Seeking Understanding in Chaos: Habakkuk’s Quest for God’s Purpose

In the ancient kingdom of Judah, a prophet named Habakkuk emerged during a time of great turmoil and moral decay. The land was in upheaval, and the people’s hearts were filled with wickedness and injustice. Habakkuk, a man of deep faith and passion for righteousness, couldn’t bear the sight of his beloved nation’s descent into chaos.

As our story begins, we find Habakkuk alone, gazing out over the city walls, wrestling with profound questions that weigh heavy on his soul. With a trembling voice, he cries out to the heavens, “How long, Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen? Why do you tolerate wrongdoing? Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and conflict abounds” (Habakkuk 1:2-3).

Little did Habakkuk know that his cries would not fall on deaf ears. In a divine response, the Lord speaks to him, unveiling a plan that would shake the foundations of the kingdom. God declares that He will raise up the Babylonians, a fierce and merciless nation, to bring forth judgment upon Judah, the very people He had chosen (Habakkuk 1:5-11).

Habakkuk’s heart sinks, for he cannot fathom how God could employ a nation even more wicked than Judah as His instrument of justice. Pondering the mysteries of divine wisdom, he stands atop the city walls, awaiting further revelation.

And so, the Lord continues to speak, reassuring Habakkuk that the Babylonians’ rise to power is not without consequence. Their triumph will be temporary, and they, too, shall face divine judgment for their own wickedness. Amidst the uncertainty, God utters a profound declaration that would echo throughout the ages: “The righteous shall live by faith” (Habakkuk 2:4).

Habakkuk’s faith is tested, as he grapples with the realization that true righteousness is found not in earthly circumstances but in trust in the unfathomable ways of the Almighty. With renewed hope, he bows before God, offering a heartfelt prayer. He recalls the past acts of deliverance, the miracles performed for His people, and he embraces the faith that has sustained generations before him.

As the curtain falls on Habakkuk’s story, we find him standing in the midst of a nation on the brink of destruction. Yet, his countenance shines with unwavering faith. With a voice resounding across the ages, he proclaims, “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior” (Habakkuk 3:17-18).

Habakkuk’s story teaches us the enduring power of faith, even amidst the darkest of times. It reminds us that God’s ways are beyond our understanding and that His justice will ultimately prevail. Through the prophet’s journey, we witness the struggle, the questions, and the unyielding trust in the Almighty—a testament to the unwavering faith of those who dare to seek God’s wisdom in the face of adversity.

Habakkuk: Wrestling with God in Times of Turmoil!

Habakkuk 1:2-4 – “How long, LORD, must I call for help, but you do not listen? Or cry out to you, ‘Violence!’ but you do not save? Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrongdoing? Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and conflict abounds. Therefore, the law is paralyzed, and justice never prevails. The wicked hem in the righteous, so that justice is perverted.”

Historical Context:
The book of Habakkuk was written around the late 7th century BCE, during a time of great political and social turmoil in the kingdom of Judah. The nation was facing internal corruption, idolatry, and moral decay, while also being threatened by external powers like the Babylonians.

At this time, the prophet Habakkuk lived and witnessed the rampant injustice, violence, and wickedness prevalent in Judah. He was deeply troubled by the fact that God seemed silent and inactive in the face of such wrongdoing. The people who were supposed to uphold the law and promote justice were themselves corrupted, leading to a breakdown of societal order.

