"Oh Lord, Why Do You Cause Me To See Trouble?" - Brian Osburn

So good to see you. So good to worship with you, and

it's great to worship God together, and we've done that.

This far singing, These Praises. We have come together to pray

together and now, we're going to discuss his word together as

well. And I want to preface my

thoughts this morning by saying this, I am by no means a

political guy. In fact, if you want to put me

to sleep, start talking politics.

But I don't have to keep up with politics in order to make a few

observations. On unhappy, people are with

what's going on in our state, with what's going on in our

nation. What's going on with the

president people that you could see it.

And the way people talk and what's on social media, people

are just unhappy. They're on edge about about how

the president is governing. The governing this nation people

are on edge about weather We're going to go to war or not.

People are unhappy with morality that's going on around us.

Nami causes to think that things just aren't going well around us

and it just it just isn't our communities or a nation as a

whole, but some of us as Christians, we might be worried

in one way or another and from all these observations that have

been happening. It got me to thinking about why

that is. Is it because we don't agree

with kind of the way things are going.

Is it because we expose ourselves to Too Much media.

We might watch the news too much and listen to news radio or read

too many articles or see too many opinions on social media.

and if so, if we expose ourselves to so much, Have we

began to lose focus? Who really is in control.

A long time ago. There was a prophet who worried

about what was going on in his Nation.

In fact, he was so worried about it.

You know what he did? He complained to God about it.

And blamed God about what was going on.

And he said, how, how long are you going to allow these things

to happen in this nation? His name was habakkuk.

And I wanted to I want us to listen as we take a look at this

book of habakkuk this morning, the book of habakkuk is towards

the end of the Old Testament. It's actually one of the Twelve

Minor Prophets as our. We classify the Minor Prophets,

and there is a distinction between the major profit books

on the minor Prophet books. And let me give you the simple

explanation of what that distinction is.

All it is, is just the length of the book, that's all it is.

The Minor Prophets, don't have anything less importance in them

as opposed to the Minor Prophets.

They're just simply smaller in length.

So the book of habakkuk Begins by saying this, And if you can't

read this, open up your book. We're going to look at this

entire book, this morning, only three chapters long, the burden,

which the prophet habakkuk saw. Oh, Lord.

How long shall I cry? And you will not hear even cry

out to you violence, and you will not say why do you show me

iniquity, and caused me to see trouble for plundering?

And violence are before me? There were striped and can

Tension arises therefore the law is powerless and Justice never

goes forth for the wicked, surround the righteous therefore

perverse judgment precedes. And so he's got this complained

to God about what's going on. And I don't know if you've ever

complained about what's going on a run around us or but there are

some valuable teachings throughout this book from

habakkuk. That makes us kind of step back.

And really think about who really is in control and how

Should adjust our thinking in our attitude about this world

and about this nation about the state and the community that we

live in. Now what I like to do with any

any type of expository type of teaching that I do, I always

like to look step back and look at the setting to which why it

is that these words are written. Why it is that this Prophet has

these words or is bringing up this.

Complaint. It's always great to look at the

background in order to understand the message of the

book. And that's what I want to do.

Just for a few moments this morning.

In second chronicles. Chapter 36 we have a situation

2 Chronicles 36 · chapter mention

with in Judah and within Judah. This is going on.

It says they're beginning of verse.

Number 11 zedekiah was 21 years old when he became king and he

reigned 11 years in Jerusalem. Now, here is the problem in

verse number 12, he that evil in the sight of the Lord, his God

and what else? Well, he did not humble himself

before, Jeremiah, the prophet who spoke from the mouth of the

Lord. What else?

Well, he also rebelled against King Nebuchadnezzar, who had

made him, swear an oath by God but he stiffened his neck and

Harden his heart against turning to the Lord God of Israel.

Moreover, all the leaders of the priests and the people.

What do they do? Is says they tread transgress

more and more according to all the Abominations of the Nations

and defiled, the house of the Lord which he had consecrated in

Jerusalem. Then in verse Teen and the Lord

God of our fathers, sit warnings to them by his Messengers,

rising up early, and sending them because he had compassion

on his people and on his dwelling place.

