Embracing the Lord’s Feet in Repentance
In the first chapter of Habakkuk, the prophet of Judah is exasperated—even overwhelmed—by the violence, injustice, and treachery surrounding Judah. There appears to be no sign of the presence, restraint, or power of God. It is not hard to imagine many World Vision staff in oppressive rural ADPs voicing similar cries to God from their souls.
Habakkuk voices his desperate plea: “O Lord, how long shall I cry, and You will not hear . . . and You will not save?” (Habakkuk 2:2). But in the midst of his despair among oppressors, he also expresses his faith when he affirms, “O Lord, You have appointed them for judgment . . . You have marked them for correction” (Habakkuk 1:12). Here is an example of enduring faith in a loving and just God.
Perhaps most impressive of all, related to spiritual formation or spiritual discipline, is Habakkuk’s commitment to create space for God to speak to him and correct him. He states, “I will stand my watch . . . to see what He will say to me, and what I will answer when I am corrected” (Habakkuk 2:1). He stands ready to be rebuked by God as he complains of the cruel injustice he sees.
Habakkuk’s attitude is similar to that of the prophet Daniel who suffered oppression under the Babylonians, but at the same time was keenly aware of Judah’s corporate sin. Daniel stood (and knelt) ready to be corrected by God, before he addressed others. For Daniel it involved “fasting, sackcloth, and ashes” (Daniel 9:3).
Embracing the feet of the Lord in repentance involves dealing with a host of personal sins and rebellion that can exist at any stage of Christian maturity. However, repentance can also involve “standing watch before God” to be corrected for corporate sins. As in Habakkuk’s case, and most of the prophets, God may ask a believer to “stand in the place of” their group or nation to renounce and repent of corporate sins—often called identificational repentance.
Habakkuk demonstrates a heartfelt determination to linger in humble watchfulness before God to be corrected. He anticipates receiving a clear word of teaching, direction, or vision from God, and knows he must give a response when he and his people hear from God.
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