Day 203 – Habakkuk: Climate of the times
“Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!” Habakkuk 3:17-18 NLT
Judah’s last four kings were wicked men who rejected God and oppressed their own people. Babylon invaded Judah twice before finally destroying it in 586 BC. It was a time of fear, oppression, persecution, lawlessness, and immorality. Habakkuk served as a prophet to Judah around 612 to 589 BC.
He couldn’t understand why God seemed to do nothing about the wickedness in society and came to realise that faith in God alone would provide the answers to his questions. Habakkuk’s message today is that instead of questioning the ways of God, we should understand that He is completely just and have faith that He is in control and that one day evil will be utterly destroyed.
Prayer: Father, thank You that this message of Habakkuk is just as relevant for us today as it was when the prophet cried out to You. In times of lawlessness and evil raging rampant in our communities, I ask Lord, that Your message bring hope, peace, and understanding so we can continue to pray for people to come to You. Amen.
