All posts by Luella Campbell

GOD’S WORD – ITS UNIQUENESS

Christian Life, ,

Today, I begin a series of meditations on the Word of God. I have no idea where this will lead but I pray that the Word itself will convince us of its incalculable worth in our lives as children of God. We live by His Word and die without it.

Our first obligation is to decide to believe what the Bible says about itself. We will never be convinced of its value for us unless we take at face value the Bible’s own witness. If we haven’t made that decision, the rest of this series is only of acedemic interest.

The Bible makes many claims to be unique, one of a kind, not in so many words but by what it is and does that no other book can do. Let’s examine some of its unique features, and for these features I am indebted to Google research, mostly from https://gotquestions.com

1. Unique in its popularity
The Bible is the bestselling book of all time. It has been translated into more languages and distributed more widely than any other book in history.

“The Guinness Book of World Records estimates that the Bible has been printed over 5 billion times.” (www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/best-selling-book-of-non-fiction, accessed 8/11/21).

2. Unique in its authorship
No other book can claim and demonstrate divine authorship.

2 Peter 1:20-21 NLT
[20] “Above all, you must realize that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophet’s own understanding, [21] or from human initiative. No, those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God.”

2 Timothy 3:16 NLT
[16]”All Scripture is inspired by God…”

Many other religious books claim divine revelation of one kind or another but cannot produce evidence of their truth. The Bible alone makes claims for itself which are backed up evidence, among which are archeological, historical, scientific and experiential proofs of its authenticity.

The Bible is a divine/human book.

“Although the Holy Spirit is ultimately the author of Scripture (2 Peter 1:21), He used many human authors to compile the 66 books of the Bible. Around forty different human writers in the span of about 1,500 years were involved in the collection of Scripture. These writers came from different time periods, backgrounds, occupations, and geographical locations. The writers include kings, prophets, fishermen, shepherds, servants, priests, and a physician.” (Quoted from” gotquestions”)

The Bible is a library of books, some short, some long, but bound together by supernatural inspiration and the common consent of spiritual leaders. Individual writings were gathered according to an agreed standard, into what is known as the canon of Scripture.

No other book has offended, been attacked and destroyed, been lost and found, been banned and outlawed, and yet been divinely protected than the Bible. Men suffered and died to translate, preserve and distribute this book. People either fear or revere the Bible.

3. Unique in its unity
Despite the span of time and the multiplicity of its writers, the Bible presents one theme, one God, and one human race.

“The different authors and writing styles make the Bible unique from other religious books, and it’s stunning to realize that the entire canon of Scripture shares a common theme—God’s salvation of mankind—and points to a central character—Jesus Christ.” (gotquestions)

Not only is the Bible unique in its unity but also in its presentation of God and man. Across the 66 books and multiplicity of writers, writing styles, genres, and languages, there is never a conflict between the writers’ presentation of God and mankind. The God of Genesis is the same God of Revelation and everything in between.

4. Unique in its content
No other book presents material so sublime with such authority and confidence, than can transform the lives of those who believe, than the Bible. From where come the mighty truths of Scripture but from the heart of God?

“Unlike other religious texts advocating good works to please an unreachable god, the Bible uniquely teaches that salvation is a gift from God that does not require human works (Ephesians 2:8–9). Whereas other religious books present a set of rules and regulations to follow, the Bible presents freedom in Christ (John 8:36). The Bible reveals that Jesus is God (John 1:1) and that He saves us through His death and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:1–4). No other sacred book claims that a religious leader rose from the dead (Matthew 28:5–7; Luke 24:5–6; John 20:20; 1 Corinthians 15:4–8). The God of Scripture is not a far-off, uncaring god but the Creator of all things who is intimately involved in the lives of His creation (Psalm 139:7–12; Acts 17:25–27). No other religious text gives the assurance of eternal life (John 3:16). No other religion’s book is without error or flaw, but the Bible is inerrant and infallible (see 2 Timothy 3:16; 1 Thessalonians 2:13). (Quoted from “gotquestions”)

5. Unique in its prophetic content
“The Bible is also unique from other religious books in that it contains prophecy. In fact, by one count, about 27 percent of the Bible is predictive (Payne, J. B., The Encyclopedia of Biblical Prophecy, Baker Pub. Group, 1980, p. 675). This means that, when written, over one fourth of the Bible—more than one in four verses—was prophetic.” (quoted from “gotquestions”).