So, that's what God wanted for his people.

He had compassion one, and the change.

But then in verse 16, what do they do, how they react?

They mocked The Messengers of God, despised his words and

scoffed At His prophets, until the Wrath of the Lord arose

against the people, till there was no remedy.

No, those are some pretty bad times.

Very bad times. Even the spiritual leaders were

corrupt. It's pretty bad.

So things look pretty bleak and you can kind of understand why

habakkuk was kind of in a worry. And why he would want to

complain to God about what is going on here.

Are we ever going to turn back to you now?

They had shut God out of their lives.

They all, they rejected All These Warnings by the prophets

who were sent by God, they only want to do what they wanted to

do, and it got to the point that God had enough, the wrath of God

arose against his people. He had had enough and so listen.

Now we're going to jump now to Jeremiah 6:11 and it's right in

Jeremiah 6:11

the middle of the Lord's. Rebuke upon his people.

In fact, it says here in verse number 11 of Jeremiah chapter 6,

Jeremiah 6 · chapter mention

therefore, I am full of the fear of the Lord.

I am weary of holding it in. I will pour it out on the

children outside on a and on the Assembly of young men together

for, even the husband shall be taken with the wife, the age

with him, who was full of days. And so the Lord is very angry

weary of His wrath back on them, but he goes on now.

And skipped out here, staying in Jeremiah 6:16, but skipping on

Jeremiah 6:16

down to verse number 13. And here's the reason why you so

angry at him. He says, because from the least

of them, even to the greatest of them, everyone is given to

covetousness and from The Profit even to the priest, everyone

deals falsely. They have also healed the heard

of my people slightly saying peace.

Peace. When there is no peace.

Were they ashamed when they had committed Abomination?

No, they were not at all ashamed.

Nor did they know how to blush? Therefore, they shall fall among

those who fall at the time I punish them, they shall be cast

down, says the Lord. He goes on now after saying this

and about what they've done and this is kind of a reoccurring

theme whenever God sends a messenger out to his people.

He tells him the wrong that they've done, he tells him the

punishment but he always calls them to repentance always.

And that kind of gives you a greater understanding of the

character of God. He will not tolerate sin but he

always wants people to change. And that's what he does here.

In verse number 16, thus says the Lord stand in the ways and

see and ask for the Old Paths with a good way is and walking

it, then you will find rest for your souls but they said we will

not walk in it. Also, I set a Watchman.

Are you saying listen to the sound of the trumpet?

But they said we will not listen, therefore here you

Nations and no congregation what is among them.

Hero worth behold. I will certainly bring Calamity

on this people. The fruit of their thoughts

because they have not heeded. My words nor my law but rejected

it for what purpose to me. Comes frankincense and sheba

from Shiva and sweet came from Far countries.

Free. Your burnt offerings are not

acceptable, nor your sacrifices sweet to me. and so, from all

this, Even though God called them to repentance, they still

rejected his word, they still laid their lives of pleasure and

their cares without God. And understanding the the state

and the nation that habakkuk abides him.

It causes him to worry about this nation and questioning God.

Why all this? Why is all this happening?

And so he's asking God, why are you so indifferent?

As we read in the first few verses?

Why are you cylinder indifferent about what's going on?

Don't you care about your people?

Why aren't you doing anything about it?

How long he asks is this going to last?

Well, he questioned God and guess what?

God answered back. I don't know if back expected

for this to happen, but God answered back.

In fact, it if we continue now in verse number 5, this is God

speaking to a back and he says, look among the Nations and watch

be utterly astounded for I will work a, I will work at work in

your days which you would not believe though it were told you.

So basically God saying I'm not indifferent about what's going

on. I don't know what's going on in

the nation of Judah. He knew of all the wickedness

from the leaders and the people, but he tells a back here, I've

got a plan for it and it was a plan that habakkuk would not

even believe. And so, what was God's plan for

Judah? Well, let me tell you something.

