The three Bible readings for Sunday, October 5th contain a common theme of trust in the Lord, but from three different perspectives.
Habakkuk 1:1-4 and 2:1-4
Habakkuk was an Old Testament prophet and his message is for the people in the southern kingdom of Judah. Babylon was becoming a dominant power at the time and Judah was soon going to be the target of Babylon’s destructive force.
Habakkuk saw evil in the world around him and he took his concerns to God. And God answered him.
In Habakkuk 1:1-4, the prophet cries out – “How long, Lord, must I call for help but you do not listen, or cry out to you, “Violence!” but you do not save?” The prophet saw great evil and questioned why the Lord would not do something about it. But then, in Habakkuk 2:2-4, the Lord replied, “write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it. For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it will linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay. See the enemy is puffed up, his desires are not upright – but the righteous person will live by his faithfulness.”
The Lord God’s timing, patient waiting. The prophet’s concerns will be addressed according to His timing. Trust in the Lord. He is directing all things according to His purpose.
Psalm 37:1-9
This psalm is written by David and the theme is trust – trust in the Lord and wait patiently for Him to act. Verses 1 and 2 describe evil that will wither and die away, much like a weed in a garden. A wicked person versus a righteous person – a weed and a healthy plant. The Lord will act against the wicked when the time is right. Then David writes encouraging words that the reader should trust in the Lord and take delight in the Lord. Why? The Lord will care for us better than we can care for ourselves. Verse 7 instructs the reader to wait for the Lord because He will work out what is best for us.
Trust in the Lord.
2 Timothy 1:1-14
This letter is the last letter the apostle Paul wrote before his death in Rome. The recipient was his pupil and friend, Timothy, who is now a leader in the church. The letter is full of encouragement to Timothy who will soon carry on his ministry without the support of his mentor, Paul.
Paul urges Timothy to grow in the special gifts from the Holy Spirit and use them in his ministry to serve others. Persecution of Christians is increasing and Paul writes that Timothy should also expect to suffer at some point. Paul suffered greatly during his ministry but he found comfort and solace in Christ. Even though he suffered, Paul knew God was in control. Paul knew his life was coming to a close, but God had given Timothy everything he needed – His Word and Paul’s teaching – to carry on the ministry and spread the gospel. Timothy would not be alone in his ministry.
Trust in the Lord.
Summary
Three different writers, three different perspectives, one very clear message. No matter the circumstances – evil in the world from a powerful force, wicked people, or persecution – the message is the same. Trust in the Lord. You may be angry or upset about something or someone. Don’t allow that to overwhelm you. Turn to the Lord, trust in the Lord. He hears your prayers and will respond in His time and way.
Trust in the Lord. That is where you will find comfort and peace.
Marsha Schroeder
Church Elder