During August, we reflect on God’s Word to the prophet Habakkuk. Our third reflection is based on Hab. 2:6–3:16 (ESV).

“Yet I will quietly wait for the day of trouble to come upon people who invade us” (Hab. 3:16b ESV).

The Lord is with you in these days of August. He is our shield and help. We trust the word of Christ, “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matt. 28:20b ESV).

The prophet Habakkuk called on Judah to trust God’s Word. He saw faith decline among his doomed people. The Chaldeans would soon invade and survivors would be scattered. Through Habakkuk, the Lord gave assurance He would have the last word. The Chaldeans had faith in idols of their own making. Habakkuk made light of it: “What profit is an idol when its maker has shaped it, a metal image, a teacher of lies? For its maker trusts in his own creation when he makes speechless idols!” (Hab. 2:18 ESV). The Lord spoke through His prophet … our God is not speechless!

The Lord would crush the wicked and gather the scattered: “You went out for the salvation of your people, for the salvation of your anointed,” (Hab. 3:13a ESV). When Habakkuk was given to pessimism, the Lord rebuked his lack of faith. Now chastened, he encourages Judah. The Lord will keep the promise He has spoken.

Martin Luther said, “This Habakkuk is a prophet of comfort who is to strengthen and support the people, to prevent them from despairing of the coming of Christ, however strangely things may go.” Doesn’t that describe our generation too? We wait for the coming of Christ through the strangest of times. On a bad day, we expect our enemies to win, even though we know their hopes are futile. We need this prophet to remind us God will prevail: “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord,” (Hab. 2:14a ESV).

When will He put away suffering and evil? This will happen at the coming of Christ. Jesus said, “Surely I am coming soon,” (Rev. 22:20b ESV).

Prayer: Almighty God, give me courage not to fear those who take what they cannot keep. As for me, Your promises are dear to my heart. In Jesus’ name. Amen +

Yours in Christ,

Rev. Craig D. Otto
First Vice President
Missouri District