Just by Faith

O. T. #2229  "Just by Faith"

July 6, 2022 

Habakkuk 2-Part 5

Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in Him: but the just shall live by his faith. (verse 4)

LET IT GLOW

Will God judge the ruthless who oppress others? The prophet is asking God. Habakkuk is standing watch on his tower, observing and looking, as well as waiting to hear from his God. After all, God gave him a vision of the Chaldeans conquering Judah. What was going to happen to the bad, mean people?

Habakkuk is giving a vision from the Lord, and to write it down so messengers could run with joy throughout the land sharing it. Judah would not be destroyed, but the Chaldeans would be. He was told to wait for it to happen (took 70 years). 

In our key verse, God contrasts the two-believers and believers, lost and saved, unjust and just, unrighteous and righteous. Those who were not upright (please well, seem good) toward God and His Word.

First, the Chaldeans (Babylonians) were puffed up with pride. Idols were their gods. Though their military was great, God is even greater. In God's timing, they fell to the Persian empire.

This shows us that unbelievers depend upon themselves, their so-called strength and goodness. When facing a Holy God, they will not have a leg to stand on. All will bow before Jesus Christ and declare He is LORD.

LET IT GROW

Second, it is the just (righteous, morally right) who live by his faith (truth, firmness, fidelity, security). The righteous Jew found his righteousness in God, not himself. 

Today, believers are justified by faith in Jesus Christ as Savior. It is His sacrificial blood that makes us right with God, not our works. 

This verse is quoted by Paul three times in the New Testament-Romans 1:17, Galatians 3:11, Hebrews 10:38. It is the battle cry and watchword of the Protestant Reformation in the days of Martin Luther. The righteous one shall love by his faith in Jehovah God.

Where is your faith focus? Is it on Jesus, His Word, His Righteousness?

LET IT GO

Jesus, You are our breath of life, our Salvation, our Righteousness.

Jesus, the name above every other name. Jesus the only One who could ever save. Worthy of all our praise. Holy, there is no one like You. There is no other God but You.

Thank You for loving us sinners. Use us for Your glory.