Living by FaithSample

Escaping Divine Judgement

Presbyterian minister Andrew Bonar used to describe how in the Scottish Highlands, a sheep would frequently wander away to feed upon the sweet grass. Often the sheep would jump into mountain crevices some few feet deep and get stuck. The shepherd would hear it bleating in distress, yet he would wait for days till the sheep was faint and weak before going and rescuing it. Why does the shepherd wait? Very simply because sheep are very foolish and if they saw the shepherd, they would run over the precipice in their efforts to save themselves. Such is also the case with men. We believe we are in control of our lives, and think our strength is sufficient in this world. We boast in our achievements and good works. The world tells us repeatedly to “believe in yourself.” However when sickness, pain, and tragedy arrive, we realise our true fragility. 

Habakkuk recognises the frailty of the people of Judah before the judgement of God. They are like dumb, helpless fish which the nets drag away. There is nothing they can do to stand against God’s appointed wrath. Their cities, their armies, their diplomacy, and their might are no match against the imperial power of Chaldea, which mercilessly kills nations. 

In this world, God calls us to let go of our illusions of self-sufficiency and pride. As God’s creation we are dependent upon the creator God for our every breath. As sinners who have rebelled against the High King of heaven, we are under condemnation of death unless we bow our knees to Jesus as Lord and surrender our lives to him. We can be saved from the coming judgement of God upon sinners only by humbling ourselves and casting our lives upon the mercy of God in Jesus.