How should Habakkuk 3:5 influence our response to global crises today? Setting the scene “Plague went before Him, and fever followed in His steps.” (Habakkuk 3:5) Habakkuk is describing the Lord marching out in judgment and salvation. Even disease and disaster are pictured as servants at His command, moving ahead of Him and trailing behind Him as He accomplishes His purposes. What the verse reveals about God • Supreme authority – every force that terrifies humanity answers to Him (Job 38:22-23). • Moral governance – He deploys judgment to confront wickedness and call nations to repentance (Exodus 9:14). • Protective faithfulness – the same God who wields plague also shields His own (Psalm 91:3-7). • Redemptive intent – historical judgments anticipate the ultimate deliverance of His people (Habakkuk 3:13). How the verse shapes our outlook in global crises • Crises are not random; they unfold under God’s sovereign hand. • Fear can be replaced with worship, because the One behind the turmoil is also our refuge (Psalm 46:1-2). • Calls to repentance become urgent; if plague is “before Him,” we want to be found behind Him, reconciled through Christ (Luke 13:3-5). • Hope remains steady; every shaking of the nations positions history for Christ’s return (Matthew 24:7-14). Practical responses 1. Examine and repent – Personal sin, national sin, church complacency (2 Chronicles 7:13-14). 2. Intercede boldly – Stand in the gap for afflicted peoples, governments, health workers (1 Timothy 2:1-2). 3. Proclaim the gospel – Suffering hearts are open to the good news of a sovereign Savior (Romans 1:16). 4. Serve sacrificially – Provide food, medical help, companionship, reflecting Christ’s compassion (James 2:15-16). 5. Persevere in hope – Fix eyes on “the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13). Encouraging promises to remember • “Though the fig tree does not bud… yet I will rejoice in the LORD” (Habakkuk 3:17-18). • “He Himself bore our sicknesses” (Matthew 8:17). • “No plague shall approach your tent” (Psalm 91:10)—His protection is sovereignly timed and tailored. • “He will wipe away every tear” (Revelation 21:4)—the final end to all crises. Key takeaway Because even plague “goes before Him,” global crises are ultimately under God’s direction. Instead of panic, His people respond with repentance, intercession, gospel witness, compassionate service, and unshakeable hope in His coming kingdom. |
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