HABAKKUK 1:1–4; 2:20
The use of chastisement is justified in terms of deterrence. The deterrence position maintains that if the offender is chastised, not only the offender but also those who see his example are deterred from further offences.
Although we may applaud God’s chastisement of others, Habakkuk contains a crucial passage that causes us to pause: “The LORD is in His holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before Him.” (2:20). The entire earth. Both oppressors and victimised people. When God appears to be silent, it is sometimes acceptable to respond with silence!
Why silence? because it is easy to ignore our own spiritual poverty. We can acknowledge our wrongdoing in the sight of a holy God when we remain silent.
Instead of complaining about others and anticipating the judgement of God, Habakkuk discovered how to trust Him. We can do the same. Though His ways are mysterious to us, we are aware of His goodness. He has complete control over the timing of everything.
🙏Lord, when trouble comes, may we stand in awe of your deeds.
📷: Ocean Biggshott
