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The Habakkuk Road part 2
The Habakkuk Road part 2 continues in the Lectio Divina way, starting with a mindful study of the passage before meditating on and contemplating how the Living Word will transform our inner lives.
Lectio Divina is an ancient way of studying the scriptures developed over a thousand years by several of the mystics, profound men of faith; and ultimately formalized by Guido II in the Twelfth Century[1].
Four woes
1. Heaping up goods stolen from others
Woe to him who heaps up what is not his own;
for how long?
Some things never change. Nearly three millennia ago, Habakkuk warns against the theft of what is not our own; and today also finding its way into the plagiarism of the thoughts of others which are not ours without giving them due recognition.
We bask for a moment in what in reality is the glory of others but for how long? Soon all will be revealed.
2. Evil gain
Woe to him who gets evil gain for his house, cutting off many people.
For the stone will cry out from the wall
And the beam from the woodwork respond.
It is only in the silence that the Lord brings out what we have neatly swept under the carpet, hoping it will be out of sight and mind. But even hidden there, often deep in our subconscious, the evil gain cries out.
Some things can never be undone; but the prophet calls us to repentance. By doing such things we forfeit our very lives.
Be still and know that I am God. Allow the Spirit into the deeper sanctuaries of our lives to root out what is evil; only then will we find peace, healing and resolution.
3. Civilisations built on blood and iniquity
Woe to him who builds a town with blood,
and founds a city on iniquity.
That people labours only for fire and weary themselves for nought.
Almost every nation one supposes is guilty to some extent. Whilst not directly responsible most likely, as citizens we carry a part of the blame.
In South Africa we should never forget the blood shed and the iniquity that built our towns and cities.
We are currently witnessing the rape of Ukraine, the destruction of Gaza and the threats of violence by the super powers. Ultimately they weary themselves for nought, says Habakkuk.
4. Our anger
Woe to him to makes his neighbours drink of the cup of his wrath.
You will be sated with contempt instead of glory.
The cup in the Lord's hand will come around to you.
The violence done to Lebanon will overwhelm you.
Be still and know that I am God. How has my anger inflicted great pain on others? Ultimately the violence done to others will overwhelm us. Lord have mercy.
A prayer: Renew thy work
Thy work O Lord do I fear.
In the midst of the years renew it.
In the midst of the years make it known.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Have we lost that deep awe of Almighty God?
Let us pray that at this time, He would renew it and make his work known.
Let us never forget the awesome nature of our God. He bestrides the earth in fury and tramples the nations in anger, reminds Habakkuk.
No matter what, joy in the Lord
Though the fig tree do not blossom, nor fruit be on the vine,
the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food;
and there be no herd in the stalls,
yet will I rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.
Finally Habakkuk reflects that his love for God is so deep that whether the Father blesses him or not, yet will he rejoice in the Lord.
How remote that is from my shallow love for God. First, Lord you must bless me; only then will I acknowledge your greatness and my utter dependence on you.
Lectio Divina calls upon us to meditate on these words, contemplate them and then allow them to transform our hearts.
Now is the time to be still; what will he say to me?
And finally to end in prayer.
The material expressed on this page is gleaned from the nutritional and environmental literature; it is clearly referenced. A plain distinction is made between the author's opinion and that which is scientifically proven. When in doubt consult your health professional.
To suggest a correction or clarification, write to Dr Bernard Preston here. Contact.
The Habakkuk Road part 2
The Habakkuk Road part 2 weighs more of the challenges brought to both our private lives and society in general by this amazing Old Testament prophet.
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Here are the back issues.
- Lifestyle and ideal body weight
- What are ultra-processed foods?
- Investing in long-term health
- Diseases from plastic exposure
- Intensive lifestyle management for obesity has limited value
- A world largely devoid of Parkinson's Disease
- The impact of friendly bacteria in the tum on the prevention of cancer
- There's a hole in the bucket
- Everyone is talking about weight loss drugs
- Pull the sweet tooth
- If you suffer from heartburn plant a susu
- Refined maize meal and stunting
- Should agriculture and industry get priority for water and electricity?
- Nature is calling
- Mill your own flour
- Bake your own sourdough bread
- Microplastics from our water
- Alternative types of water storage
- Wear your clothes out
- Comfort foods
- Create a bee-friendly environment
- Go to bed slightly hungry
- Keep bees
- Blue zone folk are religious
- Reduce plastic waste
- Family is important
- What can go in compost?
- Grow broad beans for longevity
- Harvest and store sunshine
- Blue zone exercise
- Harvest and store your rainwater
- Create a cyan zone at your home
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