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...you were like one of them.

Obadiah 1:11c

The book of Obadiah, the shortest book in the Old Testament, focuses on the nation of Edom – who were descendants of Esau (Jacob’s brother).  They had acted violently, pridefully, and contrary to God’s way against Judah (who descended from Jacob).  And God condemns them for their arrogance, betrayal, and violence against their “brother nation.”

Obadiah, the prophet who God used to write the book bearing his name, declares that Edom’s pride will lead to its downfall.  It’s all pointing to the coming of the Day of Lord – when God will bring His righteous judgment on all nations, but provide deliverance and restoration for His people.  God’s Kingdom is the only kingdom that is supreme and everlasting. 

All others will fail and fall and be judged.  So, this book:

  • warns us of the danger of pride and false security
  • warns of (& brings comfort His people) God’s coming justice against those who harm His people
  • tells of God’s sovereignty over all nations
  • and speaks of the hope of restoration those who are the Lord’s

While there is clarity concerning the judgment prophesied by Obadiah, there are also practical applications for all of us.  Years ago, Charles Spurgeon wrote the following based on verse 11 of Obadiah:

“Brotherly kindness was expected from Edom toward Israel in their time of need, but instead, the men of Esau sided with Israel’s enemies.  The emphasis in this passage is on the word you, as if God were saying, ‘Even you acted this way,’ much like when Caesar turned to Brutus and said, ‘And you, Brutus?’  A sinful action becomes even worse depending on who commits it [emphasis, mine].

When we, who are the chosen and favored of heaven, sin, we sin with special emphasis.  Our offenses are particularly grievous because we have been given so much.  If an angel were to stop us while we were doing wrong, all he would need to ask is, ‘You? How can you be doing this?’  We have been forgiven much, delivered much, taught much, blessed much – how could we possibly stretch out our hand toward evil?  May God forbit it! [emphasis, mine]

Take a few minutes for self-examination... Have you ever been like the wicked?  Perhaps at a party, when someone told an inappropriate joke, you didn’t entirely reject it.  Maybe you even laughed, making you no different from them.  Or when harsh things were spoken about the ways of God, you stayed silent out of fear or embarrassment, blending in with the crowd.  In the marketplace, when the worldlings were making sharp deals, were you just like them, chasing after gain with the same intensity? [emphasis, mine].

It’s time to be honest with yourself.  Make sure you are a new creation in Christ, and once that is certain, walk carefully so that no one can say, ‘Even you were just like them.’  You wouldn’t want to share their eternal fate, so why imitate them here on earth?  [emphasis, mine] Don’t join in their schemes, lest you share in their ruin.  Stand with the afflicted people of God, not with the world.”

 

Church...if you are in Christ...we are urged (commanded):

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by

testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Rom. 12:2

May the LORD bless & lead us as we seek Him.

Friendly.  Faithful.  Focused.  For the Glory of the LORD!

 

Pastor loves you!

And I’m honored to serve HIM alongside you.