god takes care of the righteous

God Takes Care of the RighteousGod Takes Care of the Righteous

In the midst of God’s rebuke for the wicked In the midst of God’s rebuke for the wicked we can fail to see what God is doing for the we can fail to see what God is doing for the righteous!righteous!



I remember once I was in a class that had a I remember once I was in a class that had a high percentage of trouble makers.high percentage of trouble makers.



I remember once I was in a class that had a I remember once I was in a class that had a high percentage of trouble makers.high percentage of trouble makers.

I did not approve of what they did nor could I did not approve of what they did nor could I change them. Still I suffered punishments I change them. Still I suffered punishments because of them.because of them.


In addition to the punishments of the In addition to the punishments of the teachers on the class, I also had to suffer teachers on the class, I also had to suffer

because I did not go along with the because I did not go along with the rebellious.rebellious.


In addition to the punishments of the In addition to the punishments of the teachers on the class, I also had to suffer teachers on the class, I also had to suffer

because I did not go along with the because I did not go along with the rebellious.rebellious.

While the focus of the prophets is on the While the focus of the prophets is on the condition of the nation as a whole, those condition of the nation as a whole, those serving God are recognized and taken care serving God are recognized and taken care of.of.


We generally do not hear their voices but We generally do not hear their voices but we know they are there.we know they are there.



The future promises of God’s kingdom and The future promises of God’s kingdom and the Messiah have little comfort to the the Messiah have little comfort to the worldly. They are only interested in the worldly. They are only interested in the “here and now!”“here and now!”



The future promises of God’s kingdom and The future promises of God’s kingdom and the Messiah have little comfort to the the Messiah have little comfort to the worldly. They are only interested in the worldly. They are only interested in the “here and now!”“here and now!”

The pain of the righteous can be heard in The pain of the righteous can be heard in the Psalm of Asaph. the Psalm of Asaph. (Psa 73:11-17)(Psa 73:11-17)


Psalm 73:11-17Psalm 73:11-17 11 And they say, "How 11 And they say, "How does God know? And is there knowledge in does God know? And is there knowledge in the Most High?" 12 Behold, these the Most High?" 12 Behold, these are are the the ungodly, Who are always at ease; They ungodly, Who are always at ease; They increase increase in in riches. 13 Surely I have cleansed riches. 13 Surely I have cleansed my heart my heart in in vain, And washed my hands in vain, And washed my hands in innocence. 14 For all day long I have been innocence. 14 For all day long I have been plagued, And chastened every morning. plagued, And chastened every morning.


15 If I had said, "I will speak thus," Behold, 15 If I had said, "I will speak thus," Behold, I would have been untrue to the generation I would have been untrue to the generation of Your children. 16 When I thought of Your children. 16 When I thought how how to understand this, It to understand this, It was was too painful for me too painful for me -- 17 Until I went into the sanctuary of -- 17 Until I went into the sanctuary of God; God; Then Then I understood their end.I understood their end.

The Testing of the RighteousThe Testing of the Righteous

Have you ever looked around you and said: Have you ever looked around you and said: “These are the people of God???” “These are the people of God???” (Hab 1:1-4)(Hab 1:1-4)


Habakkuk 1:1-4 Habakkuk 1:1-4 The burden which the The burden which the prophet Habakkuk saw. 2 O LORD, how prophet Habakkuk saw. 2 O LORD, how long shall I cry, And You will not hear? long shall I cry, And You will not hear? Even cry out to You, "Violence!" And You Even cry out to You, "Violence!" And You will not save. 3 Why do You show me will not save. 3 Why do You show me iniquity, And cause iniquity, And cause me me to see trouble? For to see trouble? For plundering and violence plundering and violence are are before me; before me; There is strife, and contention arises. There is strife, and contention arises.


4 Therefore the law is powerless, And justice never goes forth. For the wicked surround the righteous; Therefore perverse judgment proceeds.


Hypocrites can cause many to turn away Hypocrites can cause many to turn away from God. Prophets, priests and kingsfrom God. Prophets, priests and kings were talking about God but living wickedly. were talking about God but living wickedly. This is hard to swallow!This is hard to swallow!


