Habakkuk Got It Right

September 30 – Today’s Readings – Habakkuk 1-3 and Psalms 90

This is a truly amazing book – it has such a mixture of Old Testament judgment and New Testament hope and revelation – all wrapped up together.

Lets start with a verse that used to be written and posted at the doors of many Churches (it still hangs at the door of some of the quietest Churches in town) – Chapter 2:20; “But the LORD is in his holy temple; let all the earth be silent before him.” Without question, certain churches have used this verse in order to keep “silence and order” in the house of God. What they failed to do was read was the rest of the Bible, which indicates a great deal of noise whenever worship is in progress. I love the thought that sociologist Tony Campolo shared a few years ago – “Church is a Party”. This is a much better image of what happens when a bunch of people who are exited about Jesus, come together in one place. Read the following passages again and “find” the New Testament in them:

Chapter 2:14 “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.”

Chapter 13:2 “LORD, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, O LORD. Renew them in our day in our time make them known;”

Chapter 3:17-19 “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights.”

Once again I stand amazed at these “old school” boys who got it so right. I love the idea that God would give such New Testament revelation to anyone in the “olden days”. Here’s what Paul taught in 1Thessalonians 5:16-18, “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Habakkuk got it right!

How does all of this affect you? Well, for starters, we are all not naturally noisy and expressive people. When some folks walk into a room, you can be guaranteed that the general “volume” in that place will rise significantly. Others are far more subdued – some are even accused of being boring! Regardless of our personality however we can all come to the place of worship or prayer, ready to open our lips and sing. We can all be Scriptural and “make a joyful noise”. Jesus addressed the whole issue quite poetically when He said if the people didn’t do it, the rocks and stones would “cry out”. [Luke 19:4]

Questions:

1. Is there ever a place for “silence” in our devotional lives? Elaborate.
2. Is there ever a time when “expressive” or “loud” worship need to be reigned in? Explain.
3. What do you think about exuberant worship?