Theological Lessons:

1. God’s Timing and Plan: Habakkuk’s cry reflects a common human struggle when faced with the apparent lack of divine intervention in the midst of injustice. However, the prophet’s questioning also demonstrates his deep faith in God. As the book unfolds, Habakkuk learns to trust in God’s timing and plan, understanding that God will bring about justice in His own way and time.
2. The Mystery of God’s Ways: Habakkuk’s plea raises the age-old question of why God allows evil and injustice to persist. While the prophet does not receive a detailed answer, he learns to accept the mystery of God’s ways and acknowledges that God’s wisdom surpasses human understanding. This reminds us that we are finite beings and that God’s ways are beyond our comprehension.
3. God’s Faithfulness and Justice: Although it may appear that God is silent or inactive, Habakkuk’s experience teaches us that God is faithful and just. In due time, He will address and judge the wickedness and injustice. The prophet’s journey highlights the importance of trusting in God’s character and relying on His promises, even in the midst of confusion and doubt.
4. The Role of the Prophet: Habakkuk’s dialogue with God illustrates the important role of the prophet as a mediator between God and the people. The prophet speaks on behalf of the people, expressing their concerns and seeking answers from God. This emphasizes the significance of prayer, open communication with God, and seeking His guidance and understanding.

The historical context of Habakkuk reveals a period of social and moral decline, while the theological lessons from the prophet’s lamentation teach us about trusting in God’s timing and plan, accepting the mystery of His ways, relying on His faithfulness and justice, and recognizing the role of prophets in seeking God’s guidance.

Revisiting the Biblical Tithe

The biblical tithe was not only a religious obligation, but also functioned as a form of taxation in ancient Israel. In the Old Testament, the tithe was required by law and was understood as a way of supporting the Levites (priests) and the upkeep of the temple. The tithe was also used to support other functions of the religious community, such as caring for the poor and funding special festivals.

However, the tithe was not only collected from individuals; it was also collected from the nation as a whole. In the book of Leviticus, it says that the tithe was to be collected “from the people of Israel” (Leviticus 27:30), and in the book of Nehemiah, it describes how the tithe was collected “from the fields, the villages and the towns” (Nehemiah 10:37).

This national aspect of the tithe is significant, because it highlights how the tithe was not only a religious obligation, but also a form of taxation that helped to support the nation as a whole. The tithe was used to support not only the religious functions of the community, but also the social and economic needs of the people.

Overall, the biblical tithe functioned as a complex system of religious and economic obligations, designed to support the needs of the community as a whole. While there are certainly differences between the biblical tithe and modern forms of taxation, the national aspect of the tithe is an important reminder that religious and economic concerns are often deeply intertwined.

Another way that the tithe today differs from the tithe in the Old Testament is in the Old Testament, there are instances where it is mentioned that slaves or servants were given as a form of payment or offering in place of the tithe. For example, in Leviticus 27:32-33, it says:

“The tithe of the herd and the flock – every tenth animal that passes under the shepherd’s rod – will be holy to the Lord. He must not pick out the good from the bad or make any substitution. If he does make a substitution, both the animal and its substitute become holy and cannot be redeemed.”

This passage suggests that the tithe was understood as a specific portion of the herd or flock that was set aside for the Lord, and that it could not be substituted with other animals or goods. However, there are other passages that suggest that slaves or servants could be given as an alternative form of payment or offering.

For example, in Exodus 21:1-6, it says:

“These are the laws you are to set before them: If you buy a Hebrew servant, he is to serve you for six years. But in the seventh year, he shall go free, without paying anything. If he comes alone, he is to go free alone; but if he has a wife when he comes, she is to go with him. If his master gives him a wife and she bears him sons or daughters, the woman and her children shall belong to her master, and only the man shall go free.”

This passage suggests that in certain circumstances, a person could become a servant or slave as a form of payment or debt, and that they could be offered as an alternative to paying the tithe. It’s important to note that the idea of offering slaves or servants as a form of payment or offering is not something that is condoned or encouraged in the Bible. Rather, it is simply a reflection of the cultural and economic practices of the time, which were often harsh and unjust. The biblical emphasis on justice and compassion for the vulnerable means that the practice of slavery is generally viewed as a violation of God’s will, even though it is mentioned in the Bible.

In the Old Testament, the tithe was required by law and was understood as a way of supporting the Levites (priests) and the upkeep of the temple, as well as other religious and social functions of the community. The tithe was typically a tenth of a person’s income or harvest, and was considered a sacred obligation to God.

