Tag: Faith

Taking Mountains

Posted on by scott

12 “Now therefore give me this mountain” – Joshua 14:12

Promises

Despite his advanced age, Caleb was firmly holding onto God’s promise. Forty-five years had passed since he was promised this mountain and now it was time to cash in. With a generation of “doubters” buried in the desert behind him it was time to scale the mountain before him.

When the other ten spies trembled at the fear of man, Caleb and Joshua maintained their faith in God and His Word. As a reward for their faith, they were allowed to enter the promised land while their contemporaries slowly died off after forty years of desert wandering.

Forty-five years is a long time to wait for anything. It gives the enemy plenty of time to plant seeds of doubt. Day after day of desert wandering. Your feet are trodding sand but you are treading water. In your mind you hear the promise of God, with your eyes you see the consequences of doubt. Death.

Doubt is a cruel disease. It destroys us emotionally and spiritually before we ever take our last breath. Beware of the enemy when he whispers in your ear, “Did God really say?”. Caleb didn’t succumb. Those giants in the land were real, but they were no match for God on His throne.

Here stands an eighty-five year old man with an enemy infested mountain before him. “Giants” none the less. Probability says he can’t take the mountain. Caleb’s faith in God’s promise assures him he can and will. “Give me this mountain”.

Namesake

When our only son was born we named him Caleb after this great man of faith from the Bible. Born with Down Syndrome we knew our Caleb would have his own mountains to overcome. Some more real than others.

After blessing us with three daughters, I was hopeful that someday God would bless us with a son. Perhaps like most men, I wanted a son to raise and share certain experiences with. Someone who shared more of my likes and interests. Looking back I was probably guilty of wanting a new me. Or at least someone I could “live” through vicariously.

When the midwife delivered Caleb and announced that we had our first son I was thrilled. Finally!! A few moments later when she told us he had Down Syndrome I was devastated. Dreams and plans that had been building up for years were instantly wiped out. Like the unbelieving Israelites, they were buried in the desert.

Limitations

Caleb is now fifteen. As I have written about previously, he has blessed us more than we could have ever imagined. His unconditional love and childlike faith in Jesus are precious because of their rarity. In His eyes there is nothing Jesus can’t do. And he often reminds us of this.

Although he firmly believes that there is nothing Jesus can’t do, Caleb certainly has his limitations. Despite being fifteen, his vocabulary is very limited. Although he comprehends much of what is going on around him, he definitely has a different way of “processing” information.

Although Caleb often seems to be a “celebrity” in most circles, he doesn’t possess what we would call social skills. He doesn’t always understand what is deemed proper or improper. Thankfully, our family and friends are very gracious with him (and us).

Invitations

A couple of months ago I was invited by a co-worker, Archie, to come out and join him on a deer hunt and shoot his new gun. Thinking that the gun would be something my youngest daughter Rachel would be most likely to use I asked if she could join us on the hunt. However, since her work schedule conflicted with the invitation, I wondered if Caleb might be able to join us.

Archie was gracious in saying yes. As a matter of fact he was so confident in this hunt that he guaranteed me I would harvest a deer and so would Caleb. In fairness to Archie I felt that I should remind him that Caleb has Down Syndrome, to which he replied, “That’s ok, we will get him a deer”.

As I lay in bed that night entertaining the prospect of my special needs son harvesting his first deer I was overcome with emotions. With tears welling in my eyes I wondered if it was possible that one of the dreams I entertained for my son would come true. As an avid deer hunter I had taken Caleb on some hunts before, but only as a spectator. I wasn’t comfortable placing a weapon in his hands. To me it was a mountain that was impossible for him to take. Or so I thought.

It would become apparent that I wasn’t the only one who saw this as a challenge. Little did I know that I would never touch the gun I was invited to shoot!!!

Wandering

We arrived at Archie’s early in the morning. By 6:30 a.m. we were sitting in his blind awaiting first light. With the space heater keeping us warm and the iPod keeping us entertained it was now up to the deer to “cooperate”. With deer coming into the field in front of us before the sun even broke the horizon, things were looking promises. However, before light broke they wandered back into the woods.

