End Times Bible Prophesy

Habakkuk’s Complaint | Social Injustice

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© Can Stock Photo / Zhukovskyy

2How long, O LORD, must I call for help? But you do not listen!

“Violence is everywhere!” I cry, but you do not come to save.

3Must I forever see these evil deeds?

Why must I watch all this misery?

Wherever I look, I see destruction and violence.

I am surrounded by people who love to argue and fight.

4The law has become paralyzed,

And there is no justice in the courts.

The wicked far outnumber the righteous,

So that justice has become perverted.  ~ Habakkuk 1:2-4 NLT

Hello 612 – 589 BC! – a time in the history of ancient Judah when national sin spelled impending judgement by God.  When a historically righteous nation becomes morally indistinguishable from its pagan neighbors, it’s – well, it gets God’s attention.

After much pleading and warning to His people to repent from sin; God plans to send destruction and slavery upon Judah.  The prophet Habakkuk complains to God about the evils of Judean society plus God’s impending judgement at the hands of a pagan invader called Babylon.  After all, how can God’s plan be just?  On the surface of things, there is nothing but sin in both nations!

I ponder these things in our day as well.  Our modern culture is rife with the same sins mentioned by Habakkuk:

  • Violence – There is virtually no community in our nation that does not have a problem with domestic violence, assault, murder, rape, and even infanticide whitewashed as “abortion”.
  • Evil Deeds – The purposeful acts of bullying, torture, theft, fraud, and cruelty, are just a few examples.
  • Misery – The widespread use of street drugs, divorce, homelessness, depression, and aimlessness abounds.
  • Destruction (War) – Our nation is known as the super cop of the globe. We war with everyone in the name of peace.
  • Discontent – Reality TV shows are a gruesome example of elevating family bickering and fighting.
  • Moral Paralysis – Where is God’s Church? Sadly, asleep. There is a huge price to pay, Church!
  • Court Injustice – Time after time we see judges who give light sentences for heinous crimes. Repeat offenders only escalate the severity of their crimes, i.e. serial or mass murders, school shootings, or human trafficking, .
  • Righteous Minority – Back to the Church: it used to be known as the silent majority. Now it is only a voiceless minority while elected officials scream obscenities about our President, Christians, and Jews on the floor of Congress.  Christians who stand up for faith in Jesus are being martyred all over the globe while mainstream media is silent.  Recently bills have been introduced to make practicing Christianity illegal in our country.  Where is God’s Church?
  • Perverted Justice – Social norms have flipped. What used to be called right is now wrong.  (2 Timothy 3:1-5)

The LORD‘s reply is found in verses 5 – 11 and is a scary descriptive of the conquering Babylon but noticeably God only confirms that,

  1. YES! He is sending this murderous enemy to conquer Judah.
  2. AND YES! Babylon is cruel, violent, destructive, haughty, and pagan.

Very bad news for Judah.  Habakkuk’s reaction is similar to anyone looking at such a desolate future.  He complains again to God.

“Surely, LORD, you do not intend to wipe us out?” ~ verse 12 paraphrased.

Ah, the LORD has more to say about this.  Until then, God bless your week and Thank you for following

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Beyond 2016

This month there will no doubt be hundreds if not thousands of reviews written about 2016.  I am not about to throw my hat into that ring, but wish to show support for the brethren who have already summarized the year’s events from a Christian perspective.

2016 was full of end time prophetic markers with Israel occupying the center of world attention once again.  While thousands of Christians suffered horrific persecution at the hands of radical Isis and other terrorists, many western evangelicals focused their attention primarily on the U.S. Presidential election.  Muslims are increasingly convinced that their long-awaited Imam will appear on the world stage soon.  Some fear that we are on the verge of the Gog-Magog War, or WWIII.  Evidence shows that more Jews are accepting Jesus as their promised Messiah, while other Jews are becoming more excited that their long-awaited non-Jesus messiah is coming soon.   Intricate preparations are being made as even the Israeli police seem to believe the Messiah is coming soon.

Another article by Jan Markell, Top Bible Prophesy Stories of 2016, sums up the year 2016 pretty well with eighteen Biblical end time prophetic events.

But why do so many people of diverse faith believe that we are on the verge of a world-changing event?  And if so, “Why is any of this relevant to me?” you may ask.

I just felt like pointing out that while many Christians may be focused on New Year’s Resolutions, politics, or faith seminars, some Christian leaders remark that the church is lukewarm and not actively supporting Israel; nor is it overly concerned with preparations for the imminent return of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

What do you think?  What is beyond 2016?