Like all of the prophets in the Old Testament, Habakkuk was the bearer of mostly bad news. That’s because God called prophets up when the nation of Israel was not paying any attention to the Lord, and going after the pagan idols of the nations around them. God would tolerate their disobedience for a while, but if they refused to turn back, He would send a prophet to call them back, and if they still didn’t listen, He would turn them over to their enemies and their cities would be sacked and they would be carried off into captivity.
The first chapter of Habakkuk is how that is exactly what happened to Israel in Habakkuk’s day. The Babylonians came through and destroyed them. When Habakkuk complains about the destruction and violence, God replies that it’s only going to get worse. So Habakkuk complains again and pleads with God to not let the Babylonians get away with this forever.
That’s when Habakkuk goes to his watchtower and awaits a word from God which comes with directions to write God’s answer clearly on a tablet so that the message can be spread abroad by runners. The word is that indeed God is not going to let the Babylonians get away with their violence and destruction forever, but that God will ultimately pay them back for what they have done to His people Israel. Habakkuk may have to wait for that day to come, but it will come. “If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place” (2:3).
This last weekend, Marti and I witnessed a new documentary on the Jesus Movement that chronicled the rise of one of it’s foremost bands, Love Song. As we reviewed this history, we realized that their signature song, “Welcome Back” was the writing on a tablet for their generation. The message was carried all over the world by a song and its message was God’s answer to the questions and even the complaints of a generation.
The song is a beautiful, gentle invitation to come home to where you are loved and welcomed. “Welcome back to what you knew was right from the start.” If you had the Holy Spirit working inside you, how could you resist?
This week we will look at the messages of songs that traveled all over on tablets by runners who were singers and prophets over 50 years ago. We will see what the message was then, and why it is still just as relevant today.
I know you thought you could turn you back
And no one could see in your mind,
But I can see that you know better now,
You never were the untruthful kind,
And I’m so happy now to welcome you back.
– from the song “Welcome Back” by Love Song
John Fischer The Catch 
Looking forward to reading more…
PS Plz pray my Dentist bill will not to high this Thursday & I can get a new eye glasses scrip. cheap too!
What memories that song brings back…along with the title track LOVE SONG. How far I’ve come…how much further there is for me to go. I have to admit I am tempted to just stay put and let someone else carry on. When does grief get bearable?
Hi Sandie what a great question: “When does grief get bearable?” I wish I knew…
Sandie your question is a good one, “when does grief get bearable?”
Read Habakkuk 3:17-19 Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines, even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren, even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet will I rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!
Could anything be more bleak than what this verse states!!!
My answer for your consideration is this. Grief gets bearable when after wallowing in it for a while, I realize that it is depressing me to the point of paralysis. So according to this verse…. rejoice in the Lord! That’s right change your focus. Do not get comfortable in your grief, do not get complacent in it, or fall victim to it because that is what makes it unbearable. Fortunately as a believer in God you can rejoice in Him. Resist temptation to just let it ride.
When i retired from my career as a landscaper, I was crabby for two years. I was grieving over the job I loved because I had to give it up. I used that verse ad nauseum. The verse is now part of my DNA.
Does the grieving ever stop? No not for me. The christian life is bittersweet in the death of many relationships, relatives and careers, but the joy is in the Praise of the Lord. Without God life would just be bitter. With God as my strength my grief is bearable!!!!!!
Loved reading your comments to Sandie brother Peter & TY 4 them too!
Thank you Peter. Your kind answer touches my heart. Bobby and I were together 55 years and there are reminders everywhere. I am not lonely, rather, I am alone here in the house he built for me. I am in the process of picking up the shattered pieces, and with God’s help, continue to live a good life. Psalm 139:5 is a verse Bobby sent to me almost a year to the day before he died. I hold it close in my heart.
I forgot to add, we covered Two Hands and Little Country Church in our band. Good memories covered by tears.
I could never imagine the Jesus Movement without a great song like the one in the message above. Music in Church is one of my fondest memories long ago when we celebrated and worshiped our Lord and Savior.