The Faithfulness Of A Prophet

In the reading through the book of Habakkuk, it is encouraging what we read in the first 2 chapters, but even more so in this particular passage: For the vision is yet for the appointed time; It hastens toward the goal and it will not fail Though it tarries, wait for it; For it will certainly come, it will not delay (Habakkuk 2:3). God wants Habakkuk, and those who learn of this vision to see clearly what the important thing to understand is, through a metaphor that can be understood two ways:

1.) Write the message in big bold letters so that someone running by it on a poster could read it clearly.

2.) Write it so that the implications of it are clear, and the resulting actions are obvious.

There is no need for us to argue one way or the other, because of the point of both is this—Make sure you understand. In other words God is saying if you don't get anything at all up to this point, be sure to get this. Make it so that you understand, and make it plain for others to understand, this truth needs to be it needs to travel and it needs to be transmissible.

As a prophet, Habakkuk was obligated to preserve and deliver God's message to the people as a source of hope—the message was to be conspicuously displayed. Not only that, the message had a lasting relevance and thus had to be preserved.

Although, a period of time would occur before its fulfillment, all were to know that it would come about at God's appointed time. And if we back up and read Habakkuk 1:1-17, we see how it leads up to and supports Habakkuk 2:3, in regards to waiting on God's appointed time.

Though Habakkuk poised many questions, he does not show evident signs of doubt in God, but instead decides to WAIT for God. In complete obedience (See Habakkuk 1:5) he chooses to trust God, humble himself, and wait. Habakkuk does not opt to do this from a confused skepticism, but more so from the firm conviction that God does not change and will carry out His plan. 

So, even though Habakkuk has questions, we see that he continues in integrity as a true prophet of faith. His questions do not lead him to give up on God or to question what he already knows to be true of God, but instead the questions lead him to wait until God makes it plain.

Habakkuk in a sense has come before God to humble himself under His hand, and wait for Him to make Himself plain—he comes in faith—as we should all do in every part of our lives. And sometimes our waits maybe be short or long, but whatever the case is, we have to learn to be FAITHFUL not matter what!