Saturday, 18th November 2023
Alex Buabeng-Korsah
TOPIC: THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY HIS FAITH
THEME SCRIPTURE: “Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by His faith.” – Habakkuk 2:5
PREPARATORY QUESTIONS:
- How shall the just live by His faith?
The central theme of the book of Habakkuk is this simple but powerful phrase: “The just shall live by His faith.” This was the banner and battle cry for Martin Luther and the Reformation. You cannot talk about justification in the New Testament without drawing from this statement too.
This phrase and theme in the book of Habakkuk, being only three words in the Hebrew text, is so important both to the people of Israel and the grafted Gentiles.
The prophet Habakkuk had been engaging God on some perplexing issues. Within his own nation there seemed to be so much chaos and violence such that righteousness was scarce. Outside the walls of his beloved nation is Babylon crushing one nation after the other. They come all for violence; their faces sup up as the east wind, gathering the captives as the sand—in large numbers (Hab 1:9). In the midst of such troubled society and geo-political chaos, Habakkuk desired that God will do something. Afterall, Judah is His people. “How are the few righteous in Judah going to navigate through the challenging times ahead”, the prophet must have wondered.
But God made it clear to him that those who have been justified by faith in Him can only live their lives by His faith irrespective of the political and socioeconomic upheavals that surrounds them.
Beloved, faith is a confidence and a trust we put in another. This confidence or trust keeps us going even though everything around us may not be perfect. The God-kind of faith is about making God’s word your reality or truth. This is the faith we demonstrated when we heard the gospel and the finished work of Christ for us all. We didn’t see it with our optical eyes Christ dying on the cross for us, but we believed God to be true with His word, and faithful to deliver to us that eternal life which existed with the Father. So, we believed. By that confidence in Him, God imputed to us His righteousness. What else can we receive outside of having confidence and trust in what God has said or promised? This is why you and I cannot forget that those who have been justified by His faith can only live (continue) by that same faith. Glory to God!
Precious one, are you wondering whether it is possible to walk righteously and successfully navigate the maze of our corrupt society?
Are you asking whether it is at all worth being faithful at such a time like this? God’s word for you today is simply this: “The just shall live by faith.” David assured, by his experience with God over the years, that he has never seen the righteous forsaken or his seed begging for bread (Psa 37:25). Beloved, God is faithful and He can be trusted to take care of His own if we can invest trust and confidence in Him, and all that He has said. Do you trust that God will be with you when you go through the fire, and also the waters? Do you believe that jointly working with God all things are possible? Do you believe that He will be your very present help in times of need? Precious one, do you believe? The grass withers and the flowers fall. But the word of God abides forever. Can you be rest assured that your today and tomorrow is secured in Him? Can you...? Remain blessed
FURTHER READING – Habakkuk 2:1-5
Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so.
QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD:
- How have you been consistent with God’s truth for your life?
- How confident are you in God’s provision for your future?
PRAYER
Eternal Lord, If we have received the witness of men then the witness of God is greater. I received the fortitude to keep trust in you alone, holding on to your truth, in Jesus’ precious name. hallelujah!
1-Year Bible Reading Plan
Nehemiah 7; Joel 2; 2 Thessalonians 1; 2 Thessalonians 2
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