in wrath remember mercy . . . the just shall live by faith - Free sermon ...

* * * * * * * * * *QUOTES FOR REFLECTION:Stedman: This prayer is one of the most remarkably beautiful, poetic passages in all theScriptures. Read it and see how the prophet is doing nothing more or less than going backand remembering what God has done in the past. That is what convinces Habakkuk thatGod can be trusted. He rests upon events that have already occurred, events which cannotbe questioned or taken away or shaken in any way; the great fact that God has alreadymoved in human history. And this is where faith must rest. We do not live by blind faith.We live with a God who has acted in time and space, who hasdone something, who has indelibly recorded his will in the progress of human events.Chestnut: When you are through questioning God and you still aren’t satisfied, whatthen? How will you respond in your life when terrible things happen and you don’tunderstand what God is doing?Holwick: YET I WILL REJOICE IN THE LORD" Habakkuk 3:17-18I. Obscurity of Habakkuk.II. His important and relevant message.A. Habakkuk was confused, even irritated, with God.1) His way of doing things did not make sense.2) It did not seem just. 1:2-33) The Jews of his time were corrupt and God did nothing.B. God tells him what he will do about it. 1:61) The Babylonians (Iraq) will smash Judah.C. Habakkuk becomes more angry. 1:131) His sharp-edged response to God:"Why are you silent while the wicked swallow up thosemore righteous than themselves?" 1:132) Babylonians were far worse than Jews.3) Absence of justice was bad; unjust justice is worse.III. How people get angry with God.A. Some conclude God isn't a good God after allB. Honest look at life leads to hard questions.C. Habakkuk makes no decision on matter, except to wait for God. 2:1IV. God's answer.A. His judgment is selective.