Habakkuk was not ready to hear the plan from God.

And so what he was going to do is not a very comforting plan

but he goes on to tell habakkuk he's raising up the Chaldeans,

he's raising up the Babylonians and that's the enemy.

He's raising him up. And he's got plans for them.

He says, now the enemy these Chaldeans there going to be a

force that are going to be reckoned with.

In fact, the Lord goes on to describe the nature of the

Chaldeans and I'm not going to read verses six through 11, but

you could I've got the highlights of how the character

and how great of a force. These Chaldeans are going to be

against the nation of Judah. He says they're going to be a

bitter and they're going to be fierce, they're going to be

Hasty and Reckless, they're going to be terrible and dreaded

to them. They're going to be feared,

they're going to come with horses faster than leopards.

They're going to be Keener them wolves.

Hang out in the evening that seek their prey, they're going

to come with the strength of an eagle.

They're going to gather the captives like 12 scooping his

hand up in the sand. It's going to be that easy.

And there's going to be that many captives that they're going

to come take. They're going to also be

arrogance in their power and the Lord expounds Upon This by

generosity generalizing their arrogance and said, in fact, he

said that in the past, they become so arrogant.

Get in there ways that they have laughed at Kings and princes who

even tried to stand in their way. and that's how Fierce of a

Nation, these Chaldeans were But they're all their strength.

God said they claim to, they claimed it all to themselves and

even to their own false gods. The later on, we're going to see

where they got their strength and who allowed them to be such

a Victorious, and ruling Empire at that particular time.

And so habakkuk hears, these words from God.

And he hears, what God is going to do about the wickedness of

Judah, he's going to have enemies come down and he's going

to have them. Take the people of God captive.

And take him away. And through the process of it

habakkuk is worried that people are going to die.

We're talking about God's people.

They just might die. There might be Bloodshed when

all this happens. And from this if habakkuk wasn't

worried already, he's worried about more about how God is

going to deal. Wicked with the wickedness here

in Judah and it prompts him to really complain again.

And ask God another question because it says Harris would

continue on habakkuk 1 verse 12. He says, are you not from

Habakkuk 1:12

Everlasting? O, Lord my God, my Holy One.

And he when he asked this he uses this rhetorical question.

It's clear that habakkuk and God did not think along the same

lines of how to deal with the wickedness in Judah.

They had two different ideas, and that's why he asked us.

In fact, he goes on to say this, we shall not die.

He's thinking were your people, there's no way that you're going

to allow us to die. O, Lord, you have appointed them

for judgment? Oh Rach, you have marked them

for correction. You are a purer eyes than to

behold evil and cannot look. I'm Wiccan this.

Why do you look on those who deal treacherously and hold your

tongue? When the wicked devours?

A person more righteous than he he's asking God.

Why are you going to allow these Chaldeans to come down?

And do these things to your own people.

I just don't understand it. And then he continues on.

It says, why do you make men like fish of the sea?

Like creepy things. They have no ruler over them.

They take up all them with the hook, they catch them in their

net and gather them in their Dragnet.

Therefore, they rejoice in our glad therefore they sacrifice to

their net and burn incense to their dragnets at.

Because buy them, their share is Sumptuous and their food is

plentiful, shall they therefore empty their net and continuously

Nations Without Pity? And so from this in habakkuk

Minds in mind, the Chaldeans, they're going to come down to

Judah. It's going to be a like a

fisherman, drops his net into the sea and then just takes

everything up into that net. Jude is going to have no hope

and escaping the dreaded Chaldeans and to go on even

further he says, if there are victorious against God's Own

people Then who is going to stop them.

And who is going to be powerful enough.

To be able to stop this count day at these Chaldeans, you're

just going to be victorious over other nations.

And these slings are going to even continue.

And he says, is there ever going to be an in to the great power

and the wickedness of the Chaldeans?

