TOPIC: THE PRAYER OF A BURDENED PROPHET
TEXT: Habakkuk 3:1-19
MEMORY VERSE: “O Lord, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid: O Lord, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy (Habakkuk 3:2).
Introduction:
Habakkuk is written in the form of prayer. What a model and excellent way of rounding off a mission and ministry! What a beautiful expression of utter dependence on God and recognition of His Omnipotence, love and mercy!! The Bible says; “Men ought always to pray and not to faint”(Luke 18:1). “Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgivinglet your requests be made known unto God” (Philippians 4:6).
Habakkuk had seen the vision concerning the punishment of Judah and the destruction and devastation by the Chaldeans. He discovered that in the economy of God the prophesied judgment was both justified and inevitable. He knew that if divine judgment was not allowed to take its full course, the people will still continue in their sinful ways. And of a truth, love and mercy hardly turn the evildoer to righteousness and repentance.“With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early: for when thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness”(Isaiah 26:9). Like Isaiah here, Habakkuk prays, not for the cancellation of judgment but for its execution because it is only when “thy judgments are in the earth” that the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.
But in spite of his knowledge of the necessity of judgment, he was burdened to pray for the people so that the judgment and chastisement will not consume them altogether. He, therefore wanted the chastisement to lead them to absolute trust and faith in God, righteousness and summarily usher the nation, churchand individual to the needed revival.Are believers burdened by the load of sins committed flagrantly by people who are ignorant of God’s judgment in our generation?
- SUPPLICATION FOR GOD’S MERCY
(Habakkuk 3:1,2, Psalms 119: 20; 90: 13-17)
"A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet upon Shigionoth; O LORD, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid: O LORD, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy'' (Habakkuk 3:1,2).
The prayer here is an outpouring of prophecy under divine inspiration. It was given under a great burden andearnestness of purpose that mercy will be shown on the Jews. The prophet heard of God’s declaration ofthe instrument of justice on His people, the extent of thejudgment, the horror of the merciless attack of the Chaldeans. All these filled his heart with awe and fear. Hewas afraid that if the Lord gave the Chaldeans absolute power to bring devastation upon Judah, the consequence will be utterly disastrous. As a result he trembled at the word of God. He was not the first man that had been afraid at the hearing of God's voice or warning (Genesis 3:10; Exodus 3:6; Psalm 119:126). Today the judgment on our backslidden friends, colleagues, churches or families and nation should agitate serious terrorin our hearts and drive us topray like Habakkuk for; (1) Salvation and Sanctification of souls; (2) Revival and Restoration; (3)Deliverance, Healing and Abundant Provision.
Habakkuk's supplication is an offering and sacrifice to God, a sweetsmelling savour. God delights in the intercessory prayers of His servants who tremble at His word."For all those things hath mine handmade, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to thisman will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word" (Isaiah66:2). God has no pleasure in those who are nonchalant and who laugh and trifle at the judgment of God.Quickly examine the motive of Habakkuk’s supplication:
(a)Habakkuk pleaded with God to cut short the period of punishment in the midst of the years.
(b)He focused his supplication on revivalof repentancewhich aligns with God’s expectation amidst spiritual decline. This is contrary to the priority of prayer of prosperity by present day believers and churches.
(c)Prayer for renewal and sanctification of his people- (Ezekiel36:37; Acts 1:14; 2:1)
For a believer to receive from God this year, he must personalizehis supplication like Habakkuk did:
(1)That God would perfect that which concerns him (Psalm 138:8),
(2)That God will continue His work of grace within him (Philippians 1:6),
(3)Make all things to work togetherfor his good (Romans 8:28)
(4)Work out in him a far moreexceeding, even an eternal weight of glory (2 Corinthians 4:18).
The Lord answered Habakkuk. He showed him His greatness and splendour and He will surely answer us as we follow the pattern in Jesus name.
- SPLENDOUR OF GOD’S MAJESTY
(Habakkuk 3:3-15; Exodus 15:11; 24:15-17; Psalm 114:4-8; Judges 5: 4-5; Psalm 68: 7-8).
As the prophet concedes to the sinfulness of his peopleand increases his prayer and plea for mercy, God could not
but grant the request ofhis supplication. As we also praytoday with a trembling heart and contrite spirit, God will
reveal Himself to us as He did to Habakkuk.
