid

By contrast to Habakkuk’s fearsome message for Judah in the above verse, the prophet Isaiah brings the following positive assurance.  “Tell fearful souls, Courage! Take heart! GOD is here, right here, on his way to put things right And redress all wrongs. He’s on his way! He’ll save you!” (Isaiah 35:4 MSG)

  • In these days of Covid-19 many are fearsome of what the future may hold, how can we come alongside and give them hope for the future?

Please spend some time now praying for anyone known to you who is facing a fearsome future.

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