The fliers and posters were distributed throughout the college campus, announcing a multi-media event. It was neither a celebrity visiting nor a concert. It was Habakkuk! Produced by the Christian organization, 2100 Production, Habakkuk premiered on my college campus and dozens of other colleges across the United States during the early 1980’s. In an era before the internet and streaming media, Habakkuk was presented with multiple Kodachrome slide projectors on several large format screens, replete with an orchestral soundtrack and narration. It was a dazzling and futuristic production and garnered media awards. While this added to the excitement, it was the message that resonated with so many.
Habakkuk was a prophet, called by God to prophesy to the Kingdom of Judah in its last days. Habakkuk witnessed the spiritual decay that was occurring. There was evil and violence everywhere. Habakkuk cried out to God and asked Him, why?
How long, O LORD, will I call for help, And You will not hear? I cry out to You, “Violence!” Yet You do not save. Why do You make me see iniquity, And cause me to look on wickedness? Yes, destruction and violence are before me; Strife exists and contention arises.
Habakkuk 1:2-3 (NASB)
God’s answer was unexpected. God would use the neighboring Babylonian empire to enact His judgment on Judah. The Babylonians were fearsome and cruel conquerors, and it was definitely not what Habakkuk or the Jews wanted to hear. After recounting the grievous sins of Judah that would lead to this awful judgment, Habakkuk ends with hope that God will restore Judah and His people. Although Habakkuk would not live to see this, he could proclaim by faith that God was in control.
Though the fig tree should not blossom and there be no fruit on the vines, Though the yield of the olive should fail and the fields produce no food, Though the flock should be cut off from the fold and there be no cattle in the stalls, Yet I will exult in the LORD, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation.
Habakkuk 3:17-18 (NASB)
The message of Habakkuk is just as relevant for today. Why does evil exist? If God exists, why doesn’t He do something? And if God does act, will we accept His decision?
The multimedia production no longer exists. Perhaps a new version utilizing modern production techniques will be made. It should be done. In these dark days, we need to hear God’s reassurance that He remains in control and evil will be judged.
Amen.
Love and trust in the Lord; seek His will in your life.
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