Readers' Theatre: Habakkuk 1: 1-4; 2: 1-4

Here’s a readers’ theatre setting of Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4.  It is set for two voices.

If it feels appropriate, you might consider reading some current newspaper headlines before this reading begins. 

Habakkuk’s Complaint

(Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4)

One:     How long, O Lord, must I call for help?
But you do not listen!
“Violence is everywhere!” I cry,
but you do not come to save.
Must I forever see these evil deeds?
Why must I watch all this misery?
Wherever I look,
I see destruction and violence.
I am surrounded by people
who love to argue and fight.

The law has become paralyzed,
and there is no justice in the courts.
The wicked far outnumber the righteous,
so that justice has become perverted.

I will climb up to my watchtower
and stand at my guardpost.
There I will wait to see what the Lord says
and how he will answer my complaint.

Two:     Write my answer plainly on tablets,
so that a runner can carry the correct message to others.

This vision is for a future time.
It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled.
If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently,
for it will surely take place.
It will not be delayed.

“Look at the proud!
They trust in themselves, and their lives are crooked.

But the righteous will live by their faithfulness to God.