When the sun finally made it’s appearance, Archie decided to begin instructing Caleb, preparing for the big moment. Pointing the unloaded gun out the window, he began with the basics. Since Caleb had never even held a gun, he had to instruct him where to put his thumb and where the trigger was. He showed him how to look down the scope and aim with the cross hairs. Then he progressed to having him aim and dry fire at different objects. From there he had him look down the scope and follow a doe that eventually stepped out of the woods for a brief moment.

As Archie would ask Caleb questions to ascertain his understanding, Caleb would always say yes. I was convinced that he was merely doing this to be polite as he probably wasn’t really comprehending everything Archie was teaching him. Knowing Caleb much better than Archie, I suppose I perceived the mountain in front of us much larger than Archie did. Although I had my doubts, I wanted to stay positive. If Caleb was going to take this mountain, his “guide” had to believe in him. If I was going along for the ride, I didn’t want to plant any seeds of doubt. But as it approached 10:00 a.m. and the deer were not “cooperating”, I began to feel like we were wandering in the desert just biding our time. Perhaps this was only a pipe dream from the beginning.

Taken!

For most of the morning, we had watched numerous deer about 400 yards in front of us that we hoped would make their way to us. To know avail. We knew that soon we would have to go in and admit defeat. If something was going to happen, it would have to happen fast. And it did.

Looking out the window behind us Archie saw deer moving through the woods. Suddenly there were three deer crossing a clearing within fifty yards of us. As quickly as we could we opened the window behind us and spun our chairs around. Curiously, the three deer stopped in the cleared path and looked at us. Apparently they had never seen the three stooges doing the Curly Shuffle. A few more steps and they would have been in the woods and out of our sight.

Archie quickly threw me the sand bag (gun rest) to place on the ledge as he was handing Caleb the gun. As I was placing Caleb’s ear protection on him Archie turned off the safety and told Caleb to aim at the front doe and when he was ready to go ahead and shoot. And shoot he did.

For three and one half hours I watched Archie instruct Caleb. During that time we wavered between hope and doubt. When all looked hopeless and despair was about to claim victory (at least for this morning), everything changed in the blink of an eye. Caleb placed the scope on the doe that Archie told him to. When he was ready, he squeezed the trigger just as Archie instructed him. And when he did, the doe dropped straight down.

With disbelief on our faces Archie and I looked at one another behind Caleb, and Archie simply muttered, “We did it!”

Mountains

A lot of people harvest deer. A lot of people harvest a lot of deer. But obviously this is not about deer hunting. This is about mountains and faith. And for me, this was a major rebuke.

As I was forwarding a picture of Caleb and his deer to his siblings, I was overcome with emotion. With tears in my eyes (yes, tears of fulfillment are sweeter than tears of anticipation) I gave Archie a hug and thanked him. Although he was our “guide” for the morning, I don’t think he realized at the time how big of a mountain had just been taken. A mountain that was just put into perspective for me and my family.

I don’t know what mountains you face in your life, but we all have them. Those obstacles that just seem too big to be overcome. Perhaps it is a relationship that is going nowhere (but backwards). Maybe it is an addiction that you just can’t seem to get victory over. Maybe it is a disability that you allow to “define” you more than God ever intended it to.

The mountain in front of you may be real. The giants that occupy it are always intimidating. But God is still on His throne. And He still rewards faith.

If only we all had the faith of Caleb, “Now therefore, give me this mountain”!

Is Anyone Suffering?

Posted on by scott

13 Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. – James 5:13

Wise Guy

The Book of James is often referred to as the Proverbs of the New Testament.  In this short Book, James, the half brother of Jesus, focuses on practical Christian living.  Under the conviction that faith without works is dead (James 2:17), James encourages Christians to live like Christians.  He is not interested in mere words; he desires action.  According to James we must not deceive ourselves.  We must be doers of the Word and not hearers only (James 1:22-23).

