What's the right thing to do? Questions like this matter in our thinking when faced with the greater ideals of our conduct as human beings. Even though we often wish not to believe it, our actions have consequences. The question that remains is one worth considering, “What will those consequences be?” Consequences are not always bad things, in fact they often can be quite good. However, just like Sir Isaac Newton said “For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.” Whether you believe it or not, the things you do affect others around you.
If you answered no, then stop reading right now…
But if you said yes, then perhaps we can aid you.
Consider for a moment the plight of Habakkuk in the Old Testament. In Habakkuk chapter 1, he is told of a great danger coming upon his country in the near future.
Look at the nations and watch—
and be utterly amazed.
For I am going to do something in your days
that you would not believe,
even if you were told.
I am raising up the Babylonians,
that ruthless and impetuous people,
who sweep across the whole earth
to seize dwellings not their own.
They are a feared and dreaded people;
they are a law to themselves
and promote their own honor.
Their horses are swifter than leopards,
fiercer than wolves at dusk.
Their cavalry gallops headlong;
their horsemen come from afar.
They fly like an eagle swooping to devour;
they all come intent on violence.
Their hordes advance like a desert wind
and gather prisoners like sand.
They mock kings
and scoff at rulers.
They laugh at all fortified cities;
by building earthen ramps they capture them.
Then they sweep past like the wind and go on—
guilty people, whose own strength is their god.”
and be utterly amazed.
For I am going to do something in your days
that you would not believe,
even if you were told.
I am raising up the Babylonians,
that ruthless and impetuous people,
who sweep across the whole earth
to seize dwellings not their own.
They are a feared and dreaded people;
they are a law to themselves
and promote their own honor.
Their horses are swifter than leopards,
fiercer than wolves at dusk.
Their cavalry gallops headlong;
their horsemen come from afar.
They fly like an eagle swooping to devour;
they all come intent on violence.
Their hordes advance like a desert wind
and gather prisoners like sand.
They mock kings
and scoff at rulers.
They laugh at all fortified cities;
by building earthen ramps they capture them.
Then they sweep past like the wind and go on—
guilty people, whose own strength is their god.”
Try to place yourself in Habakkuk’s shoes for just a moment. You have just been told that your nation will soon be overthrown by a nation greater in number and more powerful than any enemy before, and it is all within the will of God, whom you serve. You’re dumbstruck that such evil could come upon you and your country men, and even worse , that God would allow it to happen. And so you ask God…
LORD, are you not from everlasting?
My God, my Holy One, you will never die.
You, LORD, have appointed them to execute judgment;
you, my Rock, have ordained them to punish.
Your eyes are too pure to look on evil;
you cannot tolerate wrongdoing.
Why then do you tolerate the treacherous?
Why are you silent while the wicked
swallow up those more righteous than themselves?
My God, my Holy One, you will never die.
You, LORD, have appointed them to execute judgment;
you, my Rock, have ordained them to punish.
Your eyes are too pure to look on evil;
you cannot tolerate wrongdoing.
Why then do you tolerate the treacherous?
Why are you silent while the wicked
swallow up those more righteous than themselves?
Yet, after boldly questioning the God of heaven, yet your attitude is not one of anger nor indignation. You have simply asked a question, and you await an answer. So you wait…
I will stand my watch
And set myself on the rampart,
And watch to see what He will say to me,
And what I will answer when I am corrected.
And set myself on the rampart,
And watch to see what He will say to me,
And what I will answer when I am corrected.
Habakukk 2:1
This is the attitude we are striving for. You see, our aim is simple. We want to help you live a better life. No, we are not counselors, instructors, or personal mentors.
We are on the watchtower.
No comments:
Post a Comment