Tuesday 25th July
Read Habakkuk 2:2-3
“Then the Lord replied:
‘Write down the revelation
and make it plain on tablets
so that a herald may run with it.
3 For the revelation awaits an appointed time;
it speaks of the end
and will not prove false.
Though it linger, wait for it;
it will certainly come
and will not delay.” (NIVUK)
We wrestle sometimes with the biblical concept of time. Even from very early on in the life of the church people started mocking the expectation that Jesus would return to wrap up the world (cf 2 Peter 3). Two thousand years later the mocking continues. In response to Habakkuk’s plea for God to reveal His righteousness he is told to ‘wait’ for the revelation, for ‘it will certainly come and will not delay’ (v3b). Yet this side of the incarnation we know that it seemed to ‘delay’ for six hundred years!
That is a long time to wait for good news. Yet immensely good news it was. It was worth the wait. God had appointed a time and God is faithful. In the meantime, whilst we sit in Habakkuk’s shoes and ‘wait’ for Jesus’ return and for righteousness to be fully revealed ourselves how should we live?
“You ought to live holy and godly lives 12 as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. 13 But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.” (2 Peter 3:11b-13) (NIVUK)
