“How long, O LORD, must I call for help, but you do not listen? Or cry out to you, “Violence!” but you do not save? Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrong? Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and conflict abounds. Therefore the law is paralyzed, and justice never prevails. The wicked hem in the righteous, so that justice is perverted.” (Habakkuk 1:2–4, NIV 1984).
My Musings – Do you feel like this could have been lifted from today’s headlines? The fact is, history is littered with destruction and violence, strife and conflict, paralyzed laws and perverted justice. God is not to blame, we know that full well. And tolerate (to fail to prevent especially from neglect or indifference), would be a bit too strong. As a banker I like the word forbearance, where enforcement is temporarily delayed to allow the debtor to get back on track.
“For He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and He relents from sending calamity. Who knows? He may turn and have pity and leave behind a blessing.” (Joel 2:13–14, NIV 1984). We are not like God. We want our pound of flesh. “But the LORD [replies], ‘Have you any right to be angry?’” (Jonah 4:4, NIV 1984). Of course not.
My Musings – Do not take advantage of God’s forbearance. He prefers that we respond to His forbearance. The law was has not been perverted, it was fulfilled in Christ. God has done all that He can to save. But if we do not respond in the time He allows us, He will “not leave the guilty unpunished.” (Numbers 14:18, NIV 1984). Justice will prevail.
The Brew Is A Musing 