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Fully Embracing the Lord: Summary of Principles from Habakkuk

“Fully embracing the Lord” is an ongoing practice and experience of adoration, repentance, and obedience as we have observed from many biblical examples.

The prophet Habakkuk demonstrates an embrace of the Lord’s feet in repentance by his readiness to stand before God for correction in the midst of his severe complaints about the wickedness of an oppressive, conquering nation.

We see his embrace of the Lord’s hand in obedience, when he responded to a fresh challenge to wait for the vision and calling of God. His obedience was also demonstrated in his heartfelt prayer that he be able to see God’s work revived in his day.

Finally, we see Habakkuk’s embrace of the Lord in adoration in his many expressions of awe and reverence for God’s holiness and glory. His adoration is also expressed by his declaration that the source of his strength and joy is God himself who constantly strengthens him.

Even in Habakkuk’s name, which means “embraced by God” and “embracing others”, we see a principle applicable to World Vision ministry. Embracing God in response to his embrace, and then embracing others, is a beautiful picture of World Vision’s ministry to people and communities.

“…but the righteous will live by his faith” (Habakkuk 2:4). This clarion description of how followers of God are called to live day-by-day—cleaving and clinging to him in grateful trust—became a solid New Testament truth for Christians for all time. The prophet expresses his confident conviction that despite war and confusing calamity, faith in the living God is the only way for a believer to prevail over oppression and death. Certainly Habakkuk’s life and teaching can be an encouragement to weary World Vision staff to find fresh life and vitality by daily placing their confident faith in Christ.

 

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