What makes Habakkuk worthy of the knowledge of God’s divine plan?

While reading Habakkuk, I found it strange that God would answer Habakkuk so directly. God didn’t feel the need to answer Job when he asked “Why?” In fact Job was more than chastised for asking WHY. In Job chapters 38-41, God goes off on a tangent about how almighty and powerful He is to Job. I personally think that Job deserved an answer way more than Habakkuk. Habakkuk not only gets one answer out of God but question after question God gives an answer. How fair is that? What are we to get out of this dialog between the two? 

William Mounce discusses on his webpage http://www.biblicaltraining.org/wiki/Habakkuk_and_Faith_%2852_Stories_-_William_Mounce%29 the possible reasons God revealed his plan to Habakkuk. Mounce’s view is a lesson if Faith. God was trying to teach Habakkuk that He would work all things out. Habakkuk doesn’t like answer number one so he ask question number two. God continues to answer him to demonstrate His all-knowing power to mankind. 

At http://www.swapmeetdave.com/Bible/Habakkuk-Sermon.pdf, David Ahl explains that even the structure of the Book of Habakkuk is different than that of any other prophet. He explains that it is more closely structured like literature than the other Books. Ahl also develops the lesson we are to gain from reading Habakkuk. He states that we should learn to ask God if we have questions, be patient for answers, and have faith that God has our best interest at heart. This is pretty close to the way I perceived this Book of the Bible. It is written so that the reader can understand question is asked, God answers, but not the way we expect. Also that God is all-knowing. So basically it is a lesson in trust. 

Looking at these two stories between Habakkuk and Job we can see similarities and differences. Job had already come through his trials and troubles. He was questioning God’s motives. Habakkuk was at the midst of his troubles and trying to find a way out of his current situation. He needs God to reassure him that things were going to work out in the end. I think this is the fundamental difference between the two stories that the Hebrew writers wanted us to pick up on. Job, while blameless ask the question of “WHY ME”, and Habakkuk questions are more “WHY DO YOU DO SOMETHING FIX ALL OF THE PROBLEMS IN THE WORLD?” Even though the answers that God gives are not what Habakkuk wants to hear, I think it shows that God does care and has his people’s best interest at heart.

Why is fire God's choice punishment?

                                    

God destroying people by fire is a common theme throughout the Bible. I have read over it in several different places. It states in Isaiah 66:15-16 “For behold, the LORD will come in fire, And his chariots like the whirlwind, to render his anger in fury, and his rebuke with flames of fire. For by fire will the LORD enter into judgment, and by his sword, with all flesh; and those slain by the LORD shall be many.”

I cannot help but think of God’s promise to Noah. God said he would never again destroy the Earth with a flood or water again. Is fire more merciful? The article “The Fire of God’s Punishment” by Spotts (http://www.icr.org/article/21880/) gives a list of all the times God’s judgment by fire is listed. It doesn’t go on to explain why fire? Instead it talks about salvation through Jesus and preventing an eternity in Hell. Hell is God's final punishment and not relevant to my current question. I found this site to be less than helpful answering my question but I included it. I really liked the list of references to fire in the Bible and found them most useful.

The second source http://theblackcordelias.wordpress.com/2009/05/18/purifying-fire-or-judgement/ explains that fire can be used as punishment or pacification purposes from God. I liked this blog because it shows several different Bible references to “FIRE” and how God used it based on their interpretation. This gave me some insight on why God would choice his method of destruction by fire. God wants to purify the land that he destroyed. Fire would be a more effective way to accomplish this goal. Nothing can escape fire. Everything living will be destroyed by using fire as the weapon.

In Genesis God used a ring of fire to protect the tree of life from Adam and Eve after they took from the tree of knowledge. God also destroyed the city of Sodom and Gomorrah with fire. God made it rain fire as a plague on to Egypt. Also God made the Israelite destroy concurred lands with fire. During the Old Testament time period, Jews were to offer sacrifices to God through burnt offerings. Fire plays a very prominent role in both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. But the Question of Why God use fire is still a mystery. Whether purification purposes or total destruction, we may never fully grasp the justifications of God’s actions. I think personally that is the point of the author’s of the Bible. God is God and He does what he does because He can. Job never received answers and was scolded for asking. Why should we expect more?

Allusion #3 Family Guy

************************Warning: Vulgar Language in Clip*****************************

The television show Family Guy can be viewed two different ways. I personally think it is hilarious. Others may find it offensive and crude. Whichever way you view it is fine, but there are several Allusions to the Bible throughout every season of this show's history.

One of my personal favorites is titled “The Worst Father”. It is the Abraham and Isaac storyline. This particular clip is an Allusion to the Bible because it is referencing the story in Genesis 22: 1-18. God told Abraham to sacrifice his only son, Isaac. So without question Abraham leads Isaac up the mountain to sacrifice him to God. Isaac is the faithful son caring the wood for the offering not realizing he is the offering. This clip is referring to what Isaac said after God provide the ram to be sacrificed and they head back down the mountain. Isaac said to Abraham in this episode: “You want to tell me what the fuck that was?” Now I will admit the language is vulgar. I personally do not see the point in using the “F” word, but I do find this clip hilarious. The Bible just skips over that part. Isaac would have had some questions after the ram sacrifice. But for the most part anyone who has grown up in church would have caught the reference to this particular story. I do not think the authors of Family Guy are trying to demean this text by any means. As I have personally discovered in my Bible Literature class there are many scriptures left out of the Sunday sermons. One famous example from class would be Lott and his daughters’ drunken nights.  I think the authors of this show reference thing that are easily identifiable to the general public.  Also someone who has no reference to the Bible might be interested enough after watching this clip to look the story up. There are positives and negatives to all crude humor. I literally could not stop laughing when I saw this for the first time. I knew instantly what it was referring to.  Please excuse the language and try to see the humor in this clip.

