By: Brian G. Chilton | August 10, 2020
Today’s topic requires a bit of Scripture at the outset. First, consider Joshua’s final address to the Hebrews before dying at the age of 110 as found in Joshua 24.
11 “‘You then crossed the Jordan and came to Jericho. Jericho’s citizens—as well as the Amorites, Perizzites, Canaanites, Hethites, Girgashites, Hivites, and Jebusites—fought against you, but I handed them over to you. 12 I sent hornets ahead of you, and they drove out the two Amorite kings before you. It was not by your sword or bow. 13 I gave you a land you did not labor for, and cities you did not build, though you live in them; you are eating from vineyards and olive groves you did not plant.’
14 “Therefore, fear the Lord and worship him in sincerity and truth. Get rid of the gods your ancestors worshiped beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt, and worship the Lord. 15 But if it doesn’t please you to worship the Lord, choose for yourselves today: Which will you worship—the gods your ancestors worshiped beyond the Euphrates River or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living? As for me and my family, we will worship the Lord” (Josh. 24:11-15).
Joshua recounted the ways that God had been with the people even amid some of the most troubling times one could experience. However, he realized that God had orchestrated everything to bring the people to the place that God desired them to be. In the case of Joshua, we see a man looking back at the past. Unsure of what the future would bring, he declares his commitment to the Lord despite what life may bring.
Fast-forward 633 years and you will find a prophet by the name of Habakkuk. Habukkuk’s name should serve as an indicator of his commitment to God as the name means “to ardently embrace.” God revealed to Habakkuk that difficult days lie ahead for his nation. Even still, Habakkuk writes the following:
2 Lord, I have heard the report about you;
Lord, I stand in awe of your deeds.
Revive your work in these years;
make it known in these years.
In your wrath remember mercy!
3 God comes from Teman,
the Holy One from Mount Paran.
Selah
His splendor covers the heavens,
and the earth is full of his praise.
4 His brilliance is like light;
rays are flashing from his hand.
This is where his power is hidden.
5 Plague goes before him,
and pestilence follows in his steps.
6 He stands and shakes the earth;
he looks and startles the nations.
The age-old mountains break apart;
the ancient hills sink down.
His pathways are ancient …
17 Though the fig tree does not bud
and there is no fruit on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though the flocks disappear from the pen
and there are no herds in the stalls,
18 yet I will celebrate in the Lord;
I will rejoice in the God of my salvation!
19 The Lord my Lord is my strength;
he makes my feet like those of a deer
and enables me to walk on mountain heights! (Hab. 3:2-6, 17-19).
Joshua was a man who looked back to the work of God with faith. He realized that God orchestrated all things together for his people. Habakkuk was a prophet who looked ahead with great anticipation with faith in how God would orchestrate all things together.
2020 has been a wild and crazy year. Let’s recap. We have experienced a pandemic, murder hornets, hurricanes that hit the East Coast and the Gulf of Mexico, unbelievable lightning storms, Australian wild brushfires on January 2, a Presidential impeachment trial and acquittal, schools to be forced completely online, the closure of professional sports leagues and movie theaters, businesses forced to close, and now we experienced the largest earthquake to hit the eastern seaboard in 100 years, not to mention the tremors that are occurring in various parts of the North American continent. Please, for the love of all that’s holy, no one ask, “What’s next?”
On the one hand, I think the Lord is trying to get everyone’s attention. A lot of these occurrences would be strange enough by themselves, but the combination of all these things together in the same year is quite telling. I believe God is trying to get everyone’s attention. Perhaps, like Joshua, God is revealing those areas of life that are more important than other areas that aren’t. Perhaps, God is challenging our idolatry by taking away those things we hold most dear.
On the other hand, I stand with Joshua and Habakkuk. This year has delivered a little bit of everything. The future is perhaps more uncertain now than it was when we first entered this year. However, when things are uncertain, that is when our faith and dependence in God shines the brightest. Though the world should crumble and pass away, and though none go with me; as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. Can you say the same?
Unless otherwise noted, all quoted Scripture comes from the Christian Standard Bible (Nashville: Holman, 2017).
About the Author
Brian G. Chilton is the founder of BellatorChristi.com, the host of The Bellator Christi Podcast, and the author of the Layman’s Manual on Christian Apologetics. He received his Master of Divinity in Theology from Liberty University (with high distinction); his Bachelor of Science in Religious Studies and Philosophy from Gardner-Webb University (with honors); and received certification in Christian Apologetics from Biola University. Brian is enrolled in the Ph.D. program in Theology and Apologetics at Liberty University and is a member of the Evangelical Theological Society and the Evangelical Philosophical Society. Brian has been in the ministry for nearly 20 years and serves as the Senior Pastor of Westfield Baptist Church in northwestern North Carolina.
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