Watchman and Watchtower

Monday, November 23, 2015

Today we are concerned about the horrible acts of violence and murder that are taking place around the world by Islamic extremists. Some wonder how a good God can allow such atrocities to exist. I am reminded that the prophet Habakkuk questioned God about similar atrocities he witnessed from the Babylonians as they attached Judah. Let’s see what we can learn from Habakkuk.

Habakkuk was saddened by the violence and corruption he saw around him and he poured out his heart to God. The book of Habakkuk is the prophet’s dialogue with God. Habakkuk was appalled by Judah's violent acts, evil, misery, destruction. He was also appalled that God tolerated this wrong. Habakkuk saw a dying world, and it broke his heart. He asked questions of God that we often ask:

 If God is good, then why is there evil in the world? And if there has to be evil, then why do the evil prosper? What is God doing in the world?  Why do the wicked seem to be winning? Habakkuk did what often we are afraid to do. He boldly and confidently took his complaints directly to God. Then we see in Habakkuk 2, the prophet waited patiently for God to reply.

I will climb up to my watchtower
    and stand at my guardpost.
There I will wait to see what the Lord says
    and how he will answer my complaint. Habakkuk 2:1

The watchman and watchtower are often used by the prophets to show an attitude of expectation. They are images of Habakkuk’s attitude of patient waiting and watching for God’s response. Stone watchtowers were built on city walls or ramparts so that watchmen could see enemies and messengers approaching their city while still at a distance. Watchtowers were also erected in vineyards to help guard the ripening grapes. Habakkuk wanted to be in the best position to receive God’s message. What are concerns we have today that we should take to the watchtower – things that we need to wait on an answer?

The NIV says in verse 1, “I will station myself.” Station means stay put. It means, ‘I'm not moving.’ It means, ‘I’m going to be still.’ ‘I’m going to sit here and I am not going to move until I hear from you, God.’

How well do you wait?

David says there are three things to do as you wait –

• Wait quietly -- “I wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him.” (Psalm 62:5 NLT)
• Wait patiently -- “Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act.” (Psalm 37:7 NLT)
• Wait expectantly -- “I wait expectantly, trusting God to help, for he has promised.” (Psalm 105:5 LB)

Sometimes our best act of faith is not to try to answer life’s hard questions, but to reflect instead on the character of God.

The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. Psalm 145:8

These four attributes are mentioned over and over in scripture.

• Gracious
• Compassionate
• Slow to anger
• Rich in love

When we begin to wonder about God’s presence in the world during times of crisis, let’s remember that we serve a sovereign God who is ultimately in charge of this world. Let’s say these things out loud when you are having trouble and the world seems against you.

• God is love.
• God is good. He’s good all the time.
• God is just.
• God is holy. In the Greek, to be holy is to be righteous – or to be right. Wouldn’t our lives be easier if we realized that God is always righteous?

Prayer:

Abba Father, Lord of All, O Lord our God, our Holy One, you who are eternal.  We often struggle with what we see in the world. We’re troubled by wars and rumors of wars. We’re heartbroken by images we see of hurting people throughout the world. We often cry out as Habakkuk did, ^“Must I forever see these evil deeds?  Why must I watch all this misery?”  We want to know where you are. Help us to remember our thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways our ways. We know you are a sovereign God, one in total control of all things past, present, and future. Nothing happens beyond  your knowledge and control. At the same time, you give us free will. Help us Father to choose wisely for we know that decisions we make will affect not only us but many others. We also know you are a God of grace. Your grace extends to those who have not earned it. It is undeserved favor. Help us to be still and know that you are at work that you keep your promises, and that you are good and you are love and just and holy. Amen.