However, there were some circumstances under which a person could redeem their tithe. The book of Leviticus explains that if someone wanted to redeem their tithe, they could do so by adding one-fifth of its value to it. This meant that if someone wanted to keep their tithe for themselves, they could do so by paying an additional amount of money equal to one-fifth of the value of the tithe.

For example, if someone had ten sheep and wanted to keep one of them instead of giving it as a tithe, they would need to give the equivalent value of the sheep plus one-fifth of that value to the temple or the priests.

The practice of redeeming the tithe allowed people some flexibility in how they fulfilled their religious obligations. It recognized that not everyone was able to give a full tenth of their income or harvest, or that sometimes circumstances might make it difficult to fulfill the obligation in the usual way.

It’s worth noting that while the practice of redeeming the tithe was allowed, it was generally viewed as a secondary option to actually giving the tithe to the temple or the priests. The tithe was considered a sacred obligation, and the act of giving it was seen as an act of faith and obedience to God. And as previously pointed out it was dedicated by God to the Levites as God said I give all the tithe to the priesthood of the Levites!

WHAT IS GRACE REALY?

Once saved always saved DEBUNKED!

It is true that grace covers all sin and the forgiveness of sin is freely available  to all. It is also true that Paul who wrote 1/3rd of the bible was a mass murderer of Christians before his conversion! Yet when we examine Paul’s life one thing is consistent he always answered the call to servanthood. He was once stoned almost to death dragged outside the city and believed to already had been dead they left him to rot. When he awoke he got right back up and answered yet again his call to servanthood  thereby remaining in grace and forgiveness.

If we want to remain in grace and forgiveness we must choose daily to follow christ and answer his call of servanthood.  I could go on and on and give you example after example instead I’ll save time and go straight to the words of Jesus.

John 15:5-6 NIV
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. [6] If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.

Pretty much self explanatory. So are you in unity with Christ or not?  If you are there will be his fruit in your life. What is his fruit?

Galatians 5:22-23 NIV
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

That’s not to say that when you come to Christ you will automatically have all of these fruits manifested in your life that’s why Jesus says if you REMAIN in him you will bear much fruit. The key is to remain in him so he can complete the good work in you.

Philippians 1:6 NIV
being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

If you choose not to remain in him and choose a lifestyle of sin over him he will not overide your choice and remain in you to complete that good work. That’s not to say you have to live perfectly and must not ever sin again. It simply means  you must choose daily and consciously to reject a lifestyle of sin and remain in a lifestyle of grace by answering  God’s call of servanthood and perusing not your desires but rather God’s  purpose for you!

Proverbs 19:21 NIV
Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.

If you want to prevail don’t  seek out your heart’s  plans but rather embrase t he Lord’s purpose for you. Don’t  be one of the follow your  heart  fools, allow God the freedom to give you the desires of your heart. In other words allow God to place in you the desires your heart should have by completing his good work in you. In order for him to do that you must remain in him and he in you and that is achieved through you submitting to him!

Psalm 37:4-5 NIV
Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. [5] Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this:

Key word commit your way to the Lord AKA submission. Ask yourself are you willing to submit to Christ in every area of your life? Now ask yourself why haven’t you?  And if you have but your still struggling and loosing the battle remain in Christ by not giving in! There has to be a constant fight within you against that sin your struggling with.

Christ isn’t going to do all the heavy lifting for you, there has to be an effort on your part! Until one day the work is completed in that area of your heart and the desire for that sin is lessened or gone but until then you must give every effort and fight the sinful desire!

Ask yourself are you still fighting the sin or have you given into it? Remember what his word says Remain in me and you will bear fruit ( love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.)

Remain in Christ and allow him to finish the good work in you that he began.
Knowing that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Grace is not a free pass to sin it’s a coat of armor we put on daily, it’s a tool belt we Equip ourselves with to answer Christ call of SERVANTHOOD and it’s only worn or equipped through SUBMISSION  not to our sinful desires but to Christ alone!

