Mercy (Habakkuk Part 2)
Remember in the last blog we discovered the first two ways Habakkuk moved his focus from himself and his circumstances to his LORD. First, he remembered that God and his ways are famous and of renown. “I have heard of your fame…” (Habakkuk 3:2a). This gave Habakkuk hope that God’s glory would indeed fill the earth in His time. Second, he changed his focus from what he saw around him, to Who he saw above him. He said in 3:2b, “I stand in awe of your deeds, O Lord…”
Taking time each day to remind myself that it is about God’s fame, glory and renown brings me peace. I don’t have to try so hard or perform just right. I am here to make His name remembered not mine. Also, taking time to focus on God’s deeds in real life and in the pages of Scripture reminds me that He is faithful. So, with a reminder of the first two things Habakkuk learned, let's move on to points three and four.
3. Our prophet remembered that even in a really wicked society, God could bring renewal and revival when man could do nothing to reform the society. “Renew them in our day, in our time make them known (Hab. 3:2c).” Have you ever asked God for revival and renewal for yourself, your church, your community, your state, your nation, your world?
Surrendered hearts crying out in prayer are a beautiful thing, and God is listening. His timetable is not ours, so we must not give up! We also are able to then move the focus off ourselves and find compassion for even our worst enemies. This is where Habakkuk found himself next in the prayer.
4. Habakkuk prayed for mercy for his worst enemies in Hab. 3:2d, “In wrath remember mercy.” It has been said that mercy is God not giving humans what they deserve. Habakkuk is asking for God’s mercy for the Babylonians! He has moved from wanting to see the Babylonians get what is coming to them, to asking God for mercy for them! I would say this prophet has had quite the heart change!
Can you relate? Do you need a heart change toward anyone? Is your heart fully surrendered to God? Do you desire mercy for those around you? Or would you rather see them get the wrath that is coming to them and be out of your life forever? Let’s end by talking a bit about what God’s Word says about mercy:
Jeremiah, a contemporary of Habakkuk, said that God’s mercy is new every morning (Lam. 3:23).
God said true justice is showing mercy and compassion to one another in Zechariah 7:9.
Proverbs 28:13 tells us that when we renounce (turn from, let go of) sin, we find mercy.
In Hosea 6:6, God reminds us that He desires mercy over religion. Anyone can be religious, but only God provides mercy.
Micah 7:18 reminds us that God delights to show mercy.
Jesus said in Mt. 5:7 that the merciful are blessed.
Again Jesus speaks about mercy and says, “But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." Matthew 9:12-14
Paul said that he, the worst of sinners, was shown mercy so that Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for all who would believe! 1 Timothy 1:15-17
How about you? Can you relate to Habakkuk’s spiritual growth we have discussed? Have you encountered God and decided no matter how crazy the plan seems to you that you are going to do things God’s way, wait for his renewal, his mercy, his fame over your own comfort, understanding, justice, or reputation? What does that look like in real life for you? What is your plan of action to live in God’s mercy for His renown? Pray right now that God will show you. Who is it in your life that needs mercy not judgment, relationship not religion, love not legalism?
May we stand in awe of His deeds, seek to lift up His name, be present when revival floods, and live to pour out his mercy on the wounded and weary!
Taking time each day to remind myself that it is about God’s fame, glory and renown brings me peace. I don’t have to try so hard or perform just right. I am here to make His name remembered not mine. Also, taking time to focus on God’s deeds in real life and in the pages of Scripture reminds me that He is faithful. So, with a reminder of the first two things Habakkuk learned, let's move on to points three and four.
3. Our prophet remembered that even in a really wicked society, God could bring renewal and revival when man could do nothing to reform the society. “Renew them in our day, in our time make them known (Hab. 3:2c).” Have you ever asked God for revival and renewal for yourself, your church, your community, your state, your nation, your world?
Surrendered hearts crying out in prayer are a beautiful thing, and God is listening. His timetable is not ours, so we must not give up! We also are able to then move the focus off ourselves and find compassion for even our worst enemies. This is where Habakkuk found himself next in the prayer.
4. Habakkuk prayed for mercy for his worst enemies in Hab. 3:2d, “In wrath remember mercy.” It has been said that mercy is God not giving humans what they deserve. Habakkuk is asking for God’s mercy for the Babylonians! He has moved from wanting to see the Babylonians get what is coming to them, to asking God for mercy for them! I would say this prophet has had quite the heart change!
Can you relate? Do you need a heart change toward anyone? Is your heart fully surrendered to God? Do you desire mercy for those around you? Or would you rather see them get the wrath that is coming to them and be out of your life forever? Let’s end by talking a bit about what God’s Word says about mercy:
Jeremiah, a contemporary of Habakkuk, said that God’s mercy is new every morning (Lam. 3:23).
God said true justice is showing mercy and compassion to one another in Zechariah 7:9.
Proverbs 28:13 tells us that when we renounce (turn from, let go of) sin, we find mercy.
In Hosea 6:6, God reminds us that He desires mercy over religion. Anyone can be religious, but only God provides mercy.
Micah 7:18 reminds us that God delights to show mercy.
Jesus said in Mt. 5:7 that the merciful are blessed.
Again Jesus speaks about mercy and says, “But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." Matthew 9:12-14
Paul said that he, the worst of sinners, was shown mercy so that Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for all who would believe! 1 Timothy 1:15-17
How about you? Can you relate to Habakkuk’s spiritual growth we have discussed? Have you encountered God and decided no matter how crazy the plan seems to you that you are going to do things God’s way, wait for his renewal, his mercy, his fame over your own comfort, understanding, justice, or reputation? What does that look like in real life for you? What is your plan of action to live in God’s mercy for His renown? Pray right now that God will show you. Who is it in your life that needs mercy not judgment, relationship not religion, love not legalism?
May we stand in awe of His deeds, seek to lift up His name, be present when revival floods, and live to pour out his mercy on the wounded and weary!
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