If you let your own people suffer to them, Where's it going

to stop? So we see he's troubled with

this plan. And after asking the second

question, I imagined. Well, God answered the first

time. Now, he's eager to hear about

what's God. What, how's he going to answer

now? well, he answers 2:1 I will

stand my watch and set myself on the rampart and watch to see

what he was saying to me. And what I should will answer

when I am corrected. And then he answers in verse 2,

the Lord answered me and said, write the vision, make it plain,

on tablets that he may run. Who reads it for the vision is

yet for the point of time, but at the end, it will speak and it

will not lie, though. It tarries wait for it because

it will surely come. It will not tarry.

Behold the proud. My soul is not upright in him,

but the just shall live by his faith. and so it's interesting

to me and I just love just how descriptive the scriptures are.

Especially God talking to a back of care.

I want you to write these things down on tablet.

Make it so plain than anyone running by just glancing at it

and be able to be able to understand it.

Tell playing, I want you to write these things.

So God answers with the very specific principle in verse 4

and the principal really is a warning against pride and

arrogance. He said if they're puffed up,

they're going to be punished. And so this is really

condemnation upon the Chaldeans. Do the their arrogance,

concerning the power and the rule, but it's really not

limited to the Chaldeans because God, as we know throughout time

and even with warnings even today Those who are proud.

They will be humbled. The Pride shall fall.

In fact, there's a reoccurring theme throughout the Minor

Prophets that reoccurring theme is pride.

And how one needs to be humble before his God?

That is a reoccurring theme. But it gives a second part to

his answer and he says this and you will notice you will

recognize this praise. He says that the just shall live

by his faith and this is really a contrast between the Arrogant

Soul who sets his will against God's Will.

And then you've got the one who willingly submits to God by way

of his faith in God. And that's humility.

And this verse is quoted by Paul in his letter to the Romans and

basis, really the entire letter upon this one phrase.

Romans 1:17 for in it. The righteousness of God is

Romans 1:17

revealed from Faith to Faith. As it is written, the just shall

live by faith. And Paul is using this quote

from here in habakkuk, the just shall live by faith.

It's an important phrase and it's important principle that we

as God's people have to obey and have to understand.

And abide by in fact, it's also stated in Galatians chapter 11

now, within the to context, Paul argues Noah could be justified

by the law. And that's the law of Moses that

they were trying to hold to. But he said a person could be

justified by his faith in the Lord thats y.

He quotes her back here and so people aren't going to be saved

by their own desires. People aren't going to be saved

by their own will. They're not going to be saved by

their own power? Now, the Chaldeans thought so

but the principle is it's not going to happen.

So people as God calls them. He wants them to be saved

through humility. And by submitting to his will

and living by faith and it went, if we do, the will of God, guess

what? He's going to reward us in due

time. He will.

In fact, this goes along with what the book of Hebrews says

here in Hebrews chapter 10, verses 38 39.

Hebrews 10:38

Now the just shall live by faith but if any one draws back he

says my soul has no pleasure in him. but then he goes on to say,

verse 39, but we are not of those who draw back to Perdition

But of those who believe to the saving of the Soul, that's what

living by faith. Does it saves our souls, it

saves our souls and we praise God, because of that, that is a

grand promise that he gives us and he will save us if we live

by faith, And so there were people in Judah as we go back

here to the context of habakkuk. The reason why God said all this

to habakkuk was because he said there were people in Judah that

were actually walking by faith. Not every single person was

wicked. In Judah.

And because of that these people who are walking by faith will be

spared, when the Chaldeans would come down to take Judah.

But there would only be a few of them. when you look at the

background of what happens, when the Chaldeans do finally come

down, But God still works the same today as he did back, then

concerning his people if we live by faith, he's going to save us.

and so from that, and from the from the entire context and

understanding about where habakkuk is coming from here,

and even with us today living in this nation, no matter what

might be happening in this nation that we live in God,

still recognizes those of us who are walking by faith and you

know what he's going to do. He's going to save us, no matter

how Wicked of a place we live in.

He's going to save those who live by faith.

Don't lose sight of that. It don't let your Cloud.

Our don't let your mind become clouded and distracted.

By these other things, the just shall live by faith and they're

going to be saved, remember that?