For James, if our faith doesn’t result in real life change, it is a worthless faith.  Using very sobering words, James reminds us that even the demons believe in God and shudder (James 2:19), but their “faith” isn’t going to save them.  In fact, he likens such faith to a body without a spirit (James 2:26).  Dead.

James isn’t simply speaking in theoretical terms.  He once walked the path of unbelief.  Before the resurrection of Jesus, James did not believe that his half brother was the Messiah (John 7:6).  In fact, before James’ spiritual eyes were opened, he might have been among those who thought Jesus was “out of His mind” (Mark 3:21).  But James would soon come around!

Wisdom may come in small steps, but it always takes the path of prayer (James 1:5).

Oh Brother

James may not have been a believer during the life of Jesus, but you would have to suspect that living with Him under the same roof for the better part of three decades would have left an impression on him.  While the sinless nature of Christ may have been rather convicting at times, James must have certainly been moved by the humility, selflessness and sincere love of Jesus.

How much of the Angelic encounters and the unique birth of Jesus did Joseph and Mary share with their other children?  Certainly they heard rumors that Jesus was conceived out of wedlock (John 8:41).  How would James reconcile the claims of his parents and the “evidence” offered by the skeptics?

James may not have been a believer during the life of his half brother, but his cynicism was no match for the death and resurrection of Jesus.  After the resurrected Christ appeared to James (1 Cor. 15:7), there was no going back.  James was no longer a doubting half brother; he was forever to be a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ (James 1:1).

Suffering

James addresses his book to the Jews who are dispersed.  The twelve tribes were subjected to great trials, so accordingly, James encourages them to look at the positive aspects of their suffering.  In fact he tells them to count it all joy.

I have written so often about suffering that I was reluctant to do so again.  But unfortunately it is a subject we cannot get away from.  We are surrounded by so many hurting people.  Friends who have lost a baby.  Coworkers who have lost a spouse.  A classmate who was just diagnosed with stage four cancer.  The trials are never ending.  Sadly, for many, the suffering is most intense during the Christmas season.

In A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens reminds us that during the Christmas season, “Want is keenly felt, and Abundance rejoices.” Those that lack are reminded of their lack and those that have will revel in their abundance.  For many, it is hard to be joyous when there is an empty chair at the feast.  The lights lose their glimmer and the music isn’t as uplifting without our loved ones to share them with.  For many that have so long rejoiced in abundance, want is difficult to embrace.

Is anyone among you suffering?  Let him pray.

Prayer

Doesn’t James’ advice seem like an oversimplification? He doesn’t tell the suffering to get counseling.  He doesn’t tell them to take a drug, or in his day grab the wine bottle.  Nor does he tell them to record their feelings in a journal. No mention is made of a self help group or group therapy.  James’ primary concern for the suffering is to go to Heaven’s throne in prayer.

As is evidenced by his epistle, James believed in the power of prayer.  And He modeled what he preached.  Because of his piety, James was often referred to as “James the Just.”  Because of his prayer life, he became known as “The Man with Camel’s Knees.”

As he interceded on behalf of the saints, James would pray on his knees.  Because he spent so much time kneeling in prayer, his knees became calloused like a camel’s.

Why would James spend so much time in prayer?  Why would he encourage those that are suffering to pray?  James understood the test of trials.  He understood that suffering is much greater than an empty chair at the table and it’s corresponding emotions.  Although James has a lot to say about suffering and prayer, we must not lose sight of the bigger picture.  Ultimately, James is concerned about faith.  Real faith.  Faith that perseveres.

Faith

It is easy to celebrate Christmas when all is well.  It is easy to praise God when we are being showered by His blessings.  But how do we respond when we are faced with our first Christmas without a loved one?  How real is our faith when we have to bury a child?  I am not trying to be insensitive. These are tests we have personally faced and are facing now.  This is real life.  This is exactly what James is writing about.

The sharp edges of real life are often used to expose real faith.  Or the lack thereof.

