HABAKKUK HELPS US UNDERSTAND HOW GOD WORKS THROUGH THE NATIONS

O Lord, how long shall I cry, and You will not hear? Even cry out to You, “Violence!” And You will not save. Why do You show me iniquity, and cause me to see trouble? For plundering and violence are before me;There is strife, and contention arises.  Therefore the law is powerless, and justice never goes forth. For the wicked surround the righteous; Therefore perverse judgment proceeds. Habakkuk 1.1-4

Habakkuk was a prophet to the southern kingdom of Judah prior to their being taken captive to Babylon in 586 B.C. The nation was wallowing in sin, immorality, and political upheaval during his time. He saw the condition of the nation and it made him weep.

The condition of Judah at his time was no different than the things we are experiencing in America during our time. The nation was into self-pleasure and aggrandizement. The political scene was lacked justice and was powerless to uphold the law. Several kings were assassinated during this period of upheaval and “perverse judgment” was the norm.

We see this chaotic activity surrounding President Trump daily. Much of it stems from his personal behavior and past immorality, but it is much deeper and more serious then that alone. We are seeing an attack on the US Constitution and rule of law—an overt coup. Mr. Trump’s enemies are determined to overthrow him at any cost.

At his inauguration speech Mr. Trump put the “swamp” on notice that he was going to come after them. These people, some call it the deep state, did not take his threats lightly. Their hatred is so deep they will do anything to bring him down.

Habakkuk lived through the same violence and hatred in his day. There was no respect for the king or the office of king. This is a serious issue. As the office of President, in our day, is demeaned and disrespected, the status and power of the POSITION itself is being drastically lowered. Future Presidents will suffer from these attacks as lawlessness increases. Vengeance will be on most politicians minds.

Already we see a Congress that is divided and lawless. They don’t even do their jobs. The spend up to two or three hours a day on the phone raising money for their party—in order to get re-elected. The corruption is much greater than we can even imagine—in both parties: http://endoftheamericandream.com/archives/a-member-of-congress-explains-why-the-corruption-in-congress-is-much-worse-than-you-think

God responds to this as He always has throughout all of human history:

“Look among the nations and watch—be utterly astounded! For I will work a work in your days which you would not believe, though it were told you.  For indeed I am raising up the Chaldeans, a bitter and hasty nation which marches through the breadth of the earth, to possess dwelling places that are not theirs.  They are terrible and dreadful; their judgment and their dignity proceed from themselves. Habakkuk 1.5-7

When a nation that was formally God fearing and righteous turns away the Almighty ALLOWS stronger nations to come against them. This is what is happening to America through Russia and China. God is allowing them to slowly overcome us as His chastisement upon our nation.

Their cavalry comes from afar; they fly as the eagle that hastens to eat. “They all come for violence; their faces are set like the east wind. They gather captives like sand. They scoff at kings, and princes are scorned by them.
They deride every stronghold…He commits offense, imputing this power to his god.” Habakkuk 1.8-11

Today, the world scoffs at such an idea as this—but God does not change—this is how He has worked with His sheep nations throughout history. This is how He is trying to get our attention today. He is allowing these nations to arise because our sins are grievous in His eyes. He has watched us go our own way. Shortly He will correct us.

God is not some sniveling petty Creator. He allows us to choose our way. His law is spiritual and active throughout every generation (Romans 7.14) He has given us His word/law to abide in. If we choose to ignore the law, eventually this “spiritual law” will righteously judge our behavior.

This works in us as individuals or on a national scale. Judah was judged through the Babylonians because they refused to repent and turn back to Yahweh. Their society was in the same place we are.

If you are a reader of the blog you are aware of the various measures Russia and China are taking to displace the U$ Dollar system. You are seeing the tension between our nations. Our competitors, however, would like to see our system collapse rather than have war. We must pray we do not get in a shooting war with Russia or China—both sides will pay a heavy price if we do.

There are many in our government who would like to see us in war. This could work to their advantage and give them reason to curtail many of our hard won freedoms. War is a distraction that diverts the attention of the populace. We might not like the outcome if God is chastising our nation for sins. Beware!

As the attack on the U$ Dollar continues tensions are going to rise. America is going to be chastised. The rub is this: God also will judge the nation(s) He uses to judge us based upon how they treat us as their “captives!”

O Lord, You have appointed them for judgment; O Rock, You have marked them for correction. You are of purer eyes than to behold evil, and cannot look on wickedness.
Why do You look on those who deal treacherously, and hold Your tongue when the wicked devours
A person more righteous than he? Habakkuk 1.12b-13

None of us are totally exempt from the Godly chastisement that is coming. We have all contributed to our national sins in some manner. Have you heard much warning from the pulpits of your local church? Not many Pastors speak on this issue. Our shepherds are looking the other way.

They think the church is going to be raptured out before all the tribulations begin. What is so special about the church? Are we above those in more than 50 nations today who suffer terrible persecution? Wake up Brother Christian! The “saints” will also be tried and refined during the tribulations to come.

Habakkuk, give us the good news in all of this in one of my favorite Biblical poems:

Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of the olive may fail, And the fields yield no food; Though the flock may be cut off from the fold,
And there be no herd in the stalls— Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, and He will make me walk on my high hills.      Habakkuk 3.17-19

This should be comforting to all. God will see us through the most difficult times if we trust in him. Many of the Old Testament prophets lived through the dark days to which they prophesied—they were not “raptured out” but they too were tried as by fire. They should be an inspiration to us all…and so Peter advised us:

…That the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ…1 Peter 1.7

If our hearts are true we will get through the most difficult days and reap great reward in the Millennial Kingdom to come.