Habakkuk 2

Scripture Reading:  Read Habakkuk Chapter 2. 

The Pride of Wealth & Security:

Habakkuk 2:4 - “See, the enemy is puffed up; his desires are not upright— but the righteous person will live by his faithfulness.”  (NIV)

The Lord, through the prophet Habakkuk, delivered here a message of judgment toward the wicked nation of Babylon.  This wretched nation terrorized and oppressed surrounding nations, trusting in their lifeless idols, wealth, and military might.  Though Babylon was the focus of this text, these words apply to many people and nations today, including our own nation.

Most of this chapter is filled with God’s judgment against the proud, specifically those who have placed their trust in their own wealth.  In our nation, wealth and security have become such a focus of politicians we might be inclined to believe those are good and Godly.  Unfortunately, wealth and security are idols served by people and nations.    

The problem with wealth and security, at least the problem we see revealed here, is when we begin to trust in ourselves instead of trusting in God.  The Lord is calling us to have faith in Him instead of trusting in our own accomplishments or resources.  This verse is, in fact, quoted in the New Testament three different times. 

• This Faith is a Saving Faith:  Through faith in Christ, we are made right with God.  You will either trust in Christ for salvation, or you will choose to trust in something else.  Wealth and security aren’t the problem; trusting in them instead of Christ is the problem. 

• This Faith is an Active Faith:  Not only does faith in Christ save us, but faith in Christ changes us.  We read in Hebrews of the heroes of our faith who took great leaps of faith and accomplished great things because they trusted Christ. 

Prayer:  Lord, thank you for your promise of salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.  I pray that you will fill me with your spirit and enable me to live an active faith in you today.