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"The burden which the prophet Habakkuk saw"

Text: Habakkuk 1:1

THE MINISTRY OF THE PROPHETS

There were several ministries entrusted to the prophets of God. Three may be highlighted:

1. Prophesying

a) Preaching/proclaiming

b) Teaching/ explaining

c) Prophesying… predictions

2. Praying

a) Intercessory ministry

b) Deep and difficult

c) Most necessary

3. Powerful miracles (not all prophets had this ministry)

a) Elijah 1 Kings 18ff

b) Elisha 2 Kings 2ff

c) Habakkuk gave no indication that he could perform mighty miracles.

THE BURDEN OF THE PROPHETS

The word “burden” referred to the visions and messages God gave to His servants the prophets.

1. Their task

a) To study the vision given.

b) To fathom the message God gave embedded in the vision.

2. The message

a) This was sometimes described as “a burden”.

b) Intended meaning:

i) The content was heavy.

ii) The meaning was grave and dire.

c) The messages

i) They weighed heavily on the heart of the prophet.

ii) The prophets often struggled with the message given.

iii) Thus, the messages were called “a burden”.