The Bible has detailed prophecies, from cover to cover, that have already been fulfilled or are yet to be fulfilled in the promise of Jesus’s second coming.

Isaiah 41:21-22 NLT
[21] “Present the case for your idols,” says the Lord. “Let them show what they can do,” says the King of Israel. [22] “Let them try to tell us what happened long ago so that we may consider the evidence. Or let them tell us what the future holds, so we can know what’s going to happen.”

Isaiah 42:8-9 NLT
[8] “I am the Lord; that is my name! I will not give my glory to anyone else, nor share my praise with carved idols. [9] Everything I prophesied has come true, and now I will prophesy again. I will tell you the future before it happens.”

6. Unique in its languages
“Most books are written in one language. For instance, the Quran of Islam was written completely in Arabic, Hinduism’s Vedas were composed entirely in Sanskrit, and the Book of Mormon was written entirely in English. In contrast, the Bible’s authors used three different languages: Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek.” (quoted from “gotquestions”).

7. Unique in its sources
The writers show little evidence of borrowing from outside sources. Some quoted from historical records, some quoted from one another, for example, Paul quoted from David’s psalms but, in the main, prophets wrote from prophetic visions and and New Testament writers from eyewitness accounts…

1 John 1:1 NLT
[1] “We proclaim to you the one who existed from the beginning, whom we have heard and seen. We saw him with our own eyes and touched him with our own hands. He is the Word of life.”

… interpretation of Old Testament revelation

Acts of the Apostles 2:14-21 NLT
[14]”Then Peter stepped forward with the eleven other apostles and shouted to the crowd, “Listen carefully, all of you, fellow Jews and residents of Jerusalem! Make no mistake about this. [15] These people are not drunk, as some of you are assuming. Nine o’clock in the morning is much too early for that. [16] No, what you see was predicted long ago by the prophet Joel: [17] ‘In the last days,’ God says, ‘I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams. [18] In those days I will pour out my Spirit even on my servants—men and women alike— and they will prophesy. [19] And I will cause wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below— blood and fire and clouds of smoke. [20] The sun will become dark, and the moon will turn blood red before that great and glorious day of the Lord arrives. [21] But everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’”

….and personal experience.

Philippians 4:12-13 NLT
[12] “I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. [13] For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”

…and, finally,

8. Unique in its manuscript evidence
“The manuscript evidence for the New Testament is overwhelming. There are at least 5,300 Greek, 10,000 Latin, and 9,000 miscellaneous copies of the New Testament extant today.” (quoted from “gotquestions”)

Despite the overwhelming evidence for the uniqueness of the Bible, whether to believe or not to believe the evidence is a personal choice. As with all our interactions with the unseen God in the supernatural realm, faith is the only vehicle by which we can accept and receive the blessings and benefits of the salvation the Bible presents.

We alone can make the choice and experience the consequences of that choice.

To be continued…

HABAKKUK’S DILEMMA RESOLVED – 7

Bible Study, ,

Habakkuk 1:1-4NLT
[1] This is the message that the prophet Habakkuk received in a vision.
[2] “How long, O Lord, must I call for help? But you do not listen! “Violence is everywhere!” I cry, but you do not come to save. [3] Must I forever see these evil deeds? Why must I watch all this misery? Wherever I look, I see destruction and violence. I am surrounded by people who love to argue and fight. [4] The law has become paralyzed, and there is no justice in the courts. The wicked far outnumber the righteous, so that justice has become perverted.”

In the interval, the prophet speaks to God and God speaks to the prophet.

Habakkuk 3:17-19 NLT
[17]”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, [18] yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! [19] The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights.” (For the choir director: This prayer is to be accompanied by stringed instruments).

What a transformation! What happened to change Habakkuk from a miserable, lamenting, complaining prophet into a dancing, singing, joyful worshipper?

REVELATION!

Habakkuk started his journey at the bottom of his mountain. From his vantage point, he could see nothing but rocks, cliffs, and impossible terrain to climb. With his limited understanding, he could see no solution to his problem. Like any mountain he was trying to climb, the peak was covered in the mist and clouds of doubt and fear. How would he ever navigate the mess his beloved country was in?

