Grow Guide | Nov 27, 2022
People of the Promise
Habakkuk 1:1-4, 2:1-4, 3:17-19
Connecting Questions
· What are you grateful for this week?
· Who is your life has taught you how to live with hope?
Context
This week is our second Sunday in a 5-week worship series called “People of the Promise.” We will be focusing on the stories of prophets and servants who rely on God’s promises (even if they are also warnings). November 27 is also the first Sunday in the season of Advent, when we’ll remember the ways the prophets looked to the future, speaking words of judgment and hope.
This week we focus on the book of Habakkuk, which is located among the prophetic books of the Old Testament. In Scripture, a prophet is a person who delivers messages from God to the people. Habakkuk prophesied around the year 600 B.C.E., while the Southern Kingdom (Judah) became subordinate to Babylon. Corruption was increasing in Jerusalem, widening the gap between the rich and the poor. Habakkuk questions God about why the people are suffering, and why they are waiting for God to act. Habakkuk goes on a journey from a personal crisis of faith to hope in God’s promises; he moves from fear to hope.
Look at the Book
Read Habakkuk 1:1-4.
Who is Habakkuk speaking to in chapter 1?
What is Habakkuk’s tone? What is he feeling?
What are his frustrations?
Have you ever spoken to God in a similar way? What is it like to express yourself fully to God?
Read Habakkuk 2:1-4.
What is Habakkuk waiting for in 2:1?
How does the Lord answer Habakkuk in vs. 2-4?
When will the vision from the Lord be fulfilled? Do you think Habakkuk will be patient in waiting for that vision? What does he need to do to find the patience to wait for God’s promises?
The phrase “the righteous live by their faith” (in vs. 4) is quoted in the New Testament in Romans 1:17 and Galatians 3:11.
Look up the New Testament verses that quote this phrase. In what contexts do they use the phrase?
This phrase is important to Lutherans because it names how God makes us right by grace through faith. We live with faith in the promises of Jesus Christ.
Read 3:17-19.
How do you view these verses considering Habakkuk’s earlier angry words to God? How do they show his movement from despair to hope?
God doesn’t answer Habakkuk’s questions in this book, and life continues to be difficult. Yet Habakkuk has learned to find hope. Where have you experienced comfort in hard times?
Attorney Bryan Stevenson, author of the book Just Mercy, has said, "Hope is your superpower. Don't let anybody or anything make you hopeless. Hope is the enemy of injustice.” How do we see the power of hope in people who have had to work for justice for decades or even generations?
Taking it Home
· In your prayers and/or a journal this week, practice sharing your most honest feelings with God. Reflect on how it impacts your relationship with God.
· Learn about people who have worked for justice for long periods without losing hope. How did or do they remain hopeful despite challenges?