Hypocrites can cause many to turn away Hypocrites can cause many to turn away from God. Prophets, priests and kingsfrom God. Prophets, priests and kings were talking about God but living wickedly. were talking about God but living wickedly. This is hard to swallow!This is hard to swallow!

Like Asaph, Habakkuk wondered what God Like Asaph, Habakkuk wondered what God was doing.was doing.


This is a common test we must pass. Do not This is a common test we must pass. Do not let a hypocrite come between you and God. let a hypocrite come between you and God. (Rom 2:23-24; 3:4)(Rom 2:23-24; 3:4)


Romans 2:23-24 Romans 2:23-24 23 You who make your 23 You who make your boast in the law, do you dishonor God boast in the law, do you dishonor God through breaking the law? 24 For "the through breaking the law? 24 For "the name of God is blasphemed among the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you," as it is written.Gentiles because of you," as it is written.


Romans 3:4 Romans 3:4 4 Certainly not! Indeed, let 4 Certainly not! Indeed, let God be true but every man a liar. As it is God be true but every man a liar. As it is written: "That You may be justified in Your written: "That You may be justified in Your words, And may overcome when You are words, And may overcome when You are judged.“judged.“


If your “faithfulness” depends on numbers If your “faithfulness” depends on numbers then you will fail the test when it comes.then you will fail the test when it comes.


If your “faithfulness” depends on numbers If your “faithfulness” depends on numbers then you will fail the test when it comes.then you will fail the test when it comes.

An even greater pain comes when those An even greater pain comes when those who should be the people of God persecute who should be the people of God persecute you. you. (Amos 2:6-7)(Amos 2:6-7)


Amos 2:6-7Amos 2:6-7 - Thus says the LORD: "For - Thus says the LORD: "For three transgressions of Israel, and for four, I three transgressions of Israel, and for four, I will not turn away its will not turn away its punishment, punishment, Because Because they sell the righteous for silver, And the poor they sell the righteous for silver, And the poor for a pair of sandals. 7 They pant after the for a pair of sandals. 7 They pant after the dust of the earth dust of the earth which is which is on the head of the on the head of the poor, And pervert the way of the humble. A poor, And pervert the way of the humble. A man and his father go in to the man and his father go in to the same same girl, To girl, To defile My holy name.defile My holy name.


Can you imagine righteousness being Can you imagine righteousness being powerless among “the people of God?”powerless among “the people of God?”


Can you imagine righteousness being Can you imagine righteousness being powerless among “the people of God?”powerless among “the people of God?”

Here is where the righteous “keep silent” Here is where the righteous “keep silent” and wait on the Lord. and wait on the Lord. (Amos 5:12-13)(Amos 5:12-13)


Amos 5:12-13Amos 5:12-13 - For I know your manifold - For I know your manifold transgressions And your mighty sins: transgressions And your mighty sins: Afflicting the just Afflicting the just and and taking bribes; taking bribes; Diverting the poor Diverting the poor from justice from justice at the gate. at the gate. 13 Therefore the prudent keep silent at that 13 Therefore the prudent keep silent at that time, For it time, For it is is an evil time.an evil time.


How hard is it to keep silent when you are How hard is it to keep silent when you are slandered and taken advantage of?slandered and taken advantage of?


Imagine working with a dishonest Imagine working with a dishonest businessman. He has money and is praised! businessman. He has money and is praised! God knows the truth. God knows the truth. (Amos 8:4-6)(Amos 8:4-6)


Amos 8:4-6 Amos 8:4-6 4 Hear this, you who swallow up 4 Hear this, you who swallow up the needy, And make the poor of the land fail, the needy, And make the poor of the land fail, 5 Saying: "When will the New Moon be past, 5 Saying: "When will the New Moon be past, That we may sell grain? And the Sabbath, That That we may sell grain? And the Sabbath, That we may trade wheat? Making the ephah small we may trade wheat? Making the ephah small and the shekel large, Falsifying the scales by and the shekel large, Falsifying the scales by deceit, 6 That we may buy the poor for silver, deceit, 6 That we may buy the poor for silver, And the needy for a pair of sandals -- Even sell And the needy for a pair of sandals -- Even sell the bad wheat?“the bad wheat?“


Just like in Job’s day, people say God is Just like in Job’s day, people say God is with the “successful” and against those with the “successful” and against those

who suffer. They say: “Something who suffer. They say: “Something wrong with you!”wrong with you!”


