Last week, the Union University office of university ministries began a three-week chapel series studying the book of Habakkuk.
The series is led by six Union alumni. Todd Brady, vice president for university ministries, began the series on Wednesday, Feb. 24. He was followed on Friday by Sam L, a missionary in residence.
Paul Atkin, dean of the Billy Graham School of Missions at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary; Ben Mandrell, president and CEO of LifeWay Christian Resources; Adam Lickey, lead pastor of Northbrook Church; and J.P. Barden, pastor at New Vision Baptist Church, will deliver future messages.
“All of those guys have a lot for Union because they went here,” Brady said. “Every one of them came through here and are serving the Lord in different ways.”
The focus on Habakkuk was chosen due to a notion of relevance to the present day. Both administration and students understand there is a longing for answers in confusing times.
“I think as we study it, we’re going to see how relevant the book of Habakkuk is for us today,” Brady said. “Christians are questioning. One of the things we saw today was that it’s okay to question. Take those questions to God. I see many similarities between Habakukk’s day and today.”
Initial student reactions to the series are positive.
“I believe Habakkuk is relevant in today’s Union community for a few reasons,” said Nicholas Palmer, a freshman Christian studies major. “I know that in Habakkuk, he experienced answers from the Lord that were not what he wanted. I feel that some students are struggling with answers from the Lord that they may not like, and I hope that this book will show them how God is sovereign.”
The series aims to help students find those answers by trusting in God.
“The main takeaway that I want for our student body is a resolute trust in God regardless of circumstances, and regardless of the situation in which they find themselves. Like Habakkuk, ‘the fig tree does not blossom, yet I will trust in the Lord,’ ” Brady said.
The series will run until Friday, March 12, with Barden concluding the book series.
