From Anxious Millionaires to Hungry Souls

Yesterday we walked in the early morning, part of our daily routine. These early spring days are perfect for walking, for gazing at newly built mansions. Slowly passing by, we comment on the delicate stone work, spacious lawns and two-or-three-car garages. I'm happy for people who can afford the mortgage needed to move into a house on one of these Toronto streets. Our hour's walk completed, we arrived home.

We have many close friends who live two kilometers in the opposite direction. Most live in crowded government-sponsored housing. One special friend occupies a dark, one-room basement dive. I talked with G, asking about his brother. He said he would get in touch with T. An hour later the phone rang. T has spent two days without any food. He was hungry. His leg and back ache; actually they are worse now than before. Snow removal is over and summer lawns aren't yet crying out for someone to cut the grass. He has no money.

That's the spread of life experiences over a distance of less than four kilometers! Thinking about our morning and evening walks as I ended the day, I asked lots of questions. How many  people, those visible to all who drive by, are afraid that their mortgages won't be paid? Do they fear their businesses going bust? What do they thirst for? 

At the other end of the spectrum are people like T. He's mostly invisible to society. Two days ago, he ran out of all the supplies he needs to live. And it isn't even the end of the month, when his remittance from the government should be arriving. To me, he's like the lamb in Ephesus that lost its mother one time. Wandering around where there's little pasture. A hungry soul.

I've been walking with Habakkuk these days. My mind goes back to his words as I turn out the light. Great fear across the world has been inspired by a tiny virus. This prophet's anxiety arose as darkness brought complete disgrace within a broken, corrupt society. 

Consider the symptoms he listed. First, a society addicted to self-promotion, alcohol and greed. (2:4,5). Second, a growing cycle of theft, extortion (scams?), plundering and murder. (2:6-8). Third, unjust wages, high living and self-assurance all built on a foundation of plotting the ruin of others. (2:9-11) Fourth, murder-motivated enrichment. Building many buildings after a crime spree. (2:12-14) Fifth, pornographic lust for naked bodies aided by offering endless "free" drinks. (2:15-17)

Sounds familiar? Surprisingly, this prophet set his course by a different compass! His country was about to be at war! His society was more corrupt than ever! Worse, a locust plague was destroying the food supply!

Wow! What would be our response be to such events?? Fear? Depression? Dropping out? Consternation? But here is Habakkuk's understanding about the future. "... (T)he nations exhaust themselves for nothing. For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea." 

Habakkuk knew God was at work. (Psst! He's still at work.) He had not abandoned his people. (Hint! God hasn't abandoned us.) He gave songs to sing. (PTL! We have so many great songs in hymn books, on CD's, through You Tube and social media. Maybe even old cassettes!)

Even in the midst of our day of calamity, the LORD, JHWH, Jehovah, is making His ways known. And the glory of the Lord will be spread around the globe. "As the waters cover the sea."

Thank you, Habakkuk, for walking with us down lovely streets lined with majestic trees and sparkling with robin-covered lawns. Thank you for supplying T., and so many others, with food. And for making your glory known to all people at a time of national and international crisis. We are all hungry souls. We all need your love, faith and hope, Habakkuk.