Just like in Job’s day, people say God is Just like in Job’s day, people say God is with the “successful” and against those with the “successful” and against those

who suffer. They say: “Something who suffer. They say: “Something wrong with you!”wrong with you!”

If you do speak up for the will of God then If you do speak up for the will of God then you endure scorn and worse. you endure scorn and worse. (Mt 7:6)(Mt 7:6)


Matthew 7:6 Matthew 7:6 6 "Do not give what is holy 6 "Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces.feet, and turn and tear you in pieces.


It is painful to know God will punish the It is painful to know God will punish the people and there is nothing you can do.people and there is nothing you can do.


It is painful to know God will punish the It is painful to know God will punish the people and there is nothing you can do.people and there is nothing you can do.

Habakkuk prayed to God and received a Habakkuk prayed to God and received a troubling answer. troubling answer. (Hab 1:5-6, 12-13)(Hab 1:5-6, 12-13)


Habakkuk 1:5-6Habakkuk 1:5-6 - " Look among the - " Look among the nations and watch -- Be utterly astounded! nations and watch -- Be utterly astounded! For For I will I will work a work in your days work a work in your days Which Which you would not believe, though it were told you would not believe, though it were told you.you. 6 For indeed I am raising up the 6 For indeed I am raising up the Chaldeans, A bitter and hasty nation Which Chaldeans, A bitter and hasty nation Which marches through the breadth of the earth, To marches through the breadth of the earth, To possess dwelling places possess dwelling places that are that are not theirs.not theirs.


Habakkuk 1:12-13Habakkuk 1:12-13 - Are You not from - Are You not from everlasting, O LORD my God, my Holy One? We everlasting, O LORD my God, my Holy One? We shall not die. O LORD, You have appointed them shall not die. O LORD, You have appointed them for judgment; O Rock, You have marked them for for judgment; O Rock, You have marked them for correction. 13 correction. 13 You are You are of purer eyes than to of purer eyes than to behold evil, And cannot look on wickedness. behold evil, And cannot look on wickedness. Why do You look on those who deal Why do You look on those who deal treacherously, treacherously, And And hold Your tongue when the hold Your tongue when the wicked devours A wicked devours A person person more righteous than he?more righteous than he?


He prayed again, hoping for a different He prayed again, hoping for a different answer but got the same one. answer but got the same one. (Hab 2:1-3)(Hab 2:1-3)


Habakkuk 2:1-3Habakkuk 2:1-3 - I will stand my watch And - I will stand my watch And set myself on the rampart, And watch to see set myself on the rampart, And watch to see what He will say to me, And what I will what He will say to me, And what I will answer when I am corrected. 2 Then the answer when I am corrected. 2 Then the LORD answered me and said: "Write the LORD answered me and said: "Write the vision And make vision And make it it plain on tablets, That he plain on tablets, That he may run who reads it. 3 For the vision may run who reads it. 3 For the vision is is yet yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not liespeak, and it will not lie


Have you ever warned a loved one only to Have you ever warned a loved one only to wait for the coming “train wreck?”wait for the coming “train wreck?”

The Suffering of the RighteousThe Suffering of the Righteous

In addition to the previous persecution from In addition to the previous persecution from within, they will suffer when “the within, they will suffer when “the trumpets” of judgment sound for the nation. trumpets” of judgment sound for the nation.


In addition to the previous persecution from In addition to the previous persecution from within, they will suffer when “the within, they will suffer when “the trumpets” of judgment sound for the nation. trumpets” of judgment sound for the nation.

In the book of Revelation “trumpets” In the book of Revelation “trumpets” represented judgments. represented judgments. (Rev 8:6-9)(Rev 8:6-9)


Revelation 8:6-9 Revelation 8:6-9 6 So the seven angels 6 So the seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared who had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound. 7 The first angel themselves to sound. 7 The first angel sounded: And hail and fire followed, sounded: And hail and fire followed, mingled with blood, and they were thrown mingled with blood, and they were thrown to the earth. And a third of the trees were to the earth. And a third of the trees were burned up, and all green grass was burned burned up, and all green grass was burned up. up.


