Today we begin a study on the book of Habakkuk, one of the 12 minor prophetic books in the Old Testament. They are called “minor” not because they are of little importance, but because — unlike the much longer writings of Isaiah, Ezekiel, Jeremiah and Daniel — they are relatively short. Habakkuk is only three chapters — the first two are a dialogue between the prophet and God, and the last chapter is a song, because Habakkuk was a temple musician and a poet.
That’s why I’m calling Habakkuk a Jesus Freak; because he led a revolution, had a word from the Lord, spoke out against the wickedness and injustice in the world, and as a musician he sang his message to the people. We have a number of Jesus People we have reconnected with who fill that bill precisely. In fact, you will be hearing from them in the coming days and weeks.
Habakkuk is so timely and speaks so prophetically to our current situation. Just listen to this from the opening few verses of this book: (italics mine)
Wherever I look,
“I see destruction and violence.
I am surrounded by people
who love to argue and fight.
The law has become paralyzed,
and there is no justice in the courts.
The wicked far outnumber the righteous,
so that justice has become perverted.” Habakkuk 1:3-4
Think of this — “destruction and violence…” “people who love to argue and fight…” “no justice in the courts…” “the law has become paralyzed…” “justice has become perverted.” Wait a minute. Are we reading Habakkuk or the front page of today’s newspaper? This is too close to be a coincidence. This is prophecy that is true thousands of years later. I’m convinced that if we follow the message in Habakkuk, we will find out what God wants us to do today. Stick close with us over these next few days as we find out what God has to say to us through Habakkuk. Don’t miss a day!
John Fischer The Catch 