And the Next Appointed Time is...

   Part 2

     "How long, Lord?" Prophet Habakkuk asks. There was violence, injustice, strife, pride, aggression, crime and immorality.

     "Be amazed," the Lord answers. Although this wasn't what the prophet wanted to hear. Babylonians were coming. Wicked nations destroy other nations without mercy. Nations exhaust themselves for nothing. In our times as well.  

     "For the revelation awaits an appointed time. Though it lingers, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay. ...but the righteous will live by his faith. Has not the Lord Almighty determined that the people's behavior is only fuel for the fire.  

     "For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea. But the Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth be silent before him." 

     In chapter 3, God reminds them of the exodus from Egypt. Then he tells how he will someday upset the earth - mountains, rivers, the sea. The sun and the moon will stand still. His wrath on mankind will be a "day of calamity." 

     The prophet concludes, "I will rejoice in the Lord, joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to go on the heights." 

     Today, not only is Israel surrounded, but the foundations of the worldwide church are shaken. We plead with the Lord. 

     Habakkuk served God not for his benefit, but because God is God. In the midst of judgment, we can rejoice. A remnant, the faithful, will receive the ultimate victory...at the appointed time. 

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