A reading from the Book of Habakkuk:
The oracle that the prophet Habakkuk saw: 2 “O Lord, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not listen? Or cry to you ‘Violence!’ and you will not save?
3 Why do you make me see wrongdoing and look at trouble? Destruction and violence are before me; strife and contention arise. 4 So the law becomes slack and justice never prevails. The wicked surround the righteous—therefore judgement comes forth perverted.”
“I will stand at my watch-post, 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.” 2 Then the Lord answered me and said: ‘Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so that a runner may read it. 3 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. 4 Look at the proud! Their spirit is not right in them, but the righteous live by their faith.’
Emmanuel Reformed Church of the United Church of Christ 