A Clear Vision

Scripture

Habakkuk 2:2     Then the LORD answered me and said:
    Write the vision;
        make it plain on tablets,
        so that a runner may read it.
3     For there is still a vision for the appointed time;
        it speaks of the end, and does not lie.
    If it seems to tarry, wait for it;
        it will surely come, it will not delay.
4     Look at the proud!
        Their spirit is not right in them,
        but the righteous live by their faith.
5     Moreover, wealth is treacherous;
        the arrogant do not endure.
    They open their throats wide as Sheol;
        like Death they never have enough.
    They gather all nations for themselves,
        and collect all peoples as their own.

Observation

Habakkuk has brought his complaint before God and now he receives a response. The LORD answers him and tells him to write down the vision. It is to be written on a tablet and hung in a place of where it will receive the attention of the people. It’s probably somewhere in the center of the city where everyone will be able to see the words. The runner will be able to read it and take the news to across the land.

The vision is made very clear for all of God’s people and it brings with it a word of hope. Life may be difficult at this time with exile a contributing factor. However, this will pass because God’s vision is clear and it will come to be. Those who have the power and authority will be at a great loss for the material gains of this life will mean nothing in the future. The clear vision is one of final deliverance from the hand of Babylon and this good news is to be hung in a visible place where all who pass by will be able to see it. God will be victorious and God’s people will be set free.

Application

Not only does God answer Habakkuk’s question, but God also instructs in the value of a clear vision. There was to be no guesswork about God’s vision and we are to participate in making that vision clear. Just as Habakkuk was instructed to hang in the vision in a place of prominence, so are we instructed to place the good news into the center of life. The vision of the kingdom of God must be made clear and the invitation understood.

Somehow I think that we have tried to be far too clever when it comes to sharing about the kingdom. We look for ways in which the message can be made more palatable to the culture. The result is that the message becomes hidden and not plain. At times it is so hidden that we don’t even recognize it for what it truly is. Lost is the message of hope and the clear vision of transformation at the hands of the LORD.

In frustration Habakkuk cried out to God and the LORD’s response was the clear vision. We needn’t be afraid to come before the LORD with our questions. We won’t always be comfortable with what is happening in life and we will want to ask God for direction. When we get that response, it becomes our responsibility to keep the vision clearly before ourselves and others. We should never hide the good news of Jesus Christ and must focus on keeping the vision of the message of hope clear for all to see and receive.

Prayer

Lord, thank you for placing a vision clearly before us. Please, help me to follow your vision and keep it clear before others. Amen.