Before he tells the suffering to pray, James warns his audience not to swear.  Not to make oaths.  It appears, in the context, that James is promoting prayer as an alternative to swearing.  Ultimately, our suffering fleshes out our unbelief or our faith.  James understands the spiritual implications.

Because he has seen the resurrected Christ, James encourages us to pray.  Like wisdom, faith often comes in small steps.  But in His wisdom, God grows it by taking it through the fire of suffering, and not around it.

Is anyone among you suffering?  Let him pray.  Not that God would remove the suffering, but that we would have the strength to endure it.  When suffering comes your way don’t shake your fist at God.  Don’t blame Him for being unfair.  Humble yourself and get on your knees and approach His throne in prayer.

Save your fists for clinging to your Faith.  In the final analysis it is the most precious possession you have.  And may you rejoice in your Abundance this Christmas.

As James can testify, that Babe in the manger rose from the dead.  That is the foundation of our Faith.

12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. – James 1:12

Embalming Israel

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50 Then Joseph fell on his father’s face and wept over him and kissed him. 2 And Joseph commanded his servants the physicians to embalm his father. So the physicians embalmed Israel. 3 Forty days were required for it, for that is how many are required for embalming. And the Egyptians wept for him seventy days. – Genesis 50:1-3

Embalming & Faith

When reading the above passage I was struck by the statement that says the physicians embalmed Israel (Jacob).  For forty days after his death, Israel was being prepared for the grave.  It is ironic that the command was given by Joseph, the son Israel thought dead for so many years.  While Israel was mourning the supposed loss of Joseph, Joseph was actually flourishing in Egypt.  Despite the attempts of others to “destroy” him, Joseph was spared by God to save lives.  Regardless of his circumstances, Joseph always trusted in God and His sovereign plans, faithfully serving wherever God led.  Joseph knew the dampness of a deep pit and the loneliness of an Egyptian prison, but he was never abandoned by his Heavenly Father.  But even his deep faith in God did not negate the grief he felt for the loss of Israel, his earthly father.

When Israel died, Joseph embraced him, wept over him, and kissed him.  And then he ordered the embalming of his father, an Egyptian not a Hebrew tradition.  But Joseph ordered the physicians to embalm Israel, not the priests of Osiris as was the norm.  Joseph wasn’t buying into the Egyptian death cult, rather he wanted his father’s body to endure the long trip to the promised land per his request.  Embalming Israel was not an act of compromise, but an act of faith.

Israel’s Command

29 Then he commanded them and said to them, “I am to be gathered to my people; bury me with my fathers in the cave that is in the field of Ephron the Hittite, 30 in the cave that is in the field at Machpelah, to the east of Mamre, in the land of Canaan, which Abraham bought with the field from Ephron the Hittite to possess as a burying place. 31 There they buried Abraham and Sarah his wife. There they buried Isaac and Rebekah his wife, and there I buried Leah— 32 the field and the cave that is in it were bought from the Hittites.” – Genesis 49:29-32

When God first called Abram, He commanded him to leave his country and go to the land He would show him (Canaan) and there God would make him a great nation.  In Canaan, Abraham bought a cave in which to bury his wife Sarah.  It is in this cave, where Israel’s grandparents, parents, and wife are buried; and therefore where Israel wants his body laid to rest as well.  Hence the great efforts to embalm his body for the long journey.  In a humble cave in Canaan, the remains of the patriarchs proclaim their conviction that they believed God’s promise to give the promised land to their family.  The cave was not just a sepulcher for the patriarchs, it was also a testimony to their faith.

Wandering & Unbelief

As I thought of the testimony that Israel’s embalming represented, my mind then contrasted it with the forty years of wandering by the nation of Israel.  On the brink of entering the Promised Land after God rescued them from their Egyptian slavery, the Israelites displayed unbelief and disobedience.  Their fear of the inhabitants of the land was greater than their belief in God’s promises.  They said they would have preferred to die in Egypt or the wilderness than conquering the Promised Land (Numbers 14:2)  Be careful what you wish for.  As a punishment for their disbelief, the people were cursed with forty years of wilderness wandering.  The soles of their feet would never tread the land of Canaan originally promised to Abram.  As the unfaithful generation died off, their bodies would lie in the wilderness.  Just as the embalming of Israel’s’ body was a testimony of belief, the wandering of the children of Israel in the wilderness was a testament to unbelief.  Afraid of dying at the hands of their enemies, they subjected themselves to the wrath of God.  Their dead bodies scattered throughout the wilderness serving as constant reminder of the sin of unbelief.

