The Just
. . . The just shall live by his faith.
Habakkuk 2:4
We have before us today, a profound passage where the prophet Habakkuk is seeking answers from God about the injustice and violence he sees around him. In these verses, God responds, revealing a broader perspective on divine justice and how it will unfold in time.
Habakkuk positions himself on a "watchtower” (rampart v 1) to wait for God's answer, indicating his readiness to hear and understand God's will. God's response comes in the form of a vision, which He instructs Habakkuk to write clearly (v 2), ensuring that it can be read and understood. However, God emphasises patience—the vision may take time to be fulfilled; “For the vision is yet for an appointed time,” but it will surely come to pass at the appointed time. This highlights the tension between human impatience and divine timing.
Verse 4 contains a sharp contrast between two types of people: the proud, who rely on their own strength and arrogance, and the righteous, who live by faith. The proud have a soul that is "upright" in themselves, suggesting self-reliance, arrogance, and an untrusting heart toward God. In contrast, "the just"—or the righteous—are those who trust in God’s promises and timing, living by faith in the unseen.
The statement "The just shall live by faith" is a call to trust in God's timing and justice, even when we cannot see the full picture. It’s about living with a deep-seated reliance on God’s character and promises, enduring through trials and uncertainties. This faith is not a temporary feeling but a way of life for those who seek to live justly before God.
Bible Reading
Habakkuk 2:1-4.
Prayer
Lord, Help me to trust in You when I cannot see the way. Teach me to live by faith, knowing Your plans are perfect and Your justice sure. In the name of Your Son, I pray. Amen.
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