FEAR is often DRIVEN by our CIRCUMSTANCES; as Christians, our FAITH is not DEFINED by our CIRCUMSTANCES but by the GOD Who REIGNS OVER our CIRCUMSTANCES.
II. God’s First Response (1:5-11) – “I am going to bring judgment upon the wickedness of Judah. My instrument of choice for judgment will be the Babylonians.”
A. YAHWEH agreed with His servant about the need for JUDGMENT - “I am doing something awesome and you all aren’t going to believe it” (v.5) –The prophet wanted to hear an oracle of SALVATION but what he received instead was an oracle of JUDGMENT.
B. The LORD identified His chosen instrument of divine JUDGMENT - “I am bringing swift judgment by the Chaldeans” (v.6a)
C. God described the army bringing His divine JUDGMENT (vv.6b-11) – no nation was going to stop them from coming to Judah in the near future. The writing was on the wall!
Needless to say, this answer from God didn’t sit well with Habakkuk. God’s “answer” sounds more like jumping from the frying pan into the fire!
Perhaps we can understand why. What is the prophet’s next move? Will he get angry with God? Turn away from God? Doubt God’s character or trustworthiness?
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