Promised Land

I don’t mean to equate Canaan with Heaven, but there is a corollary in terms of the consequences of taking God at His Word.  God has promised Heaven to those who place their faith in Christ, while those who do not believe will not see the “Promised Land.”  But even beyond this, I believe the embalming of Israel and the wandering of the Israelites can convict us.  How real is the “Promised Land” to us?

Israel blessed his sons, and then with his dying breath asked that his body is buried in Canaan.  Up to the very end, he clung to the promises of God.  Although he would die on a bed in Egypt, he did not want that to be his final resting place.  Egypt was not his home.  In an act of faith, he charged his sons to bury his body.  At home.  His conviction was shared by Joseph.

Me Too

24 And Joseph said to his brothers, “I am about to die, but God will visit you and bring you up out of this land to the land that he swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.” 25 Then Joseph made the sons of Israel swear, saying, “God will surely visit you, and you shall carry up my bones from here.” 26 So Joseph died, being 110 years old. They embalmed him, and he was put in a coffin in Egypt. – Genesis 50:34-26

Joseph’s faith was not in vain.  In time, God did visit Israel and redeemed them from bondage.  Joseph’s body was exhumed and laid to rest with those of his ancestors.

32 As for the bones of  Joseph, which the people of Israel brought up from Egypt, they buried them at Shechem, in the piece of land that Jacob bought from the sons of Hamor the father of Shechem for a hundred pieces of money. It became an inheritance of the descendants of Joseph. – Joshua 24:32

Like his father, Joseph’s final instructions related to the burial of his body in the Promised Land.  What impression was left on Joseph’s sons to be charged by their father and brother regarding the burial of their bodies?  A long and trying time was just ahead for the nation of Israel.  During the dark years of Egyptian bondage, they must have felt like they were in a grave.  Do you suppose the bones of Israel and Joseph inspired them?  One of them was already in the Promised Land and the other was waiting for the visitation of God so his “brothers” could reunite them.  Like Joseph in the pit or the Egyptian prison, and the nation of Israel in bondage, we need to keep the faith.  We never know what acts of faith will encourage our fellow believers.  Who knows what act of faith we might be commended for?

22 By faith Joseph, at the end of his life, made mention of the exodus of the Israelites and gave directions concerning his bones. – Hebrews 11:22

Hezekiah’s Bravery

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Hezekiah
7 “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or dismayed before the king of Assyria and all the horde that is with him, for there are more with us than with him. 8 With him is an arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God, to help us and to fight our battles.” And the people took confidence from the words of Hezekiah king of Judah. – 2 Chronicles 32:7-8

Sennacherib was on a rampage.

As King of Assyria, he was on a military mission. His war campaign included attacks against Hamath, Arpad, Sepharvaim, Hena, and Ivvah. (2 Kings 18:33-34) His victories over these cities emboldened him to attack Jerusalem. If the gods of these defeated cities could not save them, what hope did Jerusalem have? Certainly, the gods of these cities were more powerful than the God of Jerusalem.  Like a cat playing with a mouse, Sennacherib toyed with Jerusalem.

While Hezekiah was trying to encourage his people and give them confidence, Sennacherib was practicing psychological warfare.  He sent men to Jerusalem with a message undermining the leadership of Hezekiah.  Sennacherib wanted to arouse discontent with Hezekiah.  He accused him of being an abusive leader looking out for his own interests. Specifically, Hezekiah was charged with heresy, forced labor, deception, and endangering the lives of his subjects.

Sennacherib didn’t only attack King Hezekiah’s reputation, he also attacked Judah’s God.