How similar is our situation in our beloved land! God’s people look around at the devastation we are facing and wonder, “How will we ever climb this mountain?” We see nothing but problems, difficulties, and impossible situations created by the people who govern us and who are bent on dragging us to destruction. Where is God in all this? Has He washed His hands of us?

Unlike Habakkuk’s people in Judah, South Africans cannot claim a covenant relationship with God. Yet, within the population of this country, there is a people in covenant with God. Those who are in Christ by faith are part of the great kingdom of God over which Jesus rules in justice, righteousness, and peace.

When God crowned His Son king over the earth, He gave Him this promise,

Psalms 2:6-8 NLT
[6] “For the Lord declares, “I have placed my chosen king on the throne in Jerusalem, on my holy mountain.” [7] The king proclaims the Lord’s decree: “The Lord said to me, ‘You are my son. Today I have become your Father. [8] Only ask, and I will give you the nations as your inheritance, the whole earth as your possession.”

So, the nations of the earth DO belong to Jesus. Despite their rebellion, and that includes South Africa,

1 Corinthians 15:25 NLT
[25]”… Christ must reign until he humbles all his enemies beneath his feet.”

South Africa, then, although not in covenant with God as a nation, belongs to Jesus by right of the Father’s decree. Jesus rules over this land as the Father’s coronation gift. This means that He is at work in South Africa to bring the nation under His authority.

What we see now is our view from the bottom of the mountain. Like Habakkuk, our perspective is limited and incomplete. We will only be able to understand what God is doing in our country from the top of the mountain by faith, from which we have a panoramic view of what God has done and is doing in all the nations.

Let’s examine what the prophet learned that changed his attitude to God and to the situation in his land.

First, Habakkuk learned that God responds to humility and honesty. He had a problem and he wasn’t afraid to voice it. He genuinely wanted to know why God was doing nothing about the terrible things that His people were doing.

God is never offended by honest questions as long as we approach Him with reverence and awe. He is our Father but He is also the Most High God.

Second, Habakkuk learned that God never forces His will on anyone. He gave us free will. He wants us to choose Him and His way by the way He applies discipline to guide us towards the truth.

God’s people refused to obey His Word, so He put pressure on them by allowing the Babylonian invasion and exile to teach them to obey Him through the consequences of their disobedience.

In this way, God’s people made their own choice to abandon their idols and turn back to Him, at least for a while.

Third, Habakkuk learned that God is holy, sovereign, and all powerful over the nations. He used the Babylonians to punish and train His people but He also held them accountable for their wickedness.God judged Babylon for their idolatry. They were puffed up with their own achievements and worshipped the gods to whom they attributed their success.

Fourth, Habakkuk learned that God is concerned as much with individuals as He is with nations. He gave the prophet instructions to write a timeless principle on tablets of clay that could be taken everywhere for people to read.

“The proud are puffed up but those who are righteous will live by their faithfulness.”

Every individual chooses his path in life and is accountable to God for his choices. No one escapes His scrutiny.

Revelation 20:11-12 NIV
[11] “Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. The earth and the heavens fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. [12] And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books.”

Fifth, Habakkuk learned that what God had done in the past to save His people from their enemies was the reason he could trust Him to save them from Babylon. They had to endure the punishment of exile in Babylon but God would intervene again. Israel’s history was a promise of God’s faithfulness to His Word.

Habakkuk 3:2 NIV
[2] “Lord, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, Lord. Repeat them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy.”

We can also trust God to help us on the strength of what He has done for us in the past. Every time God answers our prayers, He adds another rock to the strong foundation of our faith in Him.

Sixth, Habakkuk learned that God is greater and more powerful than all the forces of evil ranged against Him and His people. Despite the worst that ungodly people do, He will achieve His ultimate purpose. The knowledge of His glory WILL cover the earth as the waters cover the sea. The whole earth WILL stand before Him speechless because He is on His throne in His holy Temple, from which He reigns, and where He is worshipped.

Seventh, Habakkuk learned that he could rejoice in the Lord and trust Him for grace to overcome even if the whole world collapsed around Him. He could conquer the highest peaks through the strength of the Lord and the feet of a deer.