And when we choose to deceive ourself into thinking we can embrace our sinful lifestyles and still remain in grace we are as Christ said like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. AKA HELL!

Matthew 10:38 NIV
Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me.

May the peace of Christ be with you and may you always look to him for guidance and receive this message with an open heart towards Him

PURPOSE + UNITY = POWER/COMPLETION

Christ died for us while we were yet sinners. It is him who completes the good work within us, for apart from him there is no good in us! We are all to examine our lives and embrace him in every area of it. For it is only in him and in his unity  with and in us that we can & do, find the power to overcome. Unity gives birth to power and purpose gives birth to unity. So to find the power to overcome, you must embrace and focus on your purpose aka Christ’s  purpose for you and in doing so you will obtain unity in Christ (he in you and you in him) which will then empower Christ within you to complete his (key word HIS) Good work in you

Romans 8:28 NIV
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

= PURPOSE

Philippians 2:13 NIV
for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

God who works IN you
= purpose + unity

Philippians 1:6-8 NIV
being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. [7] It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. [8] God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.

= purpose + unity = power and completeness /completion

A word of encouragement

One of the hardest things a man will learn is how to stand alone just him and his God. Not because this is a hard concept to grasp but because this lesson is usually learned the hard way! When it comes time for YOU to learn this lesson don’t run from it or buckle under but do as King David did & encourage yourself in the Lord! Draw strength from Christ and his Scripture! Get in the presence of the Holy Spirit in worship and with reverence let him uplift and guide you!

James 1:2-18 NIV
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, [3] because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. [4] Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. [5] If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. [6] But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. [7] That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. [8] Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do. [9] Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. [10] But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower. [11] For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business. [12] Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. [13] When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; [14] but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. [15] Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. [16] Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. [17] Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. [18] He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.

Polygamy!

Lately I’ve heard the argument several times that polygamy (having multiple wives) is ok and not a sin but how God intended it because it’s all throughout the old testiment.

I find this to be flaud for 2 reasons #2: When God saw that Adam was alone and that is was bad for man to be alone He made for Adam one wife, One Eve, not two.This says to me that God intended for us to only take one wife.

I’d also like to note that every man from Adam all the way up to Noah and his Sons when a wife is mentioned each man only has one. Cain one wife, Adam one Eve, Noah one wife, Noah’s sons one wife each. And

#2: Paul plainly states its a sin to have multiple wives!

1 Corinthians 7:2-4

1Co 7:2 But since there is so much immorality, each man should have his own wife, and each woman her own husband.
1Co 7:3 The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband. 1Co 7:4 The wife’s body does not belong to her alone but also to her husband. In the same way, the husband’s body does not belong to him alone but also to his wife.

Notice The husband’s and wife’s bodies belong to eachother!

Heir2Christ

Evolution!

Science or Faith?

I have one question, well actually several but let’s start with one question on Evolution.
If in the beginning there was nothing and we all evolved from a single cell organism, and if
science says you can’t get something from nothing where did the first single cell Organism
(that suposedly evolved from NOTHING?) come from.
Was it supernatural if so than Evolution is nothing more than another religion.
[Definition of supernatural = is something that exist and acts outside of natural law]
I mean if in the beging there was nothing how did anything evolve. If there was a big bang where did the rocks come from. If we evolved from an organism and in the beginning there was nothing where did the organism come from. Bottom line You can’t get something from nothing
and in my eyes that means evolution is a FAITH not a Science.
As for all the so called evidence of evolution, well it’s a moot point because all the evidence is based on the THEORY that everything evolved! Therfore the foundation of the evidence is flawed. One should use the evidence to prove the theory however evolutionist use the theory or to support the evidence. With any hypotheses or theory the evidence should support the theory not the other way around . Therefore I conclude that evolution as a matter
of FAITH (the theory) thus  thier evidence is invalid. I therfore submit that EVOLUTION is
nothing more than a Popular CULT!!!

Heir2Christ