Sennacherib not only wanted to instill discontent with the king, he wanted to instill fear by causing doubt about the power of God. No god has stopped me yet, why do you think your God will be any different?

13 Do you not know what I and my fathers have done to all the peoples of other lands? Were the gods of the nations of those lands at all able to deliver their lands out of my hand? 14 Who among all the gods of those nations that my fathers devoted to destruction was able to deliver his people from my hand, that your God should be able to deliver you from my hand? 15 Now, therefore, do not let Hezekiah deceive you or mislead you in this fashion, and do not believe him, for no god of any nation or kingdom has been able to deliver his people from my hand or from the hand of my fathers. How much less will your God deliver you out of my hand!’” – 2 Chronicles 32:13-15

Can you hear Satan’s roar behind Sennacherib’s taunts?

Our metal is tested when the enemy comes roaring.  In this case, the army is surrounding with the intent to lay siege.  Outside is a powerful enemy who knows how to fight, and how to use dissension and fear to weaken an enemy.  The cat playing with the mouth is a lion who shows off his teeth when he roars.  These tactics may have been effective against his other opponents, but Hezekiah wasn’t conceding.  Sennacherib may be powerful, but his is an arm of flesh.  His horde may be large, but we have God on our side.  Despite the blasphemy of Sennacherib, our all-powerful God is more than able to defeat any enemy.  Including Sennacherib.

Be strong and courageous.

Do not be afraid or dismayed.  With these simple words from King Hezekiah, the people took confidence.  But Hezekiah didn’t just give them comforting words.  He took action.

20 Then Hezekiah the king and Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, prayed because of this and cried to heaven. – 2 Chronicles 32:20

While Sennacherib was employing psychological warfare, Hezekiah was going before the throne of God.  And he did not approach God alone, he prayed with the prophet Isaiah.  I know we are not supposed to worship our fellow man, but I sure would have felt some comfort just hearing Isaiah pray for deliverance.  Just as the people found confidence in the words of their king, Hezekiah found confidence in the prayers of the Prophet Isaiah.  And Isaiah’s confidence was in God, the ultimate source of Hezekiah’s bravery.

Hezekiah knew Sennacherib’s army was powerful, but not as powerful as prayer.

While the mighty enemy is without, we have the privilege of addressing the Almighty God of Heaven.  Sennacherib was right about one thing. The battle really isn’t fair.  An arm of flesh is nothing before Yahweh.  Sennacherib’s horde was no match for God’s angels.

21 And the Lord sent an angel, who cut off all the mighty warriors and commanders and officers in the camp of the king of Assyria. So he returned with shame of face to his own land. And when he came into the house of his god, some of his own sons struck him down there with the sword. 22 So the Lord saved Hezekiah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem from the hand of Sennacherib king of Assyria and from the hand of all his enemies, and he provided for them on every side. – 2 Chronicles 32:21-22

35 And that night the angel of the Lord went out and struck down 185,000 in the camp of the Assyrians. And when people arose early in the morning, behold, these were all dead bodies. – 2 Kings 19:35

One angel comes down from Heaven and 185,000 men are struck down.

Sennacherib goes home without shooting an arrow, just as the Lord promised (2 Kings 19:32). Sennacherib goes home and is later killed by his sons as he is worshipping Nisroch, his false god.  A god who was helpless when Sennacherib most needed him.

How sad it is that when Satan roars it is so much easier to see the arm of flesh than remember the God who helps us and fights our battles.  Hezekiah was far from being a perfect man, but we can learn from his bravery in this incident.  Despite the overwhelming size of the enemy and the fear they were trying to instill in his people, Hezekiah kept his focus on God, and encouraged his people to do the same.  But he did more than talk, he believed in the power of prayer.  Imagine what the people must have thought when they rose early in the morning and instead of seeing the enemy marching at them, they saw the enemy lying dead all around them.

Do you hear Satan roaring? Be strong and courageous. And pray. There are more with us than with him.