Do Yahweh and Satan have a "bromance" relationship?

I have been brought up in a Christian home. When I think of the Devil/Satan, I think of this evil creature that goes around trying to cause humans to turn away from God. This is the Devil’s purpose for being. So when I read in Job about God and the Devil’s little game they play it, is very confusing to me. God and the Devil have such a relationship that they talk and are close enough to have wagers?

I am referencing Job chapter 1 verses 6-12. “Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came among them. The LORD said to Satan, “From where have you come?” Satan answered the LORD and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking up and down on it.” And the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?” Then Satan answered the LORD and said, “Does Job fear God for no reason? Have you not put a hedge around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But stretch out your hand and touch all that he has, and he will curse you to your face.” And the LORD said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your hand. Only against him do not stretch out your hand.” So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD”.

http://www.one-gospel.org/concepts/i_concepts_05.htm This website says that God is Satan. He is the only one who has control. It goes on to explain that if God is all know and all being, then He and no one else is responsible for what happened to Job. The author sites Bible references to support his idea. I do not believe Satan and God are one and the same. It is clearly discussed in the Book of Ezekiel 28:12 who Satan is; so the idea that they are the same being is nuts to me.

http://www.mindreality.com/truth-about-relationship-between-god-and-satan in this site the author defines the relationship of Yahweh and Satan more clearly. He states the two beings are like old enemies that know each other better than anyone else. I think this is a fair statement. Satan has been around to witness the beginning of time. God created him. God even favored him above the other angles.

If we are all made in God’s image, then of course we would have his personality traits as well. Most people are somewhat competitive in nature. Where did this trait come from? Did God really want to so Job off to Satan? Can it also be assumed that God would make his angles with the same personality traits? Angles have free will too. The Devil chose to rebel against God. In my mind God loved Satan just as He loves us. Satan is a fallen angel. I personally think God wants Satan to admit he was wrong. Do I think God would take him back? This is the theme of the Bible, so why not? Or does God like a little competitiveness and craziness in a not so perfect world?

Allusion #2 Katy Perry "Wide Awake"

Katy Perry has always been somewhat of a fascination to me ever since she started off her career with “I Kissed a Girl.” I tried very hard not to like her, but her message is powerful. She fights for the underdog, the nerds, and everyone matters. Her dad is a preacher and has been her whole life. She  tried to start her career off in Christian music, but just couldn’t become a break out star. She has a Jesus tattoo on her wrist, she says to remind her where she comes from. I do not think she gets the credit she deserves because of her outlandish costumes and lyrics.  

My allusion comes from her song “Wide Awake.” I think the title is speaking about when Jesus healed the blind man in Mark 8. Mark 8:23-25, it states: “And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought. And he looked up, and said, I see men as trees, walking. After that he put his hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly.” In the first couple of stanza she says: “Yeah, I was in the dark I was falling hard with an open heart I’m wide awake.” With Katy’s background having grown up in the Christian Faith, it is not hard to see that she would draw from Biblical events.

I'm wide awake
I'm wide awake

I'm wide awake
Yeah, I was in the dark
I was falling hard
With an open heart
I'm wide awake
How did I read the stars so wrong

I'm wide awake
And now it's clear to me
That everything you see
Ain't always what it seems
I'm wide awake
Yeah, I was dreaming for so long

After the chorus, Katy Perry is referring to Daniel and the Lion’s den. Daniel 6-16:24. She says “Outta the lion’s den I don’t have to pretend And it’s too late The story’s over now, the end.” I think she is trying to illustrate that after Daniel is pulled from the lion’s den that is the end of the story. Most people don’t remember what happened to Daniel’s accusers because humans are overjoyed with the miracle of God saving Daniel from the lions. I think it is her intention to say that we should focus on the positives in live rather than the negative.

 
I'm wide awake
Not losing any sleep
Picked up every piece
And landed on my feet
I'm wide awake
Need nothing to complete myself - nooohooo

I'm wide awake
Yeah, I am born again
Outta the lion's den
I don't have to pretend
And it's too late
The story's over now, the end


Thunder rumbling
Castles crumbling
I am trying to hold on
God knows that I tried
Seeing the bright side
But I'm not blind anymore...
I'm wide awake
I'm wide awake

Katy Perry Wide Awake lyrics found on http://www.directlyrics.com/katy-perry-wide-awake-lyrics.html

Also in the video she eats from the tree of knowledge like Eve in Genesis. She is trapped by her sin but know she can see. By the end of the video she has returned to the Garden of Eden. Most of these Allusions the basic Christian could pick up on. These are stories that most people have grown up hearing their whole lives. I think Katy uses her lyrics to portray a message in every song. The basic message I get from her is everyone matters and it’s never too late to start over. Several of her songs indicate this same theme. This too speaks to her Christian background of Jesus’ salvation and our redemption. Katy Perry seems like the least likely Christian spokes person, but I think that is way she is so affective in reaching a new audience. She will be the first to admit she is not perfect but I truly believe she has an underlining message for all.