September 10, 2020

BIBLE READING: Habakkuk 1:12; Psalm 18
“Art thou not from everlasting, O LORD my God, mine Holy One? we shall not die. O LORD, thou hast ordained them for judgment; and, O mighty God, thou hast established them for correction.”
Habakkuk 1:12

Last time, we looked at the first part of verse twelve. Habakkuk recognizes that God is everlasting. We also looked at the significance of that translation. Today, I want us to look at the names of God in this verse. What are the importance of the three names? How does this reveal God’s character to us? In his praise to the Lord, Habakkuk declares God as LORD. This is what we know as Yahweh, or the covenant name of God. In Jewish culture, this name was so holy they would not even speak it out loud. As Habakkuk is praying, he is reminded of God’s covenant to his people. They would be a great nation and they would eventually see the Messiah come. Saying that, Habakkuk was just told Judah would be destroyed. How could God send the Messiah if there is no Judah? We understand because we have the whole cannon of scripture. Here is Habakkuk, one of those who clung onto the promise of the Messiah, and Judah was supposed to be destroyed, what? I’m sure he was confused, but the way he is praying shows his trust in the Lord. With saying “LORD” or Yahweh, He was trusting the covenant God, and that God would not forsake His people. He knew no matter what Israel had to face due to their disobedience, that God would keep His promise! Is that not comforting, even as followers of Christ, we can trust in the same God who keeps His promises! Then Habakkuk stats the next two names, “my God, mine Holy One…” These names are a reminder of the closeness and greatness of God. This reveals that God is much different, higher and perfect! His holiness is beyond compare! As a saved child of God, we can proudly say He is ours, and we are His through the power of Jesus Christ! The beautiful picture is this, He is High and Holy, yet He is close to His children. Not matter what God was doing, Habakkuk knew he could trust God. As we look back at these events, God was setting everything up perfectly for the coming of the Messiah. In today’s time, we can still trust in God, who is both holy and personal to us. He is our rock in the uncertain storm. Psalm 18:2 “The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.”

David Fulp II