Habakkuk 1:1-17
This book, which reminds us of the Book of Jeremiah, is presented as a dialogue between the prophet and his God. Confronted by the rising tide of evil, the agonised Habakkuk opens his heart before the LORD. Jerusalem was shortly to fall before the onslaught of the Chaldean army. A dreadful vision beforehand shows to the prophet those rough and cruel soldiers – the LORD’s instruments for the punishment of rebellious nations. What amazement will then seize all those unbelieving, thoughtless sinners! (v. 5, quoted in Acts 13:41). But the man of God is also deeply perturbed by it! How can the LORD give free course to such a tide of iniquity? (Psalms 83:1-18; Revelation 10:7 calls this question "the mystery of God"). How can He even bear the sight of it? "My God, mine Holy One," cries the prophet, mindful of his relationship with Him who is "of purer eyes than to behold evil." Indeed, the spectacle of this earth, where corruption and violence are vaunted without restraint, is to Him a constant offence! God’s gaze in its spotless purity has been able to rest with satisfaction on one Man alone. But for the same reason it was turned away from Him, when He was made sin for us.