I want you to notice something. As we now, go to chapter 3,

Habakkuk, he's been so caught up with what's going on around

them. And I mention He's so worried

about these things that he's he's questioned.

God, he's questioned God's control and he's really question

God's power. But now after listening to God's

reply to his questions, something amazing happens.

And I love chapter 3 because habakkuk has a change of mind.

And his attitude changes as well.

It causes him now to write a prayer and a song in, praise to

the Lord because now of bacchic sees the whole picture.

Did he finally saw God was truly in control and God knew what he

was doing all along. In fact, you look here in

chapter 3, in verses 1 and 2, a prayer of habakkuk, the Prophet

Insignia enough. Oh, Lord I've heard your speech.

And was afraid. Oh Lord, revive your work.

In the midst of the years, in the midst of the years, make it

known In Wrath. Remember Mercy.

He understands that God's going to have to show his wrath upon

his people because he's a just God.

And he has to punish sin. And so he begins this prayer to

the Lord. He goes on to write about the

power and the glory of the Lord and how it fills the entire

Earth. Now, I'm summarizing the middle

part of this chapter but he said his power has been shown in many

ways and he is, he alone is in control of all that's going on.

A packet goes on and as he reflects upon what has happened

in the history before his time, he was able to bring down

Nations through various elements such as plays and droughts and

natural disasters. And when God used the forces of

nature to carry out his judgment, these are the rod of

chastisement that God of God that is stated in verse number

10. And then from verses 13 through,

15 habakkuk brings to mind how God's people can look to the

past. And even we can look to the past

as we read these stories of old in the scriptures.

These are just stories. These are actual events that

happen as we can read them in the scriptures.

And we can see how God has acted on their on their behalf to

deliver them from the enemy. And from these past events,

people should dry encouragement and be assured of God's loving

concern and protection for his own people.

And so this is true even with us today.

When we read about what happened there in Jericho, we weren't

there. But the walls of Jericho fell

and we know God was behind it. God caused that to happen.

We weren't there when God's people were finally free from

Egyptian slavery, long, time ago, but we know God had

controlled during that time. We were not there when Gideon

and his 300. Men were victorious over a

thousands of men, but we see God was in control even when the

odds were stacked up against Gideon and his men, And when we

read, and when we have faith that God has done that for his

people in the past, let me tell you something, we can have faith

that God is still in control today.

No matter who was up in the White House.

No matter. Who is governing?

The state, no matter what laws are being passed, no matter what

wars are going on, God is still in control and he still cares

for you and he still cares for me, and we have to just take it

by faith and he He knows what's going on and he's in control and

we just need to live by faith. Let him.

Lead the way. He's going to take care of us.

It's going to take care of the church.

That's his promise. after all, this I love.

What is this to me is a highlight.

Is the punchline. It wasn't verse 16.

When I heard my body tremble. My lips quivered at the Boise

rottenness, in her, my bones, and I trembled in myself that I

might find rest of the day of trouble when he comes up to his

people. He won't buy them with his

troops. Bacchic is putting his trust in

God. All of his faith in God, he's in

a panic before. Now we just gives it over to

God. Sometimes we can be in so much

of a panic. What we need to do is what aback

you did, give it to God. Let him deal with the

wickedness. Just give it to God.

And so from that, we don't have to worry, we don't have to lose

sight, but we see now he writes, this this song that is written.

He says this Tanner actually led a song. that referred to these

very words from the understanding of habakkuk, after

all, that he had complained about and understanding that

God, He was the god. Who's in control.

I love this song that habakkuk rights.

Though, the Fig Tree may not blossom.

Nor fruit be on the vines. Though, the labor of the olive

May Fail in the fields yield no fruit.

Do the Flock may be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in

the Stalls. Even after all these things,

that might be terrible and dreaded.

He says, yet, I will rejoice in the Lord.

I will join the god of my salvation.

The Lord God is my strength. He will make my feet like dear

sweet, and he will make me walk on my high heels to the chief

musician, with my string instruments.

Don't you love his attitude? even though all this stuff made

happen, the Lord God is my strength.

