WE SHALL NOT DIE - Reading With the People of God #17Sample

God's Mysterious Plan: From Judgment to Redemption

In Habakkuk 1:5–11, the prophet is shocked to learn that God will use the ruthless Chaldeans/Babylonians to judge His own people. God tells Habakkuk, “I am doing something in your days -You would not believe if you were told.” (AMP) This was not a word of comfort—it was a warning that God was bringing justice to His children Israel/Judah. Habakkuk was a contemporary to Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, and Zephaniah. We know the destruction they witnessed by the Babylonians. How could a holy God use a violent/evil nation as an instrument of judgment against His chosen people?

Centuries later, in Luke 23:26–56, we see another event that no one would have believed if they were told. Jesus, the sinless Son of God, is condemned, beaten, and crucified. When darkness seems to triumph, Jesus gives up His Spirit and dies. To many, including Satan, it looks like defeat. But we know this is the center of God’s mysterious work of salvation.

Both of these passages accomplish God’s plan from before time began. Just as Judah once bore the judgment of the Chaldeans/Babylonians, so Jesus bore the judgement we deserved. Habakkuk struggled with how God could use an evil nation for a future purpose, just as we fail to understand how God can substitute His Son to be crucified and our sins placed upon His shoulders.

In both of these passages, God uses something troubling/profound for a greater purpose! Throughout the Old Testament we follow the crimson thread of God’s plan to fulfill His purpose that culminates in the New Testament-Jesus. God’s wrath was satisfied. Through suffering came salvation, and through His death we have life. Jesus, the God/man is the propitiation for our sins! JESUS CHANGES EVERYTHING!!!

Are there times in my life when “I do not understand what/why things are happening”? ABSOLUTELY! But I know from the truth of Scripture that God has eternity in my heart and He is sovereign. “Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!” Romans 11:33 (NASB)

Primer contributed by Wendy Vander Dussen