Hab 2:2 And the Lord answered me and said, Write the vision and engrave it so plainly upon tablets that everyone who passes may [be able to] read [it easily and quickly] as he hastens by.
Hab 2:3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time and it hastens to the end [fulfillment]; it will not deceive {or} disappoint. Though it tarry, wait [earnestly] for it, because it will surely come; it will not be behindhand on its appointed day.
This Scripture is so commonly quoted and misinterpreted, yet it speaks volumes to what is lacking among today’s prophets. Habakkuk was a political prophet, in a sense. He was very observant of the things around him, and had no quarrels about seeking God’s face in respect to those things. He was in no way a selfish prophet. Yet, he trusted God enough to ask him those things which vexed his spirit – and God answered.
Oftentimes, we quote this Scripture in reference to a general vision, which for many, is nothing more than a goal. Yet, in this particular passage, the Hebrew word chazown {khaw-zone'} Strong's {02377} is used for “vision.” This refers to a specific, physical sight, dream or vision.
When we read the context of the passage, we see that God prepared Habakkuk to record what he was going to see – specific punishment coming to the king of Babylon for his wicked works and judgment upon the wicked.
Unlike many prophets today, Habakkuk addressed God with specific questions and received a SPECIFIC response that was to be recorded and delivered. How and why was Habakkuk able to receive from the Lord in this awesome manner? God began to speak to me about the vision of the prophets today…
Hab 2:1 [OH, I know, I have been rash to talk out plainly this way to God!] I will [in my thinking] stand upon my post of observation and station myself on the tower {or} fortress, and will watch to see what He will say within me and what answer I will make [as His mouthpiece] to the perplexities of my complaint against Him. (AMP)
Firstly, in the initial chapter of Habakkuk, we see a prophet crying out against injustice. He KNOWS the will and the character of God, so he questions why it appears that God is being disobeyed. He also questions why he hasn’t seen the wrath that’s due. Notice how the prophet cried out because GOD was despised and disobeyed. While he was influenced by the injustice, his focus was on the Father. He didn’t cry about how people treated him. He didn’t cry out about his own ministry or even his own family. Instead, he questioned God because he realized that the injustice was against his Heavenly Father. As a prophet, his priority was to see GOD’s WILL done in the earth. His observations made him feel that for some reason, this was not being done.
Yes, Habakkuk knew what to cry out to God about! Then, his next actions were exemplary for the prophet. In Habakkuk 2:1, after the prophet concluded his questions, he said that he STOOD UPON HIS POST. He did this “in his thinking” – in other words, while he waited on God and pondered his thoughts, he still STAYED IN POSITION. Habakkuk was a watchman and a seer. Even as he enquired of the Lord, He STATIONED himself.
This alone is so powerful to me. Oftentimes, we tend to “go into our prayer closets” and seek God, leaving the post to which we are assigned. We tend to stop working when we have a question for God. We excuse ourselves by quoting “Be still and know that I am God.” Notice here that Habakkuk was still until he received his instruction, but he was still in the proper place. He was not in “a closet”, but he kept his eyes open. He expected God to answer him swiftly, and he did not use his complaints as an excuse to leave his assignment.
The next part of Habakkuk’s speech inspires me so much as a prophet, because I was often taught that an “outside” voice is needed to know that you hear from God. Yet, Habakkuk stated that he waited to hear God’s voice INSIDE of himself. That is so awesome! He knew that God was going to speak WITHIN him. He was able to hear in the spiritual realm, and seemed to understand that his spirit was joined in unison with that of the Father. Many of us are still seeking to hear God EXTERNALLY. Yet, His breath operates through the prophet. God must operate INSIDE of your in order to speak THROUGH you. Oh my God. REAL PROPHETS shouldn’t always need a word from everybody else. I’m not saying that others can’t minister to us, but we must stop depending on external revelation. You should have a message BEFORE you study for Sunday’s sermon. You should have a message BEFORE you commune at the church. Saints, this is only possible when our wills truly become one with the Father’s will. Prophets have been “watered down” to a point that anyone with revelation can now be esteemed as a prophetic person. True prophets of God always have God’s words boiling inside of them. True prophets speak the heart and mind of God. There is a constant communion and communication, even outside our normal “prayer” times. Prophets are simply instruments. Their mouths are speakers for the audio that comes from within – that being the voice of God.
Lastly, Habakkuk recognizes his responsibility as a prophet to the people. He also waits to hear what he will “answer” or proclaim as a mouthpiece of God. He understands that his communion with the Father is not just to strengthen himself. In fact, he knows that when God answers, there will automatically be a message for the people. True prophets should ALWAYS have a message. Yes, God will reprove and rebuke on a personal level. Yes, the Father will give personal instruction. Yet, he does not commune with the prophet on such a powerful level without giving instruction to the people. Prophets, open your mouth.
I must say this is the thing I struggle with most – speaking what the Lord says. We have been taught to seek a “sign” that a word must be given. Yet God is saying that to the prophet, almost all of what is being said is to be shared. A great woman of God told me that God speaks to a prophet for one of three reasons: to pray and intercede, to take action (as to a warning or word of instruction) or to proclaim the word. Yet, He never shares information just to gossip.
Prophets must expect to be used and cease worrying about what others may say or think. It is your job to always have a word. God speaks from WITHIN you. Even if you don’t have a word when you open your mouth, God will send the word if you are in obedience. The Father has instructed me many times to simply open my mouth. He took me to Psalm 81:10, which speaks of physical food, but I understood the Father was speaking to me about His word. Every time I began to speak at His instruction (even when I had no idea what I would say), the words came without my own thought or input. Glory to God!
Prophets, God wants to have instruments for His use. He desires that we look for His will to be done, according to the word. He desires that we inquire of Him and wait for His instruction. Yet, He also requires that we stay on post and remain in place. DO NOT GET OUT OF POSITION! Lastly, always be ready to record the visions and proclaim the word.
Especially in this season, those who are true prophets – I encourage you to keep a journal or even share your works online (as God leads). God showed me that He is bringing a major separation of the wheat and the tares. I see many “splits” coming to the Body of Christ – churches and denominations dividing over issues and doctrines. God is going to prove Himself through the people of God. Many more things are yet to be revealed. Sin in the church will be exposed like never before. Yet, many will not see it. They will wink at the sin, and become deceived. They will become numb to violating God’s Word. Those who speak forth the truth will be persecuted.
Many are looking for the world to persecute the true believers, but this persecution will begin first in the very house of God. Prophets, learn to get thick skin in the spirit. Learn to keep your own thoughts and words within, sharing ONLY what God speaks and instructs.
Selah.
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