8 Then the second angel sounded: And 8 Then the second angel sounded: And something something like a great mountain burning like a great mountain burning with fire was thrown into the sea, and a with fire was thrown into the sea, and a third of the sea became blood. 9 And a third of the sea became blood. 9 And a third of the living creatures in the sea died, third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed.and a third of the ships were destroyed.


Will the righteous be hungry when the Will the righteous be hungry when the nation is? nation is? (Hab 3:16-17)(Hab 3:16-17)


Habakkuk 3:16-17 Habakkuk 3:16-17 - When I heard, my - When I heard, my body trembled; My lips quivered at body trembled; My lips quivered at the the voice; Rottenness entered my bones; And I voice; Rottenness entered my bones; And I trembled in myself, That I might rest in the trembled in myself, That I might rest in the day of trouble. When he comes up to the day of trouble. When he comes up to the people, He will invade them with his troops.people, He will invade them with his troops.


17 Though the fig tree may not blossom, 17 Though the fig tree may not blossom, Nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labor Nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of the olive may fail, And the fields yield of the olive may fail, And the fields yield no food; Though the flock may be cut off no food; Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, And there be no herd in the from the fold, And there be no herd in the stalls –stalls –


How did you feel on September 11, 2001? How did you feel on September 11, 2001? How would you feel if our country How would you feel if our country suffered economic collapse? Will Christians suffered economic collapse? Will Christians be exempt from consequences? be exempt from consequences?


Look at the suffering of the righteous, but Look at the suffering of the righteous, but also at the humility and self inspection this also at the humility and self inspection this brought. brought. (Micah 7:1-10)(Micah 7:1-10)


Micah 7:1-10 Micah 7:1-10 Woe is me! For I am like those Woe is me! For I am like those who gather summer fruits, Like those who who gather summer fruits, Like those who glean vintage grapes; glean vintage grapes; There is no There is no cluster to eat cluster to eat Of the first-ripe fruit Of the first-ripe fruit which which my soul desires. 2 my soul desires. 2 The faithful The faithful man man has perished from the earth, has perished from the earth, And And there is there is no one upright among men. They no one upright among men. They all lie in wait for blood; Every man hunts his all lie in wait for blood; Every man hunts his brother with a net. brother with a net.


3 That they may successfully do evil with 3 That they may successfully do evil with both hands -- The prince asks both hands -- The prince asks for gifts, for gifts, The The judge judge seeks seeks a bribe, And the great a bribe, And the great man man utters utters his evil desire; So they scheme together. 4 his evil desire; So they scheme together. 4 The best of them The best of them is is like a brier; The most like a brier; The most upright upright is sharper is sharper than a thorn hedge; The day than a thorn hedge; The day of your watchman and your punishment of your watchman and your punishment comes; Now shall be their perplexity. comes; Now shall be their perplexity.


5 Do not trust in a friend; Do not put your 5 Do not trust in a friend; Do not put your confidence in a companion; Guard the confidence in a companion; Guard the doors of your mouth From her who lies in doors of your mouth From her who lies in your bosom. 6 For son dishonors father, your bosom. 6 For son dishonors father, Daughter rises against her mother, Daughter rises against her mother, Daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; Daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; A man's enemies A man's enemies are are the men of his own the men of his own household. household.


7 Therefore I will look to the LORD; I will 7 Therefore I will look to the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation; My God wait for the God of my salvation; My God will hear me. 8 Do not rejoice over me, my will hear me. 8 Do not rejoice over me, my enemy; When I fall, I will arise; When I sit enemy; When I fall, I will arise; When I sit in darkness, The LORD in darkness, The LORD will be will be a light to a light to me. me.


