Living by FaithSample

The Immutable Love of God

Habakkuk, who had earlier cried out to God to intervene against Judah’s evil (Habakkuk 1:2-3), is stunned that God would use the Chaldeans to destroy His covenant people. How could God wipe out His Judah? Was not this the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob? Had He not covenanted with Israel and bound Himself by His eternal word to be their God? 

Habakkuk implores God for Judah by invoking His attributes. Habakkuk knew Judah was wicked. Judah deserved God’s condemnation. The Chaldeans were divine punishment upon Judah. However, God’s love for Judah did not rest upon their works or keeping the law but rather upon God’s very being. God’s love for His people was not due to their moral virtue or greatness. The LORD set His love upon His people and chose them simply because the LORD loved them and promised an oath to their fathers (Deuteronomy 7:7-8). Thus the famous line, “how odd of God, to choose the Jews.” The surety of God’s love rests upon His immutable character and His sovereign election.

Therefore, Habakkuk boldly asserts “we shall not die.” God, while angry at the sins of His people, will not cast them away forever. He will discipline them, but they will not be forsaken. This is great comfort for a Christian. God might chide and rebuke you for a season, but it is only because He is a loving Father. God is treating you as His child. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline…then you are illegitimate children and not sons. (Hebrews 12:4-11). Thus God’s discipline is but grace for His people. By discipline God prepares us for His home by weaning us of our addiction to the things of this world.