32 “Therefore thus says the Lord concerning the king of Assyria: He shall not come into this city or shoot an arrow there, or come before it with a shield or cast up a siege mound against it. 33 By the way that he came, by the same he shall return, and he shall not come into this city, declares the Lord. 34 For I will defend this city to save it, for my own sake and for the sake of my servant David.” – 2 Kings 19:32-33

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The Righteous Shall Live By His Faith

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“Behold, his soul is puffed up; it is not upright within him, but the righteous shall live by his faith.” – Habakkuk 2:4b

“For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, ‘The righteous shall live by faith.'” – Romans 1:17

“Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for ‘The righteous shall live by faith.'” – Galatians 3:11

“But my righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him.” – Hebrews 10:38

Repetition is a great teaching tool as we all know.  Repetition is good for the young to develop healthy habits.  Contrary, it is often necessary for the elderly because of forgetfulness.  Many of us need it because we are “thick’ headed.  All of us need it because we are hard-hearted.  When God repeats something four times, we better take notice.

Behold.  Take notice.  How does He want us to see?  Clearly.  Why?  Listen to part of Habakkuk’s complaint.  “Why do you make me see iniquity, and why do you idly look at wrong?  Destruction and violence are before me; strife and contention arise.  So the law is paralyzed, and justice never goes forth.  For the wicked surround the righteous; so justice goes forth perverted.” (1:3-4).  A good illustration of the clay questioning the Potter.  Habakkuk is concerned about iniquity, the righteous and justice.  Why is God idle?  Doesn’t God see?  Not like man does.  God’s response:  You haven’t seen anything yet.  Habakkuk was looking at the immediate, God sees the eternal.  Habakkuk was looking at the external, God the internal.  “For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7).

But.  What is it we are to see clearly?  The contrast between the proud and the righteous.  Habakkuk was confused that God could use a wicked nation like Babylon for His divine purposes.  How can a wicked people be used to “punish” a more righteous people? Doesn’t seem fair!  God’s response is quoted above.  The soul of Babylonia is proud, puffed up, “it is not upright within him, BUT the righteous shall live by his faith”.  Listen Habakkuk.  Don’t worry.  Don’t complain.  Don’t question.  Believe.  The proud will be punished in due time, the righteous will live.  Forever.  Stay humble.

The Righteous

If repetition is helpful for memorization, exposition is critical for understanding.  As this truth, “The righteous shall live by faith” is repeated in scriptures, it’s components are explained.  When it comes to defining justification and what it means to be righteous, the Book of Romans is unequaled.  “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes…For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith…the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe…Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness..since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ”  You get the picture.

Shall Live

While in the Book of Romans Paul expounds on how we are made righteous, in Galatians he encourages us to live out our faith.  How?  Freely.  In Romans, Paul says he is “not ashamed of the Gospel because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.”  Different story in Galatians.  They were being taught a false “gospel”.  One from man, not from God.  One that would enslave not liberate.  The false teachers were promoting the law which condemns.  Hence Paul’s rebuttal, “For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, ‘Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.’  Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for ‘the righteous shall live by faith.'”  Paul’s advice, live free in Christ.  “But now that faith has come we are no longer under a guardian for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith.”  “For freedom Christ has set you free.”  “You were called to freedom, brothers.”  “Because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, ‘Abba! Father!’.”  “Walk by the Spirit.”  “If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.”  “The one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.”

By Faith

The last repetition of the words first penned by Habakkuk is found in Hebrews.  After stating that “the righteous one shall live by faith”, the author proceeds down the Hall of Faith.  Before he does, however, he gives us a definition of faith.  “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”  Throughout Hebrews chapter eleven, many are commended for their acts of faith.  From believing to obeying, from offering to refusing.  The acts may be different, but the epitaph was the same, “These all died in faith.”  Quite a testimony.  Quite a lesson.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith..” – Hebrews 12:1-2a

Jesus makes us righteous.  Jesus empowers us with the Spirit.  Jesus is the founder and perfecter of our faith.

The righteous shall live by HIS faith.  Definitely a Truth worth repeating.