9 I will bear the indignation of the LORD, 9 I will bear the indignation of the LORD, Because I have sinned against Him, Until He Because I have sinned against Him, Until He pleads my case And executes justice for me. pleads my case And executes justice for me. He will bring me forth to the light; I will see He will bring me forth to the light; I will see His righteousness. 10 Then His righteousness. 10 Then she who is she who is my my enemy will see, And shame will cover her who enemy will see, And shame will cover her who said to me, "Where is the LORD your God?" said to me, "Where is the LORD your God?" My eyes will see her; Now she will be My eyes will see her; Now she will be trampled down Like mud in the streets.trampled down Like mud in the streets.


God will act individually to help the God will act individually to help the righteous. righteous. (Ps 34:15-19)(Ps 34:15-19)


Psalm 34:15-19Psalm 34:15-19 - The eyes of the LORD - The eyes of the LORD are are on the righteous, And His ears on the righteous, And His ears are open are open to their cry. 16 The face of the LORD to their cry. 16 The face of the LORD is is against those who do evil, To cut off the against those who do evil, To cut off the remembrance of them from the earth. 17 remembrance of them from the earth. 17 The righteous The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears, cry out, and the LORD hears, And delivers them out of all their troubles. And delivers them out of all their troubles.


18 The LORD 18 The LORD is is near to those who have a near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit. 19 Many contrite spirit. 19 Many are are the afflictions the afflictions of the righteous, But the LORD delivers of the righteous, But the LORD delivers him out of them all.him out of them all.


How can a child of God overcome the loss How can a child of God overcome the loss of physical things? Remember Asaph! of physical things? Remember Asaph!


How can a child of God overcome the loss How can a child of God overcome the loss of physical things? Remember Asaph! of physical things? Remember Asaph!

The child of God has resources of The child of God has resources of nourishment and strength that no man or nourishment and strength that no man or

nation can take away! nation can take away! (Mal 3:16-(Mal 3:16-18)18)


Malachi 3:16-18Malachi 3:16-18 - Then those who feared - Then those who feared the LORD spoke to one another, And the the LORD spoke to one another, And the LORD listened and heard LORD listened and heard them; them; So a book So a book of remembrance was written before Him of remembrance was written before Him For those who fear the LORD And who For those who fear the LORD And who meditate on His name. meditate on His name.


17 "They shall be Mine," says the LORD of 17 "They shall be Mine," says the LORD of hosts, "On the day that I make them My hosts, "On the day that I make them My jewels. And I will spare them As a man jewels. And I will spare them As a man spares his own son who serves him." 18 spares his own son who serves him." 18 Then you shall again discern Between the Then you shall again discern Between the righteous and the wicked, Between one who righteous and the wicked, Between one who serves God And one who does not serve serves God And one who does not serve Him.Him.


What does worship allow us to see?What does worship allow us to see?


There is never a time where the child of There is never a time where the child of God can do nothing. Pray! God can do nothing. Pray! (Hab 3:1-2)(Hab 3:1-2)


Habakkuk 3:1-2 A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet, on Shigionoth. 2 O LORD, I have heard your speech and was afraid; O LORD, revive Your work in the midst of the years! In the midst of the years make it known; In wrath remember mercy.

How God comforts the RighteousHow God comforts the Righteous

There are the powerful promises of God. There are the powerful promises of God. (Hab 3:13)(Hab 3:13)


Habakkuk 3:13Habakkuk 3:13 - You went forth for the - You went forth for the salvation of Your people, For salvation with salvation of Your people, For salvation with Your Anointed. You struck the head from Your Anointed. You struck the head from the house of the wicked, By laying bare the house of the wicked, By laying bare from foundation to neck. Selahfrom foundation to neck. Selah


The righteous knew that the nation of Israel The righteous knew that the nation of Israel existed for a purpose.existed for a purpose.


The not only knew in advance of the The not only knew in advance of the captivity, but how long it would last and captivity, but how long it would last and

that their return would bring the that their return would bring the Messiah. Messiah. (Zeph 3:19-20; Micah 4:1-3, 9-(Zeph 3:19-20; Micah 4:1-3, 9-10)10)


Zephaniah 3:19-20 Zephaniah 3:19-20 19 Behold, at that time I 19 Behold, at that time I will deal with all who afflict you; I will save the will deal with all who afflict you; I will save the lame, And gather those who were driven out; I lame, And gather those who were driven out; I will appoint them for praise and fame In every will appoint them for praise and fame In every land where they were put to shame. 20 At that land where they were put to shame. 20 At that time I will bring you back, Even at the time I time I will bring you back, Even at the time I gather you; For I will give you fame and praise gather you; For I will give you fame and praise Among all the peoples of the earth, When I return Among all the peoples of the earth, When I return your captives before your eyes," Says the LORD.your captives before your eyes," Says the LORD.