Habakkuk’s lament became a song of praise when he shifted his focus from his circumstances to the God who shaped his circumstances to reveal His glory.

God holds nations and individuals accountable according to the God/god they worship. Habakkuk’s song revealed that the Lord WAS indeed the object of his worship. In the end, the prophet’s interaction came down to one simple question, “Who do you worship?”

God is perfectly capable of taking care of His business with the nations. We can trust Him to carry out His plans to His final purpose of displaying His glory to everyone everywhere.

Our business is to trust Him and to nurture our fellowship with Him because, in the end, we cannot answer for anyone else. We are responsible and accountable to Him for ourselves alone.

HABAKKUK’S SECOND RESPONSE – 6

Bible Study, ,

The prophet turns from reflecting on God’s mighty power to inflict vengeance on the nations that had terrorised His people to his own personal response to God’s disclosures.

First…dread for what was about to happen.

Habakkuk 3:16 NLT
[16] “I trembled inside when I heard this; my lips quivered with fear. My legs gave way beneath me, and I shook in terror…”

In the face of what God had done to other nations, was Habakkuk’s dread for Babylon or for Israel? It seems that he felt for the horror that was to come upon God’s enemies. At the same time, he was comforted to know that Babylon would not get away with their cruelty towards God’s people.

“…I will wait quietly for the coming day when disaster will strike the people who invade us.”

Despite the terrible things that would happen to the invaders…and the prophet expresses his dread for what God would do to them…he was confident of God’s vengeance that would rescue His people from the suffering the Babylonian army would inflict on them.

He knew what the horrors of invasion, brutal treatment, displacement and exile, and the day-to-day pain of slavery in a foreign land would mean. As a native of Judah, the prophet was surely no stranger to the horrors of war. The vicious and cruel Assyrians had already made inroads into his people’s lives. The northern kingdom of Israel had vanished and been replaced by foreigners conquered by Assyria. Now the threat of Babylonian invasion was even worse to contemplate.

However, in the midst of all that was to come, Habakkuk has a new song to sing.

Habakkuk 3:17-18 NLT
[17] “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, [18] yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!”

Comforted by God’s absolute authority over the nations, the assurance of His perfect righteousness and justice in His ways, and His use of nations to fulfil His purposes for His people, the prophet could face the future with faith in God. Regardless of his circumstances, despite the total collapse of Judah’s resources, Habakkuk’s song expresses his delight in his almighty and infallible God.

What if there was nothing left of Judah after the invasion! God was still there, and God was still his God. Habakkuk concludes his wild dance and song of celebration with a quote from his ancestor David…

Psalms 18:33 NLT
[33] “He makes me as surefooted as a deer, enabling me to stand on mountain heights.”

…who knew how to navigate the stresses and distresses of being a fugitive from Saul’s murderous hatred with God’s grace and help.

There were still mountains ahead for Habakkuk to climb, the steep heights of uncharted terrain that the Babylonian invasion would bring, but the prophet was confident that God would give him all the equipment he needed, “the feet of a deer”, to make it safely to the top. From those heights of sometimes difficult and painful experience, Habakkuk would have a panoramic view of God’s dealings with His people. He would see God’s mighty hand at work, guiding and disciplining Israel towards His goal…a people prepared to receive His Messiah.

Although this prophecy is expressed in poetic language as a song to be accompanied by stringed instruments, Habakkuk wrote it to make a strong and surprising point. Beginning with despair and lamentation over the conditions in his nation, he progresses through disclosure and understanding to a new stance of celebration and joy. God’s got the whole situation in hand and He will work it out for the good of His people and the glory of His name. From this perspective, Habakkuk could express his faith in God with a powerful, celebratory song… a song worth singing in the midst of our similar circumstances that caused the prophet so much distress but brought him to new confidence in the God of his ancestors.

Habakkuk ends his story with a declaration of faith that puts him in the category of those who, righteous by faith and faithful to the Lord, will live in and through the midst of war and destruction.

HABAKKUK’S FIRST REDPONSE – 5

Bible Study, ,

Habakkuk 3:1-2 NLT
[1] “This prayer was sung by the prophet Habakkuk: [2] I have heard all about you, Lord. I am filled with awe by your amazing works. In this time of our deep need, help us again as you did in years gone by. And in your anger, remember your mercy.”

