VII.
The Prophet receives an “answer” to his complaint. Today let’s first take notice how the “answer” begins.

VIII.
Habakkuk 2:1-5 (NRSVue)

I will stand at my watchpost
and station myself on the rampart;
I will keep watch to see what he will say to me
and what he will answer concerning my complaint.

Then the Lord answered me and said:

Write the vision;
make it plain on tablets,
so that a runner may read it.
For there is still a vision for the appointed time;
it speaks of the end and does not lie.
If it seems to tarry, wait for it;
it will surely come; it will not delay.
Look at the proud!
Their spirit is not right in them,
but the righteous live by their faithfulness.
Moreover, wealth is treacherous;
the arrogant do not endure.
They open their throats wide as Sheol;
like Death they never have enough.
They gather all nations for themselves
and collect all peoples as their own.

IX.
Did you notice, “… write … make it plain … so that a runner may read it.”

The Lord’s response is not private, for Habakkuk alone. Habakkuk is expected to invest himself in the answer and is to share it. Given a “runner” is mentioned, to share it widely, I think.

“For there is still a vision …”

I have the impression that the answer/response is not a one time only answer. Maybe the beginning of an answer but in no way is The Lord’s response the end of the “conversation.”

And, by all means, do not miss the encouragement for the Prophet to, “If it seems to tarry, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay.”

Habakkuk was already waiting and watching. He is told to continue to wait. There is more to come. Maybe not as the Prophet counts “delay” but in The Lord’s time.

“The righteous live by their faithfulness.”

Hold onto that thought. Reread this passage with that as your lens through which you meditate on the words. And not just on the words, but on the hope that underlies these words.

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}