Micah 4:1-3 Micah 4:1-3 Now it shall come to pass in Now it shall come to pass in the latter days the latter days That That the mountain of the the mountain of the LORD's house Shall be established on the LORD's house Shall be established on the top of the mountains, And shall be exalted top of the mountains, And shall be exalted above the hills; And peoples shall flow to it.above the hills; And peoples shall flow to it.


2 Many nations shall come and say, "Come, 2 Many nations shall come and say, "Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, To the house of the God of Jacob; LORD, To the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, And we shall He will teach us His ways, And we shall walk in His paths." For out of Zion the law walk in His paths." For out of Zion the law shall go forth, And the word of the LORD shall go forth, And the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. from Jerusalem.


3 He shall judge between many peoples, 3 He shall judge between many peoples, And rebuke strong nations afar off; They And rebuke strong nations afar off; They shall beat their swords into plowshares, And shall beat their swords into plowshares, And their spears into pruning hooks; Nation their spears into pruning hooks; Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, shall not lift up sword against nation, Neither shall they learn war any more.Neither shall they learn war any more.


Micah 4:9-10 Micah 4:9-10 9 Now why do you cry aloud? 9 Now why do you cry aloud? Is Is there there no king in your midst? Has your counselor no king in your midst? Has your counselor perished? For pangs have seized you like a woman perished? For pangs have seized you like a woman in labor. 10 Be in pain, and labor to bring forth, O in labor. 10 Be in pain, and labor to bring forth, O daughter of Zion, Like a woman in birth pangs. For daughter of Zion, Like a woman in birth pangs. For now you shall go forth from the city, You shall now you shall go forth from the city, You shall dwell in the field, And to Babylon you shall go. dwell in the field, And to Babylon you shall go. There you shall be delivered; There the LORD will There you shall be delivered; There the LORD will redeem you From the hand of your enemies.redeem you From the hand of your enemies.


They knew that God would bring good from They knew that God would bring good from the judgments on Israel. the judgments on Israel. (Zeph 3:8-14)(Zeph 3:8-14)


Zephaniah 3:8-14 Zephaniah 3:8-14 8 " Therefore wait for 8 " Therefore wait for Me," says the LORD, "Until the day I rise Me," says the LORD, "Until the day I rise up for plunder; My determination up for plunder; My determination is is to to gather the nations To My assembly of gather the nations To My assembly of kingdoms, To pour on them My kingdoms, To pour on them My indignation, All my fierce anger; All the indignation, All my fierce anger; All the earth shall be devoured With the fire of My earth shall be devoured With the fire of My jealousy. jealousy.


9 "For then I will restore to the peoples a 9 "For then I will restore to the peoples a pure language, That they all may call on the pure language, That they all may call on the name of the LORD, To serve Him with one name of the LORD, To serve Him with one accord. 10 From beyond the rivers of accord. 10 From beyond the rivers of Ethiopia My worshipers, The daughter of Ethiopia My worshipers, The daughter of My dispersed ones, Shall bring My My dispersed ones, Shall bring My offering.offering.


11 In that day you shall not be shamed for 11 In that day you shall not be shamed for any of your deeds In which you transgress any of your deeds In which you transgress against Me; For then I will take away from against Me; For then I will take away from your midst Those who rejoice in your pride, your midst Those who rejoice in your pride, And you shall no longer be haughty In My And you shall no longer be haughty In My holy mountain. 12 I will leave in your holy mountain. 12 I will leave in your midst A meek and humble people, And they midst A meek and humble people, And they shall trust in the name of the LORD. shall trust in the name of the LORD.


