I Will Watch: Habakkuk 1:12-2:5
Habakkuk 1:12-2:5 Summary
Called to Be Watchmen: Living by Faith At All Times
In a world filled with questions and uncertainty, we often find ourselves asking God "why" when life doesn't go according to our plans. The prophet Habakkuk faced this same struggle, and his story offers profound insights into what it means to be faithful watchmen in our generation.
When God's Answers Don't Match Our Expectations
Habakkuk approached God with legitimate concerns about the sin and injustice he saw around him. He expected God to bring revival and restoration to Israel. Instead, God's answer was shocking: He would use the Babylonians to judge His own people.
This response left Habakkuk confused and troubled. In Habakkuk 1:12-17, we see him wrestling with four difficult questions:
Are you truly the eternal, holy God I know you to be?
Why do you tolerate those who are treacherous?
Why do you allow the wicked to swallow up the righteous?
Will the Babylonians show no mercy?
Praising God Even When We Don't Understand
What's remarkable about Habakkuk's response is that even in his confusion and fear, he continues to praise God. He acknowledges four unchanging truths about God's character:
God is holy and eternal
God has the authority to pass judgment
God is perfectly righteous in every way
God is the creator of all things
Notice that none of these praises are based on recent blessings or favorable circumstances. Instead, Habakkuk praises God for who He is, not for what He has done lately. This teaches us that God is worthy of our worship on both our best and worst days.
The Heart of a Watchman
In Habakkuk 2:1, we see a dramatic shift in the prophet's approach. He declares: "I will stand at my guard post and station myself on the lookout tower. I will watch to see what he will say to me and what I should reply about my complaint."
This language mirrors what we see in Ezekiel 33, where God describes the role of a watchman - someone commissioned to watch over the people, hear from God, and faithfully communicate His message to others.
What Does It Mean to Be a Watchman Today?
As followers of Christ, we are all called to be watchmen in three key areas:
Be a Watchman in Your Own Life
Are you willing to make necessary changes to ensure your life reflects what God calls you to do? Jesus warned His disciples that "the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak" (Mark 14:38). We must be vigilant against temptations and habits that don't honor God, addressing them immediately rather than settling for spiritual mediocrity.
Be a Watchman in Your Community
This involves two crucial aspects: seeking accountability and providing it for others. We need people in our lives who can challenge and correct us when necessary. This is why community groups and discipleship relationships are so vital - they provide the context for mutual watchfulness and spiritual growth.
Be a Watchman for the World
The Great Commission calls us to care about God's work globally. This happens through giving to support missionaries, praying for unreached people groups, and being burdened for the lost around the world. When we pray for specific places and people, God develops our hearts to care deeply about their spiritual condition. Join us in praying for the Czech Republic and specifically the city of Prague on a daily basis this year!
The Contrast Between the Arrogant and the Righteous
In God's response to Habakkuk, He presents a stark contrast between two types of people. The arrogant person is characterized by seven complete traits:
Inflated ego and self-promotion
Lack of integrity
Being betrayed by earthly passions
Never finding rest
Never being satisfied
Constantly wanting more power and influence
Gathering people for selfish purposes
This paints a grim picture of someone so consumed with worldly pursuits that they have no time for God.
The Simple Truth About the Righteous
In contrast, God describes the righteous person with just one defining characteristic: "The righteous one will live by his faith" (Habakkuk 2:4).
This simplicity is profound. The only way to be truly righteous is through faith in God's plan of salvation. On our own, we cannot achieve righteousness - Romans 3:10 reminds us that "there is no one righteous, not even one."
But there is hope. Jesus lived as the perfectly righteous one, died for our sins, and rose again. When we place our faith in Him, He imputes His righteousness to us. God sees us covered by Christ's perfection rather than our failures.
Waiting, Watching, and Living by Faith
The righteous are called to three essential actions:
Wait - Be patient for God's timing, even when His answers don't come immediately
Watch - Stay alert and ready to act when God opens doors and provides opportunities
Live by Faith - Trust in God's character and promises rather than relying on our own understanding
Life Application
This week, examine your life honestly. Are you living more like the arrogant person described in Habakkuk, or like someone who truly lives by faith? Consider these areas:
Personal Watchfulness: What habits or temptations do you need to address immediately rather than tolerating them?
Community Engagement: Are you in meaningful relationships where you can both give and receive accountability?
Global Perspective: How can you develop a heart that's burdened for the lost around the world?
Ask yourself these questions:
Do people who know me well see someone who lives by faith or by sight?
Am I prepared to act when God opens the doors I've been praying for?
What changes do I need to make to better reflect the character of a faithful watchman?
How can I be more intentional about caring for the spiritual well-being of those around me?
The call to be a watchman isn't just for prophets or pastors - it's for every believer. In a world full of uncertainty and moral confusion, we have the privilege and responsibility to stand guard, live by faith, and point others toward the hope found only in Jesus Christ.