Dec 18

 December 18, 2015

 

 Habakkuk

 

In the Movie "The Count of Monte Cristo," the hero, Edmond (Jim Caviezel), is unjustly imprisoned in the sinister Chateau d'If (pronounced deef). As he enters his cell escorted by the malevolent warden Dorleac, he sees an inscription gouged into the otherwise barren wall: "God will give me justice."   "People are always trying to motivate themselves," Dorleac sneers. "Or they keep calendars. But soon they lose interest, they die, and all I am left with is a rather unsightly wall, I'm afraid. So I have conceived another way to help our prisoners keep track of time. Every year on the anniversary of their imprisonment, we hurt them. Usually just a simple beating, really. Although on their first day here—in your case, today—I like to do something rather special." Dorleac keeps speaking as his assistants chain Edmond and hoist him off the floor by the wrists. "And if you are thinking just now," Dorleac continues as he prepares his whip, "'Why me, oh God?' the answer is, God has nothing to do with it. In fact, God is never seen in France this time of year." Though obviously terrified, Edmond answers, "God has everything to do with it. He is everywhere; he sees everything." Dorleac's response is chilling. "All right, let's make a bargain, shall we? You ask God for help, and I'll stop the moment he shows up." And with that he begins to whip the defenseless and innocent Edmond.

 

So what is our answer to Edmond after the beating? It is the same answer we speak to people who ask God for intervention today but only hear the knocking of their knuckles on the door to heaven. The ultimate answer is to continue to believe in the goodness and power of God even in His silence. And to believe to such an extent that we discover great joy in the midst of the calamity. This is our answer.  

 

Though the fig tree does not bud

  and there are no grapes on the vines,

Though the olive crop fails

  and the fields produce no food,

Though there are no sheep in the pen

  and no cattle in the stalls,

yet I will rejoice in the Lord,

  I will be joyful in God my Savior.

 

Keep believing and keep your joy levels high no matter how great the darkness surrounding you. 

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"Multiplying leaders to change the world"