This week’s study revealed the turning of a corner in Habakkuk’s life. By the third chapter of his book we see him move from questioning, doubting, wondering if God is present to acceptance of God’s plan for the Israelites. One friend at the table expressed her view of life when evil seems to have the upper hand. She said,
“I just don’t understand why those who are living according to God’s will and plan have to endure the consequences of those who are evil. It doesn’t seem fair to me.”
While this may be difficult to accept, fairness doesn’t seem to be at the top of God’s priority list. I can’t find Scripture to support our understanding of life being fair. Because what we really mean is life should be equal. Equal pay for equal work, bad things happen to bad people, blessing and success for those who are living good lives. You know that whole, “Eye for an eye. Tooth for a tooth.” “You get what you deserve.” “What comes around goes around” kind of thinking.
One might think the state of unfairness is a result of a broken world, but I’m not leaning toward that explanation either. You see the most perfect, lived a good life, righteous person I know lived and died in the worst way. Nothing about Jesus’ life or death was fair or equal. Nothing about the sacrifice He made for us is fair either. I’m not worth the price He paid for me. I’ve certainly not received what I deserve.
This is the same Jesus who had a few words to say about fair-ness.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’But I tell you, do not resist an evil person.
If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Jesus, Matthew 5:38-48
The author of Embracing Joy writes,
God’s priority above all else is to build a relationship with us. It’s the very reason He came in flesh and dwelt among us. He lived and died so that we might enter His presence. Stepping into relationship with God begins a life-long faith building journey. There’s just nothing fair about it.
Our study of Habakkuk gives reasons for the trouble and shaking that come our way. In the hard and unfair circumstances of our life:
God moves for, in, and through His Children… He shakes up His children to build up their faith.
- For His children to lead them into repentance and a proper fear of Him.
- In His children to restore them into His fellowship and strengthen their faith.
- Through His children to display His glory and salvation.
Jean Wilund
When I consider my trouble in light of these three phrases, something in me shifts. Like Habakkuk, I begin to experience a bit of hope in all that’s going on in my home, my neighborhood, and my world. I believe God’s heart is set on using all we experience to bring us into full and complete relationship with Him. to learn to love Him with our whole heart, soul, and mind. And to learn to love others too.
That’s it.
Plain and Simple.
All the law and the prophets.
All God is doing and allowing in our lives.
Every. single. thing.
Is to redeem and restore His children
to return us to our glorious created condition.
He did just that by
coming to this world in flesh and blood
becoming vulnerable to the point of death
enduring unthinkable pain
that we might be His.
Well.
There’s nothing fair about that.
Unraveled Love 
Leave a comment