The prophet here saw the manifestation of the power of God, His majesty and His glory.The prophet no more speaks of the approaching Chaldeans. His prayer for a shortened affliction has been answered and he now speaks of divine intervention onbehalf of Israel and the eventual destruction of her enemies. The Chaldeans will be driven asunder and Israel will onceagain see the glory of God. The yoke will be broken. Themountain will be scattered and melted away. Even thethings that appeared like perpetual judgment,everlasting mountains" will be scattered(Habakkuk 3:6).He also recalled series of events ranging from Israel's departure from Egypt, the dividingof the Red Sea, up to the battle of Joshua(Joshua 10:12,13).
The Lord spoke of the salvation and deliverance that wouldcome to Israel. And justas the Chaldean king, the head of the Chaldean power andarch-enemy of Judah would be destroyed, so would thatwicked one, the arch-enemy of believers and the Church, Satan bedestroyed with the brightness of Hiscoming (1Thessalonians 2:8).
The deliverance of God's people here passes as one of the great events in human history and it can only be spoken of as an incomparable, miraculous or impossible feat. This expresses his confidence and explains why he speaks of God as One riding through the sea with thine horses and through the heap of great waters (Habakkuk 3:15).
As believers proclaim God’s majesty and mightiness, so would the unrepentant enemies of the church and saints of God devour one another this year in Jesus name (1 Samuel 14:20; 2 Chronicles 20:23,24).
- SUBMISSION OF GOD’S MESSENGERS
(Habakkuk 3: 16-19; Isaiah 16:11; Lamentations 3: 32-33; 39)
Having heard of the impending judgment and theultimate deliverance God would bring, the prophet showed his dismay at the prospectbefore him. He submitted to God's judgment though his innermost part and inward self trembled with fear, the strongest parts of his body were weakened with utter fear, and his lips so trembled that he was scarcely able to utter speech, yet, he expresses his confidence that he shall have rest in this affliction and that amidst this terror and awe, he is sure that there remains a rest for the people of God.
This sentiment leads naturally to the beautiful expression of hope- to rest from labour, trouble or agitation. This spirit of confidence, absolute trust and a waiting stance has proved to be of great value and a notable virtue amongst saints ofGod down the ages. Job declares: "Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but Iwill maintain mine own ways before him" (Job13:15). The lessons we learn here are that:
(1)A submissive and yielded spirit during discipline drills the soul onissues of faith.
(2)It prepares the heart for a higher calling, greater privilege and deeper consecration.
(3)It produces in believers, higher level of consecration, increased joy and confidence in God.
(4)It prepares the heart to rejoice in the LORD and be joyous in the God oftheir salvation" (Habakkuk 3:17,18)
(5)It develops the heart for absolute dependence on God’s words and promises – Psalm 91:1-16
- SAINTLY SUPPLICATION EXAMPLIFIED
(Ephesians 6: 17-19; Colossians 1:3; 1 Kings 4:9-10)
Satan knows that when genuine believers pray, God will honor their request and in turn unleash His wrath and devastation in their kingdom. Hitherto, Satan always attempts to contest the petition of the Saints, especially if sin is involved hence believers must follow the steps of Jesus- (Mark 11: 25) and the admonition of Paul (James 5:15-16).
There are several lessons to learn in reviewing the approach adopted in diverse circumstances by the Saints and the overwhelming results that ensured:
(1)Joshua prayed (Josh 7: 6-9),
(2)Solomon prayed (2 Chro 6: 12),
(3)Elijah prayed (1 Kings 18: 36),
(4)Hezekiah prayed (2 Kings 20: 2),
(5)Daniel prayed for self and the nation (Dan 6:10-11; 9:20),
(6)David prayed (Psalm 55: 17; 1 Chro 29: 10, 12; 2 Sam 6: 18),
(7)Paul prayed (Acts 9: 11)
(8)Jesus prayed (Math 6: 9; Math 14: 23; Mark 14: 32; Luke 6: 12; Luke 9: 28; Luke 23: 34; John 17: 9).
Our commitment going forward should be to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians5: 17) and the Lord will enable us to fulfill the resolution in Jesus name. Amen.
1ECF Bible Study-January@2013