Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4 (NRSV)
Read Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4 on biblegateway.com
Chapter 1The oracle that the prophet Habakkuk saw. Verse 2O Lord, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not listen? Or cry to you "Violence!" and you will not save? Verse 3Why do you make me see wrong-doing and look at trouble? Destruction and violence are before me; strife and contention arise. Verse 4So the law becomes slack and justice never prevails. The wicked surround the righteous- therefore judgment comes forth perverted.
Chapter 2I will stand at my watchpost, and station myself on the rampart; I will keep watch to see what he will say to me, and what he will answer concerning my complaint. Verse 2Then the Lord answered me and said: Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so that a runner may read it. Verse 3For there is still a vision for the appointed time; it speaks of the end, and does not lie. If it seems to tarry, wait for it; it will surely come, it will not delay. Verse 4Look at the proud! Their spirit is not right in them, but the righteous live by their faith.
Devotion
Generally we do not get angry with or make demands of God. But enough is enough! The evil of injustice cries out all around us, and we are keenly aware that the powerful and arrogant are having their day. Enough already! We can well identify with this prophet who in angry frustration cries out for God to act.
Violence! God, how can you be so silent and absent when such horrible evil abounds – especially among those who claim to be so righteous? In our innermost hearts, is that not our cry these days? Yes, and we dare to voice this deep and emotional plea with the confidence that it will be heard – just as the prophet’s cry was heard.
With the prophet we may stand and wait for God’s justice to intervene. The powerful and rich may have their day, but they shall not prevail in the face of God’s justice.
Prayer
Creating, powerful and just God, stir up your power and bring justice down like rolling water to this desolate world. Bring down the powerful and the arrogant. Hear the cries of the oppressed, the powerless and the voiceless, O God of mercy. Let not our cries be in vain, O God, for it is in your faithful Name that we pray, Amen!