Habbakuk

1. Write one paragraph explaining the historical background and purpose of the prophet.

Habakkuk was written by Habakkuk just before the Babylonians conquered Jerusalem and during the height of Judah's rebellion. It was for Judah, but it was not spoken to them. Instead it's a book containing the conversation between Habakkuk and God as he cries out and asks why God isn't doing anything about the people's sin. God speaks out the plans of Babylon's takeover because of the state of the nation. Judah is living in a lot of sin- “violence is everywhere!... I see destruction and violence I am surrounded by people who love to argue and fight. The law has become paralyzed, and there is no justice in the courts. The wicked far outnumber the righteous, so that justice has become perverted.” But God responds saying that there is something coming that Habakkuk won't even believe (1:5-11). He is sovereign, He sees the bigger picture, He punishes and restores, He's in complete control.

2. What does this book show you about the character and nature of God?

Through the conversation between Habakkuk and God we see that God is responsive, He is eager to answer questions and give us insight if we ask for it. He responded directly to Habakkuk questions and pleas (1:1-5). And He's good in His planning, “...you have sent these Babylonians to correct us, to punish us for our many sins.” (1:12) His timing is perfect. It may seem slow in our eyes, but He's working ever so perfectly behind the scenes (2:3)

3. What does this book show about God's redemptive plan for mankind?

From my perspective the whole book is a story of His redemptive plan. We see the impending destruction of Judah, one faithful man crying out to the Lord asking if justice is going to come and He speaks! He shows Habakkuk exactly what's going to happen because of the wickedness, and Habakkuk knowing that God is good asks God if he's going to completely wipe them out. In 1:5 He says to Habakkuk, “Look around at the nations; look and be amazed! For I am doing something in your own day, something you wouldn't believe even if someone told you about it.” and proceeds to go on to tell of the destruction that is coming to the people because of their sin and how desperately He loves them and wants them to come back to Him!

4. Personal Application
   
   
   I love seeing how willing God was to answer Habakkuk questions and pleas. I think I all-to-often forget how much God loves to communicate and tell us things if we ask. I find myself praying a lot through out the day, not a bad thing, but instead of continually asking for things how many times do I ask Him what's going on, ask Him how He is, or what His perspective on the situation I'm praying about is. But God loves to answer questions! He loves communication and He loves to speak. How would my life change if I began to ask more questions. How much greater would my friendship with Him become and how much more stronger would be discernment be? I've known this for awhile, but it's cool to see how much of a true companion and friend He is. A lot of times we see God as this wall that we talk to, we just talk and talk and talk, knowing He hears us but not thinking about the fact that He wants to respond and communicate back with us. It's almost as if we pick up the phone, say all we want to say and then hang up before giving Him a chance to respond. But what if I actually paused and let Him speak in the midst of my situation. He's a friend! He talks back to us and helps us process through things as we ask questions and share our hearts with him!