Like many other characters in Scripture, the prophet Habakkuk word for 'embrace' and conveys the idea of a wrestler in an embrace with his opponent. As Walter Chantry shows in this absorbing book, Habakkuk lived out his name by wrestling with God in prayer in the midst of a national and international situation resembling our own in many respects. As we read his prophecy, we hear Habakkuk pray, then listen as the Almighty responds. The divine response at first seems overwhelming. Yet at its centre is a glorious revelation of the very heart of the gospel. In this brief exposition, previously published in the Banner of Truth magazine, Chantry draws out themes that are timely, challenging, but ultimately full of comfort.I am reading this now and am on the third chapter. It is a sobering look at how God dealt with His people when they stubbornly rejected God as our nation is now doing. It is not what Habakkuk prayed for nor what we are praying for, but God is sovereign and will do what He must to bring His people back to repentance. Walt points out that just as Habukkuk prayed for revival and for everything to be alright for his nation, we too pray for revival and "direct God to handle our case with gentle kindness. We hope for a soft landing, and for a "happy ending". This is not always preferable to our God." He says previously that, "Even God's people are inclined not to believe what they never wish to see."
And isn't it true as we see the stage being set for the enemy to come in and take us over that we tend to turn a blind eye and think, "Oh well, that will never touch me. It won't really happen." We need to wake up and take heed!
This book sounds the alarm for things to come, but also gives us comfort to persevere. God is sovereign over all and His purposes will prevail even it means we must endure some discomfort in the process.
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