Habakkuk 3:17-19 - The Empty Barn

The Old Testament prophets lived in gut-wrenching tension. Their message was this: Israel had sinned and now God was allowing foreign armies to take them captive. God was trying to get their attention, trying to get them to turn back to Him.

Even to the prophets, it seemed unfair that evil, ungodly nations would be used to deliver such a harsh warning. Worse yet, the prophets themselves were criticized and persecuted by their fellow Israelites for speaking the truth--even though they suffered alongside their countrymen.

Habakkuk was such a prophet. His writings jump back and forth between facing down evil, and yet trusting God at the same time. For example:

“Behold, as for the proud one, His soul is not right within him; But the righteous will live by his faith." (Habakkuk 2:4, New American Standard Bible)

"Has not the Lord of Heaven’s Armies promised that the wealth of nations will turn to ashes? They work so hard, but all in vain! For as the waters fill the sea, the earth will be filled with an awareness of the glory of the Lord." (2:13-14, New Living Translation, 2015)
Therefore, "The Lord is in his holy Temple. Let all the earth be silent before him." (2:20, NLT)

The prophet's heart cry is summarized well in Habakkuk 3:2 (NLT):
"I have heard all about you, Lord. I am filled with awe by your amazing works. In this time of our deep need, help us again as you did in years gone by. And in your anger, remember your mercy."

Destruction and salvation are summarized in the last three verses of his prophecy. The description wasn't just metaphor; the land itself had been raided and pillaged...

"17 Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, 18 yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! 19 The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights." (Habakkuk 3:17–19, NLT)

 

I am fascinated by old barns, but when they are deserted I wonder how much work went into building the barn and what work went on inside the barn. How much livestock, how many crops passed through this structure? Who was the farmer that had to abandon his life's work here?

Habakkuk knew that joy isn't found in hoping to restore barns and replace losses. It is God; God who rescues and saves. Such broad perspective can only be seen from those heights where surefooted deer look down on the valley. 

Father, I need saving, just like Habakkuk. When my resources are depleted and when evil seems to get the upper hand, and I lose my grip on You... rescue me. Standing on a mountain ledge seems precarious. That's when I need you to steady my balance, so I can view life from a higher perspective. Amen

Photos:
Barn, photographed June 2009, south of Lamasco, Kentucky
Mountain goats, photographed July 2017, Mt. Rainier National Park