Habakkuk Study

Summary
Ever felt the sting of injustice in your personal life and wondered where God was in all of it? Ever bought a house with hidden foundation issues or witnessed an unfair court decision? You’re not alone. We’re embarking on a journey into the world of the prophetic literature of Habakkuk, which echoes these questions of justice and the divine response. This is a book that is unique, presenting a discourse between the prophet and God himself during the reign of King Jehoiakim. We explore the captivating life of Habakkuk, a prophet who likely doubled as a priest and musician, and his bold questioning of divine justice.

The second part of our journey takes us deeper into the turmoil of Habakkuk’s time – a period marked by rampant injustice and godlessness. Like many of us today, Habakkuk questions God’s seeming inaction in the face of this chaos. He demands divine judgement, pleading for a radical change. Here, we draw parallels with other prophetic figures such as Nahum and Isaiah and their divine oracles. But the conversation doesn’t end with Habakkuk’s plea. We explore God’s response and His promise of justice, albeit in ways Habakkuk didn’t expect. In the face of uncertainty and waiting, we discuss the importance of trusting God’s justice and the power of prayer and faith. Join us on this journey of discovery into the heart of Habakkuk’s discourse with God and learn how to see the bigger picture of God’s plan in our own lives.

Discussion Questions
1. Have you ever experienced a situation where you felt that justice was not served? Share your experiences. (Refer to Habakkuk 1:2-4)

2. Habakkuk was a prophet who questioned God’s justice. How do you feel about questioning God when you see injustice? Is it difficult or easy for you? Why?

3. How does the book of Habakkuk relate to our current societal context? Are there parallels you can draw from the societal issues Habakkuk addressed and the issues we face today? (Refer to Habakkuk 1:5-11)

4. The sermon discusses the idea of God’s justice not looking like what we expect. Can you share a time when you’ve experienced this? How did this change your perspective on divine justice?

5. Habakkuk asked God to judge His own people in order to cause a change. How does this align or contrast with your own understanding of justice and judgement? (Refer to Habakkuk 1:12-17)

6. The sermon highlights the importance of trusting in God’s justice even when we can’t see the full picture. How does this resonate with you? Share instances where you’ve had to trust in God’s justice even when you couldn’t see the bigger picture. (Refer to Habakkuk 2:1-4)

7. In the sermon, it was noted that Habakkuk waited for God’s response after questioning His justice. How do you think waiting plays a role in our faith and trust in God’s justice? (Refer to Habakkuk 2:1)

8. Discuss the importance of prayer and faith when dealing with situations of perceived injustice. How can we encourage each other to maintain faith and trust in God’s justice? (Refer to Habakkuk 3:17-19)

9. How can the study of prophetic literature like Habakkuk enrich our understanding of God’s character and His plan for justice?

10. How can we apply the lessons from Habakkuk’s dialogue with God to our own lives, particularly in situations where we’re struggling with understanding God’s justice? (Refer to Habakkuk 3:17-19)

Devotional
Day 1:
Bible Reading: Habakkuk 1:1-4
Devotional: Injustice is a reality in our world, one that can lead us to question the goodness and fairness of God. Like Habakkuk, we might cry out, “Why do you make me see iniquity, and why do you idly look at wrong?” In these moments, it’s important to remember that God hears our cries and He cares deeply about justice. Reflect on this truth and take some time to bring your questions and doubts to Him today.
Question: What injustice have you experienced or witnessed that you need to bring to God today?

Day 2:
Bible Reading: Habakkuk 1:5-11
Devotional: God responds to Habakkuk’s cries by revealing His plan for justice. He’s raising up the Chaldeans to bring judgment upon Israel. The ways of God may not always align with our expectations. Today, as you read about God’s plan for justice, take some time to reflect on how God’s ways might differ from your own expectations.
Question: How have you seen God’s justice at work in unexpected ways?

Day 3:
Bible Reading: Habakkuk 1:12-17
Devotional: Habakkuk struggles with God’s plan to use the wicked Chaldeans to bring judgment on Israel. He cries out again to God, questioning His ways. This shows us that it’s okay to wrestle with God’s plans and to bring our questions to Him. As you read today, reflect on areas in your life where you are wrestling with God’s plan and purpose.
Question: Where are you struggling to trust God’s plan in your life and how can you bring this to Him in prayer?

Day 4:
Bible Reading: Mark 1:40-45
Devotional: In this sermon, we were reminded that God’s holiness isn’t diminished by our sin or unrighteousness. Instead, His presence can make us more holy. As you read the story of Jesus healing a man with leprosy, reflect on the transformative power of God’s presence.
Question: How have you experienced the transformative power of God’s presence in your life?

Day 5:
Bible Reading: 2 Kings 23:36-24:3
Devotional: The sermon highlighted the historical context of Habakkuk’s time. It was a period marked by unfaithfulness and rampant injustice. As you read about King Jehoiakim’s reign and God’s response to Israel’s sin, reflect on God’s unchanging character – He is always just and He never condones sin.
Question: How does understanding God’s justice shape your view of current social and political injustices?

