Habakkuk's 2nd Complaint

Your eyes are too pure to look on evil; you cannot tolerate wrong. Why then do you tolerate the treacherous? Why are you silent while the wicked swallow up those more righteous than themselves? I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts; I will look to see what he will say to me, and what answer I am to give to this complaint.
Hab. 1:13, 2:1

Habakkuk realized that God was about to annilate the Israelites by use of the Babylonians, but he has some major problems with this. (and rightfully so. his life is as stake!) so habakkuk asks God the reason for Him to carry out this plan. Habakkuk is not only concerned about his life and the Israelite people, but also the character of God. he comments to God, "You eyes are too pure to look on eveil; You cannot tolerate wrong." then he goes on to question why God is not rescuing the Israelites, His chosen people.

Habakkuk knows God is too holy to look on all this evil, and much less to tolerate it. how often do i pray for God to take away the evil in the world, simply because He is too pure for it? i can't say i ever have prayed that way. which injustice do i see upon Christians which i should be praying about? persecution? HIV/AIDS? children sold into prostitution? how much of God's character do i know?

and habakkuk doesn't stop there. he goes on to say, "i will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts; I will look to see what He will say to me, and what answer i am to give to this complaint." (2:1) he's willing to give up his ordinary activities until he hears an answer for the Lord. He is waiting in expectation to hear to voice of God. when i pray, how often do i just run away without expecting an answer? when have i waited in silent expectation to hear His voice? also, he is willing to stand in the gap when God speaks. when is the last time i took up a complaint against Jesus? why don't i? i have many gripes and complaints about everything else in my life? am i too legalistic to blame God for something? why don't i cry out to Him with my concerns, instead of candy-coating them w/ please....God....if You can....would You please.... blah, blah, blah?

this, than, is how i am to approach the Throne of Grace: "Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful." (Heb. 10:19-23)

Jesus,
You've made a way for me to enter Your Most Holy Place with confidence. i trust You are big enough to handle my complaints and arguments. You are God, my Creator. You delight in me...tho i don't always see why. Jesus, i pray that i would be more eager to lay my requests down on your altar, and wait patiently and expectantly for You to reply. i don't just want to run from Your altar of prayer. when i seek You, Jesus, i want to see You, not just assume i've met You. move in a mighty way thru St. Paul. come and rescue us, for we are Your chosen people, struggling to survive. let the hearts of Your people return to Your grace. let us draw our strength from You, not from the strength of technology and money. You are our God, not those created items. i love You, and am standing on my rampart, waiting for You to answer.
In Jesus' Name ~ Amen!

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*Jason *Joe *Duane