While standing guard on the watchtower, I waited for the Lord’s answer,
before explaining the reason for my complaint.
2 Then the Lord told me:
“I will give you my message in the form of a vision.
Write it clearly enough to be read at a glance.
3 At the time I have decided, my words will come true.
You can trust what I say about the future.
It may take a long time, but keep on waiting—
it will happen!
4 “I, the Lord, refuse to accept anyone who is proud.
Only those who live by faith are acceptable to me.†      Habakkuk 2:1-4 (CEV)
Lectionary texts: Habakkuk 1:1-4, 2:1-4, Psalm 119:137-144, 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4. 11-12, Luke 19:1-10
The prophet, Habakkuk, begins the recording of the events of his time by crying out to God, asking Him how long will he have to continue to beg God for help and how long until God will intervene in the sinful violence of the world Habakkuk lives in. That may sound familiar to our present time!
God responds by telling Habakkuk to write down what He is showing to him in a vision about what will come and to trust that the vision will happen. God sends a warning against pride and reminds the prophet, and me, that living simply by faith is what pleases Him.
God has blessed me in the last ten years with connections to people across this country and the world. We will never read about these people in any online news feed, not even in Charisma or Christianity Today. They are living lives of simple faith, seeking God for His will and wisdom every day. They aren’t perfect but they are willing and humble.
Rev and Mrs “A†This couple have worked among the poor all their lives. Yes, they preach and teach about God and His Son, Jesus Christ, but more importantly, they live the life of Christ. Most of their days are spent finding ways to provide food, clothing, and job skills to the people who have fallen through the cracks of government programs. They love on the children who seem to hang around them and teach them respect for themselves and others. Every day is a walk of faith and thanksgiving as He directs their steps.
Mr and Mrs “B†To an outside observer these two people may not appear successful as they do not have the usual indicators of success like a big home and bi-annual vacations. But those who have been brought into their network of ministry have told me that they are working and learning from people they would never have met except through the friendship of this couple. Evangelicals, charismatics, orthodox and non-denominationals alike are sharing and learning from each other as they realize the Savior they have in common is more important than the doctrinal differences that they have shouted about in the past.
Rev and Mrs “C†Missionaries for many years, they have lived in countries that have been so dangerous to Christians and yet they have been given great favor to have jobs in local schools as teachers. They assist local pastors, coming alongside of them as servants. They understand that evangelism is really about building relationships and living their lives so transparently that the locals do not see them but Christ Himself.
Let us be encouraged today that God is bringing His vision into being through His children who are willing to answer God’s call in their lives and obey quietly and steadfastly. They continue on not because of any applause from their peers but because they want to please their LORD.
Days of Elijah written by Robin Mark and sung by Paul Wilbur
