Dec. 22, 2021
The Righteous Live by Faith
Habakkuk was a prophet in the time of Jeremiah and King Josiah, writing during the events of 2 Kings 23. His main theme is to wait and trust in the Lord, who works out all things for the good of His people (Romans 8:28). Despite the coming Babylonian invasion, Habakkuk reminds his readers that the righteous live by their faith (Habakkuk 2:4).
The New Testament continues this idea to show how we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus (Romans 1:17, Galatians 3:11, Hebrews 10:38-39). Faith allows us to cling to God’s promises in the darkest days. Habakkuk concludes his message with prayer, confessing his faith and trust in God to deliver His people.
In Revelation, John records a vision of the cosmic conflict between Christ and Satan. Two beasts represent present world powers that wage war against the church. The second beast requires religious devotion that opposes God and His people.
God marked His people with a seal in Revelation 7:3, and the mark of the beast stands in opposition to God and His law. Both marks symbolize the spiritual control of our hearts and minds, either to the Lamb or the beast.