13 The remnant of Israel shall do no 13 The remnant of Israel shall do no unrighteousness And speak no lies, Nor unrighteousness And speak no lies, Nor shall a deceitful tongue be found in their shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth; For they shall feed mouth; For they shall feed their their flocks and flocks and lie down, And no one shall make lie down, And no one shall make them them afraid." 14 Sing, O daughter of Zion! afraid." 14 Sing, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all Shout, O Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your your heart, O daughter of Jerusalem!heart, O daughter of Jerusalem!


It is so important that we do not take the It is so important that we do not take the road of ease in our serving God!road of ease in our serving God!


There is the nature of God.There is the nature of God.


There is the nature of God.There is the nature of God. Jesus used the past workings of God to give Jesus used the past workings of God to give

Him comfort on the cross. Him comfort on the cross. (Ps 22:3-5)(Ps 22:3-5)


Psalm 22:3-5 Psalm 22:3-5 3 But You 3 But You are are holy, holy, Enthroned in the praises of Israel. 4 Our Enthroned in the praises of Israel. 4 Our fathers trusted in You; They trusted, and fathers trusted in You; They trusted, and You delivered them. 5 They cried to You, You delivered them. 5 They cried to You, and were delivered; They trusted in You, and were delivered; They trusted in You, and were not ashamed.and were not ashamed.


God told this remnant how much He loved God told this remnant how much He loved them! them! (Zech 9:16-17)(Zech 9:16-17)


Zechariah 9:16-17Zechariah 9:16-17 - The LORD their God - The LORD their God will save them in that day, As the flock of will save them in that day, As the flock of His people. For they His people. For they shall be like shall be like the jewels the jewels of a crown, Lifted like a banner over His of a crown, Lifted like a banner over His land -- 17 For how great is its goodness land -- 17 For how great is its goodness And how great its beauty! Grain shall make And how great its beauty! Grain shall make the young men thrive, And new wine the the young men thrive, And new wine the young women.young women.


They knew that waiting on the Lord would They knew that waiting on the Lord would bring deliverance to God’s people. bring deliverance to God’s people.


They knew that waiting on the Lord would They knew that waiting on the Lord would bring deliverance to God’s people. bring deliverance to God’s people.

We must let God be our rock and deliverer.We must let God be our rock and deliverer.


Questions to Consider:Questions to Consider:


Questions to Consider:Questions to Consider: 1. Why are the righteous tested when they 1. Why are the righteous tested when they

see wicked men prospering and righteous see wicked men prospering and righteous men suffering?men suffering?


2. What are the effects of hypocrisy upon 2. What are the effects of hypocrisy upon the world and the people of God? What the world and the people of God? What happens when hypocrisy becomes the norm happens when hypocrisy becomes the norm among “the people of God?”among “the people of God?”


2. What are the effects of hypocrisy upon 2. What are the effects of hypocrisy upon the world and the people of God? What the world and the people of God? What happens when hypocrisy becomes the norm happens when hypocrisy becomes the norm among “the people of God?”among “the people of God?”

3. What can the righteous do when justice 3. What can the righteous do when justice does not prevail in a nation? does not prevail in a nation?


2. What are the effects of hypocrisy upon the 2. What are the effects of hypocrisy upon the world and the people of God? What happens world and the people of God? What happens when hypocrisy becomes the norm among “the when hypocrisy becomes the norm among “the people of God?”people of God?”

3. What can the righteous do when justice does 3. What can the righteous do when justice does not prevail in a nation? not prevail in a nation?

4. What will and will not happen to the righteous 4. What will and will not happen to the righteous when God brings physical judgments upon a when God brings physical judgments upon a nation? nation?


5. What promises of God do we have that 5. What promises of God do we have that will sustain us in troubling times?will sustain us in troubling times?



6. How does God’s nature give us comfort?6. How does God’s nature give us comfort?



6. How does God’s nature give us comfort?6. How does God’s nature give us comfort? 7. What can a handful of righteous people 7. What can a handful of righteous people

do to help a nation?do to help a nation?

god takes care of the righteous

Documents

sanctuary of god

people of god

midst of gods rebuke

righteousin addition

wicked surround

little comfort

perverse judgment proceeds

prophet habakkuk