This post is Day 22 in a series of studies about “Habakkuk”. I strongly suggest you begin with the introduction to this study, please click here to read it.

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Habakkuk – Day 22

This last word of criticism could speak to many who consider themselves christians today. There are places of worship in many countries which fall into this category. Many of the statues in those places are beautifully made. They were often designed as a reminder of what a believer can do.

Habakkuk 2:18-19

Of what value is an idol carved by a craftsman? Or an image that teaches lies? For the one who makes it trusts in his own creation; he makes idols that cannot speak. Woe to him who says to wood, “Come to life!” Or to lifeless stone, “Wake up!” Can it give guidance? It is covered with gold and silver; there is no breath in it.

The Thought

We are almost at the end of this chapter full of God’s criticism of His people who seem to have broken every rule in the book. The encouragements begin tomorrow! God’s last word of criticism could speak to many who consider themselves christians today. There are many places of worship in many countries which fall into this category. Many of the statues in those places are beautifully made, and were often designed to be a reminder of what a believer can do, to remind us of other people’s lives dedicated to The Lord. Sadly many see those people/statues as a way of reaching God. We can only do that through Jesus who said I am The Way, The Truth and The Life; No-one comes to The Father except through Me (John 14:6). (The underlining is mine.)

Even though God tells us that idols are useless, He still says they “teach lies”. How can a lifeless object teach us anything? It does that byy what it suggests through what it is wearing, or its stance.

The last phrase today reminds me of when God formed Adam from dust and breathed into his nostrils the Breath of Life (Genesis 2:7). God gives life and God takes it away. He has control of every breath we take.

Action

Read Isaiah 40 and see what God thought about idols the Israelites had made.

Ask the Lord today if you are guilty of making an idol of anyone or anything, pray for forgiveness and make the Living Lord Jesus the centre of your thoughts.