The Hebrew Prophets

Your wealth is acquired at the expense of your family.
You build your nest high atop the bodies of the exploited.
Your plans shame your own house, and bring guilt on your own head …….

You get others drunk only to gaze on their nakedness, such is the power of your hatred.
But you will be filled with shame rather than glory, for it is yourself you hate most of all …….

——- Habakkuk 2:9-16

You may be tempted to dismiss this attack as hyperbole. Don’t. Think instead of how Habakkuk may be speaking truth in the face of your denial. To what extent has your pursuit of wealth or fame been a detriment to your relationships with loved ones? Where have you advanced your career or position in the community at the expense of others? Where have you exploited another’s weakness for your own gain?

You are not the only one to do these things. Do not imagine you are the only one to avoid doing them. Rather, look honestly at your life, see where you participate in injustice, and turn.

Of what value is the carved image even to the carver? Molten statues teach you nothing, so why do you trust in idols?

Only a fool says to wood, “Wake up!” or to lifeless stone, “Arise!”

Can a coating of gold and silver disguise the fact that there is no breath within it?

But I reside in My holy abode ——- Be silent before Me all the earth!

——- Habakkuk 2:18-20

Where are you trusting, in mute idols? Look around you. Can you see where the work of your hands has somehow gotten the upper hand in your life? Can you see where your possessions possess you? What do you trust these things to do for you? Until you recognize the idols before which you worship, you will never be able to turn to the One Who Is and be free.

Where is the abode of God? The abode of God is reality itself. You dwell in God as God right now. This is the good news of the prophets. All you have to do is be silent in the moment; experience what is rather than what your chattering mind wishes there to be. When you are silent, you silence delusion and falsehood, and realize the simple truth of God in, with, and as all things. Seeing the truth allows you to live truthfully. And that is what God requires of you.