That's who I'm going to go to. That's who I'm going to focus

on. No matter what is happening, no

matter who's in control? God is my strength.

And he is the joy of my salvation.

The joy of my salvation. I want to leave that song again

at the clothes I had already planned on it.

Tanner gonna jump the gun if you will.

That's all right. But we're going to sing that

song in with the understanding. Of this whole thing, and who is

in control. I like what's said is we begin

to close this morning in Hebrews 13:5 and six let your conduct be

Hebrews 13:5

without covetousness be content with such things as you have

for. He himself has said I will never

leave you nor forsake you. So we may boldly say the Lord is

my helper. I will not fear what can man do

to me a great attitude that we have and this is what it means

to live by faith. And habakkuk is this great

example, the attitude, That we should have to live by faith.

In closing. What I want to do is take a look

at a couple of passages in the New Testament.

And what we should do as we apply this to ourselves Titus, 3

Titus 3:1–2

verses 1 through 2 is one of these passages.

Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities to obey

to be ready for every good work. So we we are subject to the

rulers and authorities but also this is a big one at the

beginning of verse. Number two, it's a big one.

Speak evil of no one. It's hard to complain about what

we don't agree with. Speak evil of no one.

Be subject to the rulers be Peaceable.

Gentle. Showing all humility to all men.

Sometimes we just need to hold our tongue.

Sometimes we shouldn't type what we type on social media.

Just pray to God about it. Don't worry.

About this in passing first, Peter 2 verse 13 and 17.

Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the

Lord's sake, whether to the king as supreme or to Governor's, is

to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and

for the praise of those who do good for this is the will of God

that by doing good. You may put to silence the

ignorance of foolish men as free yet.

Not using Liberty as a quote for vice.

But as Bond Servants of God, Honor, all people love the

Brotherhood fear God. Honor the king.

Honor the king. And that could be very trying.

But these are Commandments that God requires of us.

And I really believe that when we do understand truly that God

is in control and we live by faith in that very thing that it

will become easier for us to not get so caught up.

And not worry. Because who really is in

control. Who really is?

Continue to pray. Pray for yourself.

Pray for the nation. Continue to pray for the rulers.

In fact, the Lord tells us to pray for those who rule over us.

Continue to pray but have God focused at all times.

I leave these things with you this morning and I hope I've,

I've edified you in some way to refocus Our Lives. even in the

world that we surround ourselves in, We want to offer an

imitation, really? It's not our imitation is God's

invitation to you. It's God's invitation you to be

his child. We talked about the character of

God and how he loves his people. He loves you.

You know, how much he loves you? He loves you so much that he

sent his son to Die For You on the cross.

You know why? Because he wants you into his

kingdom. He wants you into his kingdom.

That's how much he cares for you.

But you have to do your part by obeying.

The gospel Plan of Salvation as we see in the scriptures,

understanding that Jesus died for you was buried and was

resurrected on the third day. You have to believe that, and

then act upon that Faith to repent of your life that is to

make a change in your life. And we talked about repentance a

little bit this morning, God requires all men to repent.

And then confess that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

We find that in Acts chapter 8 and then be baptized for the

Acts 8 · chapter mention

remission of your sins. We find that happen in Acts

Acts 2 · chapter mention

chapter 2. When that happened, the Lord

tells us that the Lord added. Those people do his church and

the Lord will add you to his church.

If you obey that do that today, if you haven't done that, the

Lord wants you to do that. He wants you into his kingdom.

He doesn't want you to perish. but maybe if you have done that,

but But you've messed up. I'm so thankful that we serve

such a forgiving and merciful father, and he's willing to

forgive us of the sins that we commit against him.

And you could do that, if you've messed up, if you've sinned

against him, you could come before him asking forgiveness of

your sins and will pray with you.

And for you, consider your life and take advantage of this very

moment. Now, we thank you for listening

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Please email us at info at her Church of Christ

Bakersfield.com. Our service times are Sundays at

10:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. and Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. please,

make plans to join us. We would love for you to be our

honored guest