Pastor’s Letter – May 23, 2020 – In Wrath Remember Mercy

O Lord, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid: O Lord, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy.

Habakkuk 3:2

Dear Church and Friends,

How do you begin your prayers? The prophet shows us today how he prays. Habakkuk chapter 3 is the final chapter in his prophecy and contains his prayer. The second verse is his opening statement which gives us a glimpse into his heart.

• He begins by confessing his awe of God’s word. The “fear” he mentions is one motivated by wonder. We should confess by faith our wonder of God’s word and its impact in our lives.
• His request, “revive thy work” is timely for any season of life. We often pray this prayer asking God to do again his great works that he might be glorified.
• He continues and repeats “in the midst of the years” because the prophet wants the Lord to work in his day. We do too! Please Lord, work in the midst of 2020.
• His final phrase “in wrath remember mercy” is so wonderful. He wants God to work but to temper His work by His mercy. I am reminded of Jesus making a scourge of small cords when he cleansed the temple. Large cords would have been appropriate but he restrained his wrath.

Father, do your glorious work in our day, in 2020, but do it in mercy.

Poetry: Avarice by George Herbert.

Money, thou bane of bliss, and source of woe,
Whence com'st thou, that thou art so fresh and fine?
I know thy parentage is base and low;
Man found thee poor and dirty in a mine.
Surely thou didst so little contribute
To this great kingdom, which thou now hast got,
That he was fain, when thou wert destitute,
To dig thee our of thy dark cave and grot:

Then forcing thee, by fire he made thee bright,
Nay, thou hast got the face of man; for we
Have with our stamp and seal transferr'd our right;
Thou art the man, and man but dross to thee.
Man calleth thee his wealth, who made thee rich;
And while he digs out thee, falls in the ditch.

Music: Ancient of Days by CityALight.

Question 42: Who called our parents to repentance?

Answer: God only in His infinite mercy.

Question 43: What did they do when He called them?

Answer: They hid and excised themselves.

Question 44: But was it foolishness to fly from God?

Answer: Such is the foolishness of all their posterity.

“He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.”

All my best.

The Lord God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments.

Habakkuk 3:19

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