Living by FaithSample
Violence Conquered
Chaldea was a militaristic state whose people loved war. Violence was rooted in their culture as their economy was propelled by the spoils of war. When the Chaldeans conquered a country, they razed all its cities, carried away every treasure they could set their hands upon and enslaved the people. The combatants were massacred in great public brutality and the remnant was deported as slaves. The great Babylonian cities were built by the sweat and blood of these poor men and women. They suffered tremendous misery under their cruel overlords who thought of themselves as gods.
The wicked always believe that brute strength is moral. Tyrants and bullies exist because they think that by violence and bloodshed, they can establish themselves. Even our Lord Jesus suffered plentiful violence when King Herod sought to destroy Him while still a baby. The chief priests and Pilate savagely crucified Him. Yet, their violence could not overcome Him. God is not someone who will be bulldozed away. The rise and fall of proud kings and great empires throughout history attests to this reality.
In a world where the strong prey upon the weak, God promises a coming day when just recompense would be made; for He is against all violence and oppression. On that day there will be no more exploitation or injustice. The earth will be filled with the knowledge of God’s glory as the waters cover the sea. The righteous will be vindicated. All who trust God in the midst of suffering and pain will be comforted. All who triumphed violently will be cast away for eternity. This is the last day that we await earnestly; the day when Jesus will return. That day the Lamb that was slain will conquer all violence and all the earth will worship Him (Revelation 13:8).
Scripture
About this Plan
God, in the short book of Habakkuk, provides us with an answer on how we must live even during moments when it seems that the whole world is crashing down upon us: the just shall live by faith. Faith is the secure anchor that will hold us firm through the tumultuous tempest.
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