Come Up and See As I See

Subtitle: Subtitle: Lessons from the Prophet Habakkuk – Part 1

The prophet Habakkuk lived in a very difficult time. Sin and corruption were rampant in Israel. The prophet starts off with asking the Lord a question:

“O Lord, how long shall I cry,

And You will not hear?

Even cry out to You, ‘Violence!’

And You will not save.

Why do You show me iniquity,

And cause me to see trouble?

For plundering and violence are before me;

There is strife, and contention arises.

Therefore the law is powerless,

And justice never goes forth.

For the wicked surround the righteous;

Therefore perverse judgment proceeds.” (Habakkuk 1:2-4)

I think many of us can relate to Habakkuk’s line of questioning. We have been crying out to God for all the iniquity we see. We see the plundering of our nations through abortion, substance abuse, violence, the breakup of the family and much more. It does appear that “justice never goes forth,” as the prophet said.

Habakkuk asked the Lord

“Why do You show me iniquity,

And cause me to see trouble?” (v.3a)

God’s response, as recorded in verse 5 is astonishing and even slightly puzzling:

“Look among the nations and watch—

Be utterly astounded!

For I will work a work in your days

Which you would not believe, though it were told you.”

God instructed him to “Look among the nations and watch.” Habakkuk made the case that he was doing that and saw great iniquity and injustice. But I think God was saying “Look among the nations with my eyes.” You see, Habakkuk was completely focused on all the sin he saw. But God had a plan that would astound! God had a plan to work a work in the days of Habakkuk. It was an amazing plan that is even hard to comprehend.

I believe this word to Habakkuk is a present word to America right now. Yes, there is great wickedness in the land. But God is asking us to look among the nations and watch. Watch – with His eyes of faith. Watch with the vision of His glory filling the land.

God is raising up people like Habakkuk who will ask questions and who will watch with God’s eyes. Remember that those who watch do so from a high place of perspective. Eph 2:6 says this about us believers: “and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” We have been raised up. We no longer have to – or should – be seeing the world from an earthly perspective. God is calling us up. There we will see as He sees.

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