The Progress of a Prophet from Protest to Praise Habakkuk The Progress of a Prophet from Protest to Praise

Background to Habakkuk His message is dated c. 606 B.C. He questions the Lord about sinful Judah and the Lord’s plan to use Babylon; he is “the Job” of the minor prophets

Background to Habakkuk Question #1: Why do you allow the wickedness of Judah to go unchecked (1:2-4) Answer #1: I will punish Judah’s wickedness with the nation of Babylon (1:5-11)

Background to Habakkuk Question #2: How can you use Babylon who is more wicked than Judah (1:12-17) Answer #2: I will punish wicked Babylon as well (2:4-19)

Background to Habakkuk How did Habakkuk get from perplexity and protest in 1:2, to praise and persuasion in 3:19? Habakkuk means “embrace”; let us see the progress he took to “embrace” his Lord

The Progress of a Prophet First, he learned to talk less and listen more (2:1-2; Jas. 1:19) Second, he learned to wait for God’s plan to unfold (2:3; 3:16; Psa. 27:14)

The Progress of a Prophet Third, he learned to humbly trust in God as a way of life (2:4; Gal. 2:20) Fourth, he learned to be reverent and submissive to the Lord (2:14, 20; Zech. 2:13; Psa. 5:7; 11:4)

The Progress of a Prophet Fifth, he learned to pray and praise the Lord for his mercy and salvation (3:1-16; Jas. 5:13) Sixth, he learned to find joy and strength in the Lord in difficult times (3:17-19; Rom. 8:35-39)