Habukkuk’s first response to these astonishing disclosures is an expression of wonder at God’s works. His accusation, born of ignorance, has turned to amazement and agreement. God is right, after all. Thinking back to his nation’s history, the prophet remembers what God did to the Egyptian army when they tried to destroy God’s people. Yes, God used them for His purposes but… He also destroyed them in a spectacular way for their wickedness.

Second, the prophet pleads for his own people. The history of God’s intervention that saved His people gives the prophet the courage to ask the Lord to do it again. After all, as God revealed to Moses, mercy is the bedrock of His character.

Exodus 34:6 NLT
[6] “The Lord passed in front of Moses, calling out, “Yahweh! The Lord! The God of compassion and mercy! I am slow to anger and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness.”

Habakkuk knew he was on solid ground when he prayed for mercy. In His earthly ministry, Jesus revealed the nature of the Father who never ignores the bleat of a lost lamb.

Mark 10:46-47, 49, 51-52 NLT
[46]”Then they reached Jericho, and as Jesus and his disciples left town, a large crowd followed him. A blind beggar named Bartimaeus (son of Timaeus) was sitting beside the road. [47] When Bartimaeus heard that Jesus of Nazareth was nearby, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”…
[49] When Jesus heard him, he stopped and said, “Tell him to come here.” So they called the blind man. “Cheer up,” they said. “Come on, he’s calling you!”…
[51]“What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked. “My Rabbi,” the blind man said, “I want to see!” [52] And Jesus said to him, “Go, for your faith has healed you.” Instantly the man could see, and he followed Jesus down the road.”

A well-loved gospel story speaks of this instant response to a blind man’s cry. So, Habakkuk, too, asked the Lord for mercy for his people. Only God’s mercy could temper His judgment in the face of His wrath against their rebellion.

From verse 3 to 13 of chapter 3. Habakkuk describes, in magnificent poetic language, the progress of God as a mighty cosmic warrior, sweeping through enemy territory to subdue armies and rescue His people from their assailants. Even natural boundaries were no obstacle to the Lord as He marched across land and sea to set His people free.

Habakkuk 3:4-12, 12-14 NIV
[4] His splendor was like the sunrise; rays flashed from his hand, where his power was hidden. [5] Plague went before him; pestilence followed his steps. [6] He stood, and shook the earth; he looked, and made the nations tremble. The ancient mountains crumbled and the age-old hills collapsed— but he marches on forever. [7] I saw the tents of Cushan in distress, the dwellings of Midian in anguish. [8] 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? [9] You uncovered your bow, you called for many arrows. You split the earth with rivers; [10] the mountains saw you and writhed. Torrents of water swept by; the deep roared and lifted its waves on high. [11] Sun and moon stood still in the heavens at the glint of your flying arrows, at the lightning of your flashing spear. [12] In wrath you strode through the earth and in anger you threshed the nations.
[12] You marched across the land in anger and trampled the nations in your fury. [13] You went out to rescue your chosen people, to save your anointed ones. You crushed the heads of the wicked and stripped their bones from head to toe. [14] With his own weapons, you destroyed the chief of those who rushed out like a whirlwind, thinking Israel would be easy prey.”

These verses reveal the prophet’s radical change of perspective. No longer did he view God as a weakling or an inadequate God who could do nothing about His people’s defiance.

Now his view of God reached the magnificent heights of the mighty sovereign Ruler of heaven and earth. In His wrath against the nations that had oppressed His people, God had mobilised the powers of heaven and earth to crush the enemy. If God had done that for Israel in the past, He could do it again.

To be continued…

HABAKKUK – GOD’S SECOND DISCLOSURE – 4

Bible Study,

Habakkuk 2:1 NLT
[1] “I will climb up to my watchtower and stand at my guardpost. There I will wait to see what the Lord says and how he will answer my complaint.”

Habakkuk declares his determination to get a satisfactory answer from the Lord. If God has chosen to use such a godless nation to discipline His own wayward people, and who knows how far He will allow the Babylonians to go, what about them? Will God let the Babylonians get away with their cruelty?

