The day dawned with a strange air in Jerusalem, as if the city itself
containedBreathing. The streets, usually bustling with activity, were filled with
whispers and nervous glances. Habakkuk walked among the residents, noticing that
something had changed: tension was palpable on the faces of the merchants, in
the hurried steps of the citizens, and in the fearful silence of the young people.
The seed of his preaching had sprouted, and the voice of justice he represented
was beginning to disrupt the city's routine.
As he crossed the central plaza, a group of men surrounded him. They were envoys
of theThe council leaders, men in long robes with stern faces, made no secret of
their intention to intimidate him. Habakkuk, though young, did not back down. His
heart was steadfast, and his conviction stronger than fear.
"Habakkuk," one of them said, his voice grave and threatening. "We are warning
you one last time: stop speaking in the public square. Your insolence toward the
leaders and your audacity in defying authority will bring consequences you will not
be able to bear."
Habakkuk looked at them, feeling his heart pounding, and calmly replied:
—I am not seeking confrontation out of vanity. I do not desire power or
recognition. I only speak for those who cannot raise their voices, for the
oppressed, for the orphans and the poor who trust in God.
The men exchanged glances, and one of them murmured:
—He's brave… but even the brave fall.
Without waiting any longer, they withdrew, leaving behind a silence that seemed to
envelop everything.The plaza. People watched, some with admiration, others with
fear. Habakkuk took a deep breath and continued on his way, aware that his path
as a prophet was beginning to attract visible enemies.
That night, while the city slept under a starry sky, Habakkuk climbed onto the
rooffrom her house and knelt, seeking divine guidance. The voice she had heard inOn previous nights it returned, stronger and more solemn, like a silent thunder
thatvibrated inside his chest:
"Habakkuk, my son," the voice said. "I have seen your courage, and I have
observed how you speak for those who cannot. But time is short. The ways of
Judah are full of corruption and sin, and men will not listen until calamity draws
near. Prepare yourself, for I will soon reveal the approaching judgment, and your
word must warn my people of the impending destruction."
The young prophet closed his eyes, feeling a shiver run through his entire body.God's
words were clear: it would not be an easy path, nor one of praise or general
approval. The city, its leaders, and many citizens would resist it, but his mission
was to deliver the divine message, even if no one wanted to hear it.
"Lord," Habakkuk whispered, "how can I warn my people if they refuse to listen?
How can I deliver your message when even the powerful despise and threaten
me?"
"Do not fear," the voice replied. "It is not you who convinces, but my word that
speaks through you. They may ignore you, mock you, and persecute you, but the
truth you carry will touch the hearts of those who wish to hear. Faith arises
when the human voice unites with the divine will."
The next morning, Habakkuk prepared to preach again, this time more aware of
the threat he faced. He walked toward the central plaza, where people were
already beginning to gather, drawn by news of his courage. Some looked on with
anticipation, others with suspicion, and the council leaders watched from a
distance, assessing how they would respond to his message.
"Citizens of Jerusalem," Habakkuk began, "the Lord has seen the injustice that
surrounds us. I have received his word, and I must warn you: if we continue in
corruption, violence, and indifference, calamity will come upon us. It is not a
human judgment, but a divine one."
The murmurs began to grow. Some citizens backed away, terrified byThe intensity
of his words, while others approached, with curiosity and hope. Habakkuk
continued, his voice firm and clear:
—It is not too late to turn back to the Lord. Every righteous action, every correct
decision, everyEvery act of kindness is a step toward salvation. But if we ignore His
warnings, if we persist in oppression and injustice, destruction will be inevitable.
One of the leaders, visibly irritated, approached with quick steps:"Enough!" he shouted. "These words sow fear and disorder among the people. You,
young man."Insolent one, you will be punished if you continue prophesying and
disturbing the peace of our city.
Habakkuk did not back down. His eyes shone with determination, and his voice
resonated even more.stronger than ever:
"I do not seek to sow fear for my own sake, but to warn you according to God's will.
It is not my word that threatens, but the injustice that we have allowed to grow in
our streets, in our homes, and in our hearts."
The tension in the square was palpable. Some citizens began shouting in support of
Habakkuk, while others pleaded with him to stop, fearing the leaders' wrath.
Confrontation seemed inevitable, but at that moment, Habakkuk sensed a
presenceinvisible that filled him with calm and security: the voice of God, his
constant guide.
"Habakkuk," the voice whispered in his heart. "Do not fear men. Though they
persecute and despise you, my word will stand firm. Let my message spread.
Those who wish to hear it will find hope and light, and those who do not will face
the consequences of their unbelief."
With each word, Habakkuk felt his fear transform into courage. He understood that
being a prophet didn't mean seeking approval, but rather conveying divine truth,
even when it was uncomfortable, challenging, or unpopular. His voice was an
instrument, and his heart, a channel of justice and hope.
That afternoon, as he returned home, Habakkuk was discreetly followed by a few
curious citizens, eager to hear more about his words and the warning he brought.
Among them were women, the elderly, and young people who felt deep down that
the city needed change, and that the young prophet's words could be the first step
toward redemption.
Upon arriving home, Habakkuk climbed onto the roof, watching the lights of
Jerusalem begin to twinkle as night fell. The city appeared peaceful, but he knew
the calm was only superficial. Tensions were rising, and the corrupt leaders would
not allow their authority to be challenged without a fight.
"Lord," she whispered, "today I spoke before the crowd and felt their fear and
their hope. Strengthen my heart for the days to come, guide me to face opposition,
and teach me how to convey your message to those who refuse to listen."The night breeze caressed his face, and Habakkuk felt certain that God would not
abandon him. Every threat, every challenge, and every scornful glance would be an
opportunity to strengthen his faith and teach his people the importance of justice
and obedience to the divine will.
That night, before falling asleep, he recalled the whispers and visions of the
previous days: cities succumbing to corruption, leaders ignoring justice, but also
the glimmers of goodness and hope that appeared in the hearts of the humble. He
understood that his mission was not only to warn of the calamity, but to guide,
teach, and protect the seed of justice that could still blossom in Judah.
And so, as the moon illuminated Jerusalem, Habakkuk closed his eyes with a
resolute heart. He knew the days ahead would be difficult, that the opposition
would be fierce, and that the people would not always listen. But he also knew
that his voice, his faith, and his obedience to God would be the light that would
begin to dispel the shadows of injustice in the city, preparing Judah to face the
times ahead.