Dawn broke over Jerusalem with an unsettling air. The shadows of the walls
lengthened through the alleyways, and the murmur of the first merchants could
barely mask a growing unease that rippled through the city. Habakkuk awoke with
a heavy heart, a sense that something terrible was approaching, something he
could not ignore. The city's leaders, increasingly irritated by his preaching, were
beginning to plot ways to discredit him, while the populace watched with a
mixture of fear and anticipation.
Habakkuk climbed to the roof of his house, as he did every morning, seeking
communion with God, hoping to receive clearer guidance on what to say and how
to act. He closed his eyes, and the whisper of the wind transformed into a
profound silence that filled his being. Then, the visions began.
First, he saw a strange army advancing across distant lands. Its soldiers
wereNumerous, uniform, relentless, like shadows gliding over defenseless cities.
There was a constant roar, not of human voices, but of iron and destruction. Walls
crumbled before them, and cities burned in fire and smoke.
Habakkuk felt a chill run down his spine; the vision was clear: judgmentIt was
coming, and it was inevitable.
"Lord," whispered the prophet, "is this what awaits us? Our city, our people, under
the judgment of our enemies?"The voice of God resounded powerfully, stronger than any human sound:
—Habakkuk, observe carefully. Violence and corruption have poisoned the heart of
Judah. Its leaders have forgotten my law, and my people have embraced injustice.
Therefore, punishment will be inevitable if there is no repentance. Look and
understand, for your mission will be to warn, teach, and guide, even when fear
grips their hearts.
The vision continued. Habakkuk saw soldiers entering neighboring cities, laying
waste to everything in their path. Innocent lives were lost, the elderly and
children fell, and homes that had sheltered families for generations were reduced
to ashes. But amidst the chaos, he also saw small lights: people helping one
another, sharing bread, protecting and comforting each other. Human justice
might fail, but kindness persisted, and that was the seed he was to protect.
When Habakkuk opened his eyes, he felt the weight of responsibility. The vision
was not a mere omen; it was an instruction. He was to prepare his people to face
the calamity, warn them of the injustice that had brought about the judgment, and
strengthen the faith of those who desired to hear the truth.
"Lord," he said in silent prayer, "how will they respond to my warning if they deny
and persecute us? How can I speak to leaders who cling to power and fear?"
"You will not be the one to change their hearts," God replied. "You will only be
the messenger. My word will speak through you. Some will listen, others will
scoff, but those who wish to save their lives and souls will find in your message
the guidance and light they need."
That day, Habakkuk went out again to the central plaza. The people were already
used to seeing him, although there was still fear in their eyes. The leaders
watched him from afar, growing more worried each day about his influence, and
some were beginning to plot more aggressive reprisals. But Habakkuk did not
waver; the vision and divine instruction had given him a clarity that surpassed any
human fear.
"Citizens of Judah," Habakkuk began in a firm voice, "I have seen with my own
eyes what is coming if we continue to ignore God's will. Corruption, oppression,
and sin have filled our land, and if we do not repent, a judgment will come that
will devastate our cities, our families, and our lives."
Some in the square stepped back, afraid to hear what they considered
terrible words. Others drew closer, attracted by the seriousness and
conviction of the young prophet."This is not my word," Habakkuk continued, "but the Lord's warning. Every leader
who ignores justice, every citizen who remains indifferent, every selfish decision
brings calamity upon us all. But there is still time to change, to act justly, to
protect the weak, and to follow God's path."
Suddenly, a group of young merchants approached, with gestures of disbelief and
curiosity:
"What can we do, Mr. Habakkuk?" they asked. "How can we protect ourselves from
what you say?"
Habakkuk looked at them, and his voice softened, mixing authority and tenderness:
—Every act of justice, however small, is a shield against destruction.Help those in
need, teach the truth, protect those who cannot defend themselves. Justice is not
just a concept, it is action, and every righteous action strengthens the city and
protects its people.
As he spoke, the city leaders began to approach, annoyed by the audience Habakkuk
was attracting. One of them, visibly angry, shouted:
—Enough! This young man is sowing fear and confusion. I order that he be arrested
and punished.for daring to challenge our authority.
Habakkuk did not back down. His heart was full of faith, and the voice of God
resounded within him:
—Do not fear, Habakkuk. My word stands. Those who persecute you only reveal
their ignorance and their sin. Stand firm and fulfill your mission.
He young prophet raised thevoice:
—I do not fear men or their authority when they act against justice.True authority
belongs to God, and He sees every injustice, every abuse, every act of corruption.
Prepare yourselves, Judah, for judgment is coming. But those who repent and act
justly will find refuge and protection under His will.
The plaza fell into absolute silence. The citizens watched in awe and fear, and the
leaders, frustrated at their inability to silence the young man, withdrew to discuss
new strategies. Habakkuk understood that his message was beginning to resonate,
even if only a few accepted it immediately.That night, she climbed back onto her roof, gazing at the city lights twinkling in
the moonlight. Her heart was at peace, but she knew the visions would continue,
and that the message needed to be strengthened each day.
"Lord," he whispered, "today I have spoken and warned the city. Some will listen,
others will not. Strengthen my heart and teach me how to lead my people
through these trying times."
The night wind answered with a murmur among the rooftops, and Habakkuk
understood that his mission had only just begun. Calamity was inevitable if the
people persisted in sin, but there was still time for those willing to listen and act
according to God's justice.
At dawn the next day, Habakkuk awoke with a renewed sense of purpose. The
visions had shown him the magnitude of the judgment, but they had also given him
clarity about his mission: to warn, to teach, and to guide, regardless of the
opposition of the leaders or the disbelief of many citizens. Every word he spoke
would be a reflection of the divine will, and every righteous action would
strengthen the hope of those who desired to change.
Thus, with the faith born of doubt and the determination that only divine certainty
can give, Habakkuk began to prepare Jerusalem for the difficult times ahead. His
voice would be a beacon of warning and hope, and his message a reminder that
theGod's justice always prevails, even when the city seems steeped in corruption
and the shadow of judgment.