God's response to those who question Him

Read Habakkuk 2.

The prophet complained and then tried to argue with God.  He appeared so confident in taking a stance and waiting to see how the LORD would respond to his logic.  God responded as forthrightly as possible.  "Write this down!," He ordered, so it could be clearly communicated.

Having gained the prophet's attention and with pen in hand, God unfolded His plan.  Indeed the Babylonians were wicked.  They were greedy, evil, violent, pride-filled, given to drunkenness, and idolaters.  The LORD did not overlook one of their sins.  In His time, He will judge that empire.  But, in the meantime, Judah was in need of God's discipline.

Three insights we all need to learn from verses 2-4:
1. God wants everyone to know what He has revealed.
"The vision" is the Word of God that He revealed and, therefore, is totally reliable and without error.  As the Apostle Peter explained, "...we did not follow cleverly devised myths...no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit" (2 Peter 2:16 and 21).  We have in writing and, thankfully, in our own language exactly what God wants us to know.

2. God acts on His time schedule, not ours.
He will not be late in carrying out His plans.  All will be fulfilled.  Those who love God need not be discouraged about the sin in this world and the difficulties in this life.  Solomon wrote: "He has made everything beautiful in its time" (Ecclesiastes 3:11)
 
3. Our response to God's plan and timing is to trust Him.
It may seem that the wicked get away with their sin and ungodly behaviors.  But those who know the LORD see beyond the current circumstances and look to the One who is control of all things.  He is worthy of our trust.  He is ever faithful.  In great contrast to the world around us, "the righteous shall live by his faith" (v.4).

The plan of God also looks forward to a day when every wrong will be made right.  In that day, when Jesus rules and reigns in the Millennial Kingdom, "the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters cover the sea" (v.14).  So, let the idolaters cease crying out to their made up objects of worship and life-guidance, and stop complaining or questioning God.  The LORD is in control, "in his holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before him" (v.20).