The Incarnation of Christ — this mystery through which God, in the person of the Son, Jesus, becomes fully human while remaining fully divine — is evidence of God’s ongoing pursuit of our souls.

Jesus, who is both true God and true man, becomes the sole and timeless mediator between God and all humans. The Light and Life that Jesus brings into the world (John 1: 4-5) stands in stark contrast to the darkness and death that descended upon humanity when God’s creation freely chose death by eating the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden. (Genesis Chapter 3)

But if God is Love (1 John 4: 16) and truly desires to save the world from darkness and death through His Son, Jesus (John 3: 16), why do evil and violence continue to prevail in the world?

Habakkuk, a prophet who lived during the late seventh century B.C., is famous for asking God this very question:

“O Lord, how long shall I cry for help, and You will not hear? Or cry to you ‘Violence!’ and You will not save? Why do you make me see wrongs and look upon trouble?” Habakkuk 1: 2-3

Violence and evil are rampant when Habakkuk calls out to God. Clearly frustrated, Habakkuk boldly asks God how He can stand by and passively observe such evil? God answers through a vision that He asks Habakkuk to record:

“And the Lord answered me [Habakkuk], ‘Write the vision; make it plain upon tablets, so he may run who reads it. For still the vision awaits its time; it hastens to the end — it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay.” Habakkuk 2: 2-3

God doesn’t disagree with Habakkuk that things are bad. In fact God confirms that things are likely going to get worse for Habakkuk and his generation:

“For behold, I am rousing the Chaldeans, that bitter and hasty nation, who march through the breadth of the earth, to seize habitations not their own. Dread and fearsome are they; their justice and dignity proceed from themselves.” Habakkuk 1: 6-7

In light of this, God goes on to describe five woes to Habakkuk. These woes are pronouncements of judgment that are meant to condemn sin and to warn of its consequences:

Woe against Aggression: “Woe to him who heaps up what is not his own — for how long? — and loads himself with pledges! Will not your debtors suddenly arise, and those awake who will make you tremble? Then you will be booty for them. Because you have plundered many nations, all the remnant of the peoples shall plunder you, for the blood of men and violence to the earth, to cities and all who dwell therein.” Habakkuk 2: 6-8

Woe against Covetousness: “Woe to him who gets evil gain for his house, to set his nest on high, to be safe from the reach of harm! You have devised shame to your house by cutting off many peoples; you have forfeited your life. For the stone will cry out from the wall, and the beam from the woodwork respond.” Habakkuk 2: 9-11

Woe against Violence: “Woe to him who builds a town with blood, and founds a city on iniquity! Behold, is it not from the Lord of hosts that peoples labor only for fire, and nations weary themselves for nothing? For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.” Habakkuk 2: 12-14

Woe against Inhumanity: “Woe to him who makes his neighbors drink of the cup of his wrath, and makes them drunk, to gaze upon their shame! You will be sated with contempt instead of glory. Drink, yourself, and stagger! The cup in the Lord’s right hand will come around to you, and shame will come upon your glory! The violence done to Lebanon will overwhelm you; the destruction of the beasts will terrify you, for the blood of men and violence to the earth, to cities and all who dwell therein.” Habakkuk 2: 15-17

Woe against Idolatry: “What profit is an idol when its maker has shaped it, a metal image, a teacher of lies? For the workman trusts in his own creation when he makes dumb idols! Woe to him who says to a wooden thing, Awake; to a mute stone, Arise! Can this give revelation? Behold it is overlaid with gold and silver, and there is no breath at all in it. But the Lord is in His Holy Temple; let all the earth keep silence before Him.” Habakkuk 2: 18-20

Violence and evil are still rampant today; and Biblical woes can provide us direction and hope. In particular, they offer both interpretation and application of God’s Holy Commandments. (Exodus 20: 1-20)

But let’s face it, Biblical woes can also be difficult and uncomfortable to read. Specific to Habakkuk’s story, I think the real danger is to dismiss the darkness described in the woes because it seems, somehow, beyond our reach. Are any of us committing sin on the scale described in Habakkuk’s vision? Maybe not. But the troubling thing about darkness and evil is that it so often begins on a small scale.

Who cares if I need a drink or two to get through my work day; isn’t that better than using harder drugs? I sure love collecting religious items, but is my focus on God or the thrill of finding these unique treasures? I may be spending 60-plus hours at work each week to avoid some problems, but would my brother really respond if I spent more time with him? I know that sometimes I lash out at my kids with my sharp tongue, but isn’t that better than physically hitting them? I spend a lot of time on social media and may end up on sites that take me down confusing paths, but my sense of reality isn’t blurred, is it? So what if I take office supplies from work for my home; my company makes so much money, what does it matter?

It’s helpful to read the woes revealed to Habakkuk with a broad lens, looking for the big and small ways that these behaviors show up in our lives.

It’s also helpful to remember that God shares these woes as reminders of His Mercy and Love. The woes provide a way for us to avoid sin and judgement through repentance and faith in Him. Habakkuk recognizes this and responds to God in a way that demonstrates renewed faith and hope:

“Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. God, the Lord, is my strength; He makes my feet like deer’s feet, He makes me tread upon my high places.” Habakkuk 3: 18-19

Which brings me back to Jesus … and the Light He has brought into this world. ♥️

When you have difficult days, remember how much God loves us. If it feels like God is taking too long to respond, wait for Him — trust that He’s out ahead somewhere, preparing the path for you. Habakkuk’s story is one of countless stories in the Old Testament that reveal God’s endless quest to help us to live good and loving lives.

The entire New Testament is a stunning record of God’s decision to send His Beloved Son, Jesus, for the salvation of the world. This first coming of Christ was done in order that all who believe in Him “should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3: 16) In the Book of Revelation, Jesus plainly tells us that He will be back:

“Surely, I am coming soon,” [says the Lord]. Revelation 22: 20

I love this verse in Revelation. It’s literally one of the last sentences of the Bible! I can’t help but marvel at the fact that it’s this promise that God chooses to close the Bible. God loves us and He does not intend for us to be alone or separated from Him. When Jesus returns the second time, God will establish a new heaven and a new earth, where He will eternally dwell with all the believers and redeemed, where there is no pain or sorrow or mourning. (Revelation 21: 1-8)

God loves us deeply and without end. Jesus is fighting for our souls, ready to offer His Love and Mercy and Forgiveness to all of us who desire it.

There is no sin or darkness that Jesus cannot overcome. On your darkest days, always know and trust in this truth. ♥️

“And the Spirit and the bride says, ‘Come!’ And let him who hears say, ‘Come!’ And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.” Revelation 22: 17