It Is Just By Faith

 O. T. #2226 "It is Just By Faith"

July 1, 2022

Habakkuk 2-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

Does God keep His Word? Are His promises true? Can we count on it? Habakkuk found out.

Though God is the Creator and Judge of the universe, He takes the time to respond to His servant and let him in on what He's doing. (Evans)

The prophet was willing to wait for God to give him an answer, further instructions. Habakkuk spoke of his utter dependence upon God. And it did come. We don't know how long it was, but it was worth it:

• Habakkuk was told to write down God's answer, so a runner could carry it correctly. The runner was to have joy, not fear, as he gave the message throughout the land. 
• The bitter and sweet message was for an appointed time, not too late or too early.
• The Chaldeans would invade Judah (bitter), yet they would be destroyed in the future (sweet). 
• The end will speak, not lie, though it tarry, wait for it, for it will surely come. God's Word will be fulfilled.

And faithful the Word was, completely fulfilled. After 70 years in Babylon, the Jews returned to Jerusalem to rebuild it. (see Nehemiah)

Hebrews 10:37 says, For yet in a very little while, He who is coming will come, and will not delay. (NAS)

Folks, that teaches us that God keeps His Word. He said Jesus would come again for His people and He will. It is for the appointed time, not too late nor too soon. He will be on time. We can have hope, even when the signs do not show us. We can live through difficult times by faith in Jesus.

LET IT GROW

So at the appointed time, the Babylonian army will invade Jerusalem and Judah. (verse 3) The Babylonian king had an inflated ego, and was without integrity, was arrogant, and never satisfied. (verse 5)

If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed. (verse 3b)

What are you waiting on God for, dear one? 

The most important message Habakkuk had to share is found in verse 4b, but the just shall live by his faith.

It was not a ten-point answer, nor a long discussion of God's ways. Simply put, Believers are to trust God and follow His instructions in obedience. 

This was a watchword for the Protestant Reformation by Martin Luther. Justification comes by faith in Jesus Christ, not by our good works, when God declares sinners right. Three emphasis is:

1. God's grace, because faith and grace go together,
2. God's glory, although violence and corruption are present. the earth will be one day filled with His glory,
3. God's government, will be one where Christ is King of kings and Lord of lords. (Wiersbe)

It is by the work of Christ on the cross, enduring the pain, living a perfect life, providing His blood as a perfect sacrifice for us sinners that we are justified before a holy God when we put our faith in Jesus.

Three times in the New Testament refers to this verse. See Galatians3:11, Romans 1:17, Hebrews 10:38. 

LET IT GO

Our God is bigger than our problems. He is the only one who knows how to solve them. He will see us through it.