Why Does God Do Nothing?
Tim Keller | May 3, 2009
Overview
It would be possible to go to church for many decades and never hear a sermon on Habakkuk. It’s a short book in the Old Testament, and we know almost nothing about Habakkuk himself. But this book is very contemporary in its application.
This little book talks about how to handle evil times, whether those are society-wide evil times or just your own personal evil times.
Let’s see why this is so relevant to us. Let’s notice 1) what Habakkuk saw, 2) what he did, 3) what he heard from God, and 4) what it meant.
Outline
Understanding Habakkuk 1:1–17
The book of Habakkuk may not be the first you turn to, but it holds vital lessons for us today. While we don’t know much about Habakkuk’s personal life, his message resonates powerfully. It shares his visions, interactions with God, and what they mean, helping us understand the book and its importance for us.
1. What he saw
We live in a world filled with wrong and unfairness, and it can be frustrating when it seems like God isn’t doing anything about it. Habakkuk’s story shows us that it’s okay to ask hard questions when life is tough, even as we continue to trust in God. This is different from some religious groups that don’t want you to ask questions. The big lesson here is that God’s love gives us the freedom to ask these questions and find real satisfaction in Him.
3. What did he hear?
When Habakkuk asked God about all the violence and unfairness, God’s answer was surprising – He was going to use the Babylonians, a harsh and aggressive people, to bring about His plan. This may seem strange, but it led to the spread of God’s saving love all over the world through the Jewish people and the growth of Christianity. God’s ways might be hard for us to understand, but it’s important to trust that He knows what He’s doing and to keep believing, even when things don’t make sense.
4. What did it mean?
God promises that He will bring justice and rescue, even when things look really bad. This promise came true in Jesus Christ, who offers forgiveness and makes things right for everyone who believes in Him. Jesus’ death on the cross was the ultimate example of suffering and unfairness, but it showed that God can turn even the worst situations into something good. So, when life gets tough, we can find comfort in Jesus’ example, trust in God’s plan, and stay patient and faithful.
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