We cannot understand Biblical Prophecy unless we know and understand the Old Testament and the prophets. The New Testament cannot stand alone without the Old Testament. The Bible as a whole is the story of God’s plan for mankind. There is so much Biblical Prophecy in the Old Testament and it relates to the New Testament. The Book of Habakkuk is one of the Old Testament books that tells us how God operates.
“How long, O Lord, must I call for help? But you do not listen! “Violence is everywhere!” I cry, but you do not come to save. Must I forever see these evil deeds? Why must I watch all this misery? Wherever I look, I see destruction and violence. I am surrounded by people who love to argue and fight. The law has become paralyzed and there is no justice in the courts. The wicked far outnumber the righteous, so that justice has become perverted.” (Habakkuk 1:2-4) Habakkuk asked God a question. He asked God how long God are you going to let evil go on. Evil is everywhere and I don’t see you doing anything about it. God wants us to ask questions, but be prepared for the answer; you may not like the answer. Habakkuk demanded an answer from God; he felt that God was not listening.
“The Lord replied, “Look around at the nations; look and be amazed! For I am doing something in your own day, something you wouldn’t believe even if someone told you about it.” (Habakkuk 1:5) God answered Habakkuk and told him that He was listening and He was doing something about the evil. “I am rising up the Babylonians, a cruel and violent people. They will march across the world and conquer other lands. They are notorious for their cruelty and do whatever they like. Their horses are swifter than cheetahs and fiercer than wolves at dusk. Their charioteers charge from far away. Like eagles, they swoop down to devour their prey.” (Habakkuk 1:6-8) Why in the world would God raise up the Babylonians to do something about the evil in the world? This is not what Habakkuk wanted to hear. It looks like God has lost control, but He is always in control. God knows the future and He knows what is needed to turn His people away from evil to a relationship with Him.
As we look at Biblical Prophecy, we will see that God has a plan and He is all wise. More on Habakkuk in the next lesson.