The Gospel According to Habakkuk’s Prayer
12/8 Reading Portions: 2 Chronicles 8; 3 John; Habakkuk 3; Luke 22
Online Bible Audio/Readings Links (ESV)
12/8 Reading Portions: 2 Chronicles 8; 3 John; Habakkuk 3; Luke 22
Habakkuk 3:17-18
Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD; I will take joy in the God of my salvation.
GLADNESS
Habakkuk becomes a sweet psalmist in his writing (Hab 3:19), and by his prophetic prayer, points to the blessed truth of Jesus Messiah. While these verses were true in Habakkuk’s day, they find their greater fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Messiah. When Jesus came to Israel in the fullness of time (Gal 4:4), Israel was a fig tree that did not blossom with faith. They produced no fruit of righteousness before YHVH God because they refused to abide in the true Vine of the promised Messiah. They had forsaken any oil of anointing from above for the sake of the haughty works from their own hands. Israel’s spiritual fields yielded no nourishment for the people. Moreover, the flocks and herds of people converted to be followers of the true God were only made twofold children of hell as the religious leaders proselytized them (Matt 23:15). Despite all this, Jesus Messiah, the incarnate God came, not only as the Man of Sorrows who was acquainted with grief (Isa 53:3), but He was also anointed with the oil of gladness beyond His companions (Psa 45:7; Heb 1:9); and Jesus delighted ever and always to do the Father’s will (Psa 40:8; John 5:30; 6:38).
Jesus did this for you and me as well. All that Israel was guilty of, Jesus came humbly, righteously, perfectly, submissively, and happily to seek the Father’s will and to do His will. He saved us while we were weak, ungodly, sinners who hated God (Rom 5:6, 8, 10). And He did so with no profit to Himself and at the cost of His life and unfathomable suffering on the cross. Hallelujah! What a Savior!
Though the fig tree should not blossom,
Nor fruit be on the vines,
I rejoice in my Lord’s shed blood,
My merciful Refuge sublime.