Summary
Join us on this compelling journey as we unfold the heart-wrenching story of a father, Joe, and his tireless fight for justice. Hear about his ceaseless pursuit to regain custody of his daughters and the obstacles he faced along the way. We also find parallels between Joe’s story and that of the Biblical figure, Habakkuk. Listen in as we dissect Habakkuk’s question to God regarding the Babylonians’ conquest of Judah, mirroring our own struggles with justice and the often-painstaking wait that accompanies it. We stand in anticipation with Habakkuk, hopeful of God’s response and reassured by the promise of His divine justice.

In the second part of this thought-provoking episode, we expose the unjust actions of Babylon and the imminent repercussions. We shed light on how their oppressive policies, acts of violence, and rampant idolatry led to their downfall. Engage with us as we ponder over the destructive impact of Babylon’s economic ruin and their unwavering trust in their own strength and cunning. Lastly, we reflect on the assurance of God’s justice and His perfect timing. Through the lens of Habakkuk’s story, we discover that even amid long waits and apparent injustice, God is at work, and His justice will ultimately prevail.

Discussion Questions
1. Joe’s story of his fight for custody is described as a reflection of the struggles many individuals face, waiting for justice to be dealt. Can you share a personal experience where you felt you were waiting for justice? How did you cope with the waiting period? (Refer to Habakkuk 2:3)
2. This sermon draws parallels between Joe’s situation and Habakkuk’s questioning of God about the seeming injustice of the Babylonians conquering Judah. Can you identify other Biblical examples where individuals questioned God’s justice or timing? How did God respond in those situations? (Refer to Habakkuk 1:2-4)
3. The sermon discusses the concept of God’s justice eventually prevailing, even amidst apparent injustice. How does this concept resonate with you? Have there been times in your life where you’ve seen this come to fruition? (Refer to Psalm 37:6)
4. Habakkuk is reminded that even in the midst of injustice, God is at work. How can we keep this in mind during our own periods of struggle and doubt? (Refer to Romans 8:28)
5. In the sermon, it is emphasized that patience is key in the pursuit of justice. How does this challenge or align with our modern culture’s demand for instant gratification? How can we cultivate patience in our own lives? (Refer to Galatians 6:9)
6. The sermon touches on the consequences of the Babylonians’ misplaced trust in strength and cunning, leading to their downfall. How can this serve as a warning in our own lives about where we place our trust? (Refer to Proverbs 16:18)
7. Discuss the “Five Woes of Babylon” outlined in the sermon. What do these woes tell us about the nature of sin and its consequences? How do these woes compare to sins and consequences we see in our world today? (Refer to Habakkuk 2:6-20)
8. The sermon concludes with a prayer for justice. How can we incorporate prayers for justice into our own prayer lives? How can we support those around us who are waiting for justice? (Refer to Matthew 7:7-8)
9. How does the phrase “the justice of the divine is never too late” challenge or comfort you? How can we hold onto this truth in times of injustice and suffering? (Refer to 2 Peter 3:9)
10. The sermon highlights the importance of faith when waiting for justice. How can we strengthen our faith during these waiting periods? (Refer to Hebrews 11:1)

Devotional
Day 1:
Reading: Habakkuk 1:1-4
Devotional: Today, we read about the prophet Habakkuk’s distress over the injustice and wickedness he sees around him. His cries to God echo our own when we witness unfairness in our world. Reflect on areas in your life where you see injustice. Bring these situations before God in prayer, trusting in His justice and sovereignty.
Day 2:
Reading: Habakkuk 2:1-4
Devotional: In today’s reading, we see Habakkuk waiting for God’s response to his questions. He positions himself to hear from God, demonstrating patience and faith. Today, ponder on your own questions and doubts. Remember, it’s okay to ask God your hard questions. Be like Habakkuk, position yourself to hear from God and wait in faith.
Day 3:
Reading: Romans 12:17-21
Devotional: In this passage, Paul instructs us not to repay evil with evil, but to trust God’s justice. This echoes the sermon’s message about trusting in God’s divine timing for justice. Today, consider any situation where you might be tempted to take revenge. How can you trust God’s justice instead?
Day 4:
Reading: Habakkuk 2:5-20
Devotional: Today, we read God’s judgment on the Babylonians for their ruthless actions and idolatry. Despite their seeming success, their downfall is inevitable. This echoes the sermon’s message that God’s justice will eventually prevail. Reflect on the areas of your life where you might be trusting in your own strength instead of God’s.
Day 5:
Reading: 2 Peter 3:8-9
Devotional: In our final reading, Peter reminds us that God’s timing is different from ours. His delay is not negligence, but patience, desiring that all should come to repentance. This ties back to the sermon’s message about trusting God’s timing in our pursuit of justice. Today, reflect on God’s patience in your life. How can you model this patience as you wait for justice?