Why?

O. T. #2220  "Why?"

June 23, 2022 

Often times we don't understand why something happened in our life or another's life. When God does not give us the answer, then we must trust Him to do what is right. That is when we need to get up and do what He has purposed for us, trusting His wisdom, sovereignty, and love.

Our questions may not be answered until we get to heaven. So faith must grow strong in us. Honor God with whatever. Habakkuk asked questions of God. We will see how He responded. Pleas join me in this study of another little 3 chapter book of the Bible. You will be blessed along with me.

Introduction to Habakkuk 

This prophet's name means "one who embraces" or "one who takes another into his arms." He comforts them, holds them up, as a weeping child is embraced, to quiet it with assurance that, if God wills, it shall soon be better. (Martin Luther)

Nothing is known about Habakkuk. He was a contemporary of Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, and Zephaniah.

Background:

Habakkuk prophesied during the final days of the Assyrian Empire and the beginning of Babylonia's world rulership under Nebopolassar and his son Nebuchadnezzar. They overthrew Assyria and what was Israel.

King Joshiah had reformed Judah, getting rid of idols, which his father and grandfather had worshiped instead of God. After Joshiah's death, Judah reverted to her evil ways. This caused Habakkuk to question God's silence and lack of action to purge His people, and indifference to His own people.

Purpose:

Habakkuk warned Judah of its coming judgment at the hands of the Chaldeans and he gave comfort to Judah concerning their destruction. Justice had disappeared and violence with wickedness prevailed in Judah.

Theme:

Fundamental questions about life, proper understanding God's character, and His sovereign ways in history, doing what is right. He calls us to trust God, the just shall live by faith. Also, believer's need to remain strong and faithful in the midst of affliction and trials. Justification is by faith.

[Resource: The MacArthur Bible Commentary, The Prophets Nahum and Habakkuk by J. Vernon McGee, ]

We are challenged to look at the "who" when we don't understand the "why." We are to trust God's sovereignty over His kingdom purposes even when we don't comprehend them. (Tony Evans)