Day 352
Habakkuk 1:1-3:19; Revelation 9:1-21; Psalm 137:1-9; Proverbs 30:10
Wickedness. Wonder. Waiting.
Today’s readings are prophetic words of warning, woe, and waiting. They are not joyful words, but they are words that lead to hope.
Habakkuk understands why God is punishing His disobedient people, but he does not understand why God is using a wicked nation as His instrument of judgment. Habakkuk is struggling with questions and doubt. God answers by telling Habakkuk that punishment for the sins of Judah will come by way of the Babylonians, but they too will receive punishment for their wickedness. God answers Habakkuk with words of hope. Habakkuk’s response is to pray.
God wants us to come to Him with our struggles and doubts; by putting our trust in Him, we have certain hope. God, the Creator, is all-powerful and has a plan. He is in control of the world. God dislikes sin and wants His people to turn from evil. When we call on the Lord, He will answer us. He may not answer in the ways we expect, but He will answer us in the ways that fulfill His purpose. God is our hope and strength. Our response is faithful trust in God.
This Advent, as we prepare for the coming of Jesus, let us give our cares and questions to the Lord and wait in the hope of His salvation.
Let us pray as Habakkuk prayed: “O Lord, I have heard the report of you, and your work, O Lord, do I fear. In the midst of the years revive it; in the midst of the years make it known. I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation. God, the Lord, is my strength.” Amen.
The Rev. James Brzezinski
The Church of the Holy Faith
Santa Fe, NM