Habakkuk settles down to wait for God’s reply. However long it might take, he is determined to stay at his post until the answer comes.

Habakkuk 2:2-3 NLT
[2] “Then the Lord said to me, “Write my answer plainly on tablets, so that a runner can carry the correct message to others. [3] This vision is for a future time. It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled. If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed.”

Finally, God speaks. So important and imperative is His answer that He instructs His prophet to write His reply on clay tablets to be delivered to the entire nation.

God pronounces so fundamental a principle that its truth applies to the end of time. What God had to tell His prophet was not only for the Jews but for all people, revealing the heart of the gospel and the vehicle by which God delivers all His mercy and grace to those He rescues from eternal destruction.

Habakkuk 2:4 NLT
[4] “Look at the proud! They trust in themselves, and their lives are crooked. But the righteous will live by their faithfulness to God.”

All humanity is divided into two groups, the proud and the righteous who trust in God.

“Aphal”, translated “proud” means “puffed up, inflated” with empty air. Such were the Babylonians who relied on their own military skill and might and were empty of any reliance on God. Such is any individual who has no need of God.

” Tsaddiq”, meaning just, lawful, or righteous, translated “righteous”, conveys the idea that they abide by God’s laws.

” Emunah”, meaning steadfastness, stability, fidelity, translated “faithfulness”, has the idea of a steadfastly righteous person who is faithful to God’s ways.

What is God saying? From groups of people…the Babylonian army, the nation of Israel, He narrows His attention to the individual. Yes, He treats people as nations but every nation is made up of individuals who are accountable to Him. Each individual belongs to one of God’s two groups, puffed up or faithful.

Every individual is either puffed up with the empty air of self or indwelt, guided and empowered by the Spirit of God. Those who are empty will perish. Those who are full of God will live…and this happens through faith in God.

This disclosute would surely reassure the prophet that God has everything under control. Yes, God will use drastic measures to discipline His people. Yes, difficult times are coming. No, God has not lost the plot. No, God is not sitting on His hands. As messy as things seem to be, from God’s perspective, everything is on track to purify His people from ungodly distractions, to prepare them for their eternal, heavenly existence. As for the rest, they have chosen their path to destruction and no amount of divine intervention will rescue them from their stubborn rebellion against their Creator.

God has finally brought His prophet to a personal assessment, “Habakkuk, are you full of air or full of God?”

For the rest of chapter 2, God says two things…first, the path of the ungodly, clearly described by their choices and actions, is a futile attempt to defy God. However, every evil action has a consequence. What they try to achieve in their arrogance and greed will backfire but… second, whether they like it or not, the knowledge of God’s glory will cover the whole earth as the waters cover the sea.

Habakkuk 2:5, 13-14 NLT
[5] Wealth is treacherous, and the arrogant are never at rest. They open their mouths as wide as the grave, and like death, they are never satisfied. In their greed they have gathered up many nations and swallowed many peoples…
[13] Has not the Lord of Heaven’s Armies promised that the wealth of nations will turn to ashes? They work so hard, but all in vain! [14] For as the waters fill the sea, the earth will be filled with an awareness of the glory of the Lord.”

Finally, Habakkuk has the whole picture. For man, it’s all about money. For God, it’s all about His glory. Who wins in a no-brainer. Man’s wealth will perish with him but God’s glory will spread from shore to shore, covering the whole earth with the knowledge of the splendour of His being and His doings. That’s what it’s all about and no one can stop the process, not even the idols they live to worship.

Habakkuk ends this section with a solemn declaration…

Habakkuk 2:20 NLT
[20] “But the Lord is in his holy Temple. Let all the earth be silent before him.”

God is where He is supposed to be, in His throne room, the temple, in the place from which He rules and where He is worshipped. Despite appearances, no one has dethroned Him and no one ever will. The whole earth, every nation and every individual, is both “in His face” in their stubborn rebellion and disobedience, but also in His face “before Him” in His perfect knowledge of every individual. The whole earth, therefore, had better shut up and listen to Him. No one has anything to say in defense of his behaviour. Excuses don’t cut it with God. He has provided a way out of every determined path to destruction. He has provided forgiveness and new life through the death of His Son. If we don’t accept His salvation by faith in Jesus, we have nothing to say.

To be continued…