The central message of this sermon is that understanding the larger context and history behind a particular story or scripture can help to clarify its meaning and make it more accessible and engaging. The teacher emphasizes the importance of having a "big picture" orientation, much like watching a football game, where knowing who's playing, what the score is, and how much time is left helps to make sense of the action on the field. Similarly, understanding the Old Testament history and geography can help to orient us to the stories and prophecies contained within it, including Habakkuk. The teacher aims to show that Habakkuk's prophecy is not just a series of confusing events, but rather a part of a larger story of God's interaction with his people throughout history. By providing this context, the teacher wants to encourage listeners to engage more deeply with scripture and to see how it applies to their own lives today.