Sanctuary - Moments In His presenceSample

 One of my faith heroes is Habakkuk, not because he blew down city walls with a shout, or fed multitudes in the desert, but because he adopted an amazing stance in the face of terrible trouble. The short book is littered with profound theological treasures! The Babylonians were about to over-run the people of God; they were renowned for being an un-Godly, efficient warring, killing machine. The cause, we are told, was that the people of God had wandered very far from His wise and precious ways. When God explains this to the prophet, his first response is to argue. (Habakkuk 1 v 13).’ God’, he says, ‘You are pure and holy; how could you use such an evil, treacherous nation to do that?’ and proceeds to reiterate how awful they are. In chapter 2, he begins by stating that he will watch, wait and listen for whatever God may speak. God says, ‘Record the vision and inscribe it on tablets… For the vision is set for the appointed time.’ (Habakkuk 2 vs 2 and 3). Just as an aside, in this year when we remember ‘The Reformation’, it is worth noting that verse 4 contains the phrase which is thought to have influenced not only St Paul’s writings but also Martin Luther. “But the righteous shall live by his faith.’ God continues to explain how, in time he will deal with the Babylonians, their idol-centric culture and their evil gains. Chapter 2 ends with words that might have made the hairs on Habakkuk’s neck prickle. ‘But the Lord is in His holy temple. Let all the earth be silent before Him.’ 

Chapter 3 is, quite astonishingly, written to be accompanied by an orchestra which reaches a tumultuous crescendo. It speaks of God’s splendor, His radiance, power and creative energy. It contains such memorable phrases as ‘In wrath remember mercy…’ (3 vs 2). In the midst of the dark clouds threatening adversity, this dear man of God understands fully the magnificence of God! He is not kidding himself; he is being very real. ‘I heard and my inward parts trembled, at the sound my lips quivered. Decay enters my bones…’ Don’t walk away from this seeming paradox in disbelief! Dig down! Listen to the word of God in Proverbs 9 vs 10; ‘The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.’