Redeeming Time

Read: Habakkuk 2:1-3

This vision is for a future time. It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled. Habakkuk 2:3

IN WORD

Habakkuk was confused by God’s delay. He had to look at the injustice and brutality, the sin and suffering around him, and he wondered why God didn’t do something about it. This God who said He hated sin, would punish disobedience, and would deliver from the enemy was strangely silent. Was He suddenly tolerant of evil? Did He enjoy letting people suffer the consequences of their own mistakes? Did He take any pleasure at all in the conflict of His people? Surely the answer to all these questions was no. But if the answer was no, where was He?

We have the same questions. We see sin and suffering around us, conflicts that end in violence, immorality that devastates lives, and abuses of all kinds. We all know people who are depressed and lonely or angry and bitter. We see societies that are lost and drifting, aimlessly going in directions no one understands. And we have our own complaints, either overtly or subtle and internal, about the situation. We wonder why God doesn’t do something. God has done something, of course. He has already won the victory and redeemed the world. He sends us into it with the promise of victory. While we wonder why God doesn’t do something, He wonders why we don’t do something. He has given us the power of the Resurrection. We aren’t helpless if we have faith in Him.

Still, there’s a promised deliverance coming when Jesus will fulfill His Kingdom work. The end of all suffering is coming. The pain of the world has an expiration date. Creation is being made new.

IN DEED

Don’t forget that we are participants in the prophecies of the end. We don’t sit silently and wait for Jesus’ return. Deliverance comes on the heels of people with faith and a promise. And faith, as we are told, is always active. Work with an eye on the end. Habakkuk saw the fulfillment from a distance and rejoiced. You can too.

ADDITIONAL READING: Habakkuk 3:18-19

I’ve read the last page of the Bible. It’s all going to turn out all right.

BILLY GRAHAM