Tuesday, July 8, 2014
Reading for today: Obadiah 1, Psalm 82 & 83

Well, I had a hard time following Obadiah this morning, until I did a little background checking, so I thought I’d share with you what I learned. Obadiah is speaking mostly to Edom.

So where and who is Edom?

Edom was a neighboring country of Judah near the southeast region of the Dead Sea. The Edomites were descendants of Esau. (Genesis 25:19-27:45). Esau you may recall was the twin brother of Jacob (who later became known as Israel). Esau gave up his birthright to Jacob, who was the father of the 12 brothers that became the nation of Israel. Dan, Naphtali, Judah..etc… anyway, Edom and Israel/Judah (Northern and Southern Kingdoms) didn’t get along very well throughout the years. Of all the neighboring countries you would have thought that since they were blood relatives that they would have come to the aid of the Jews, but instead Edom was constantly harassing the Jews and participated in many attacks against Judah. They even looted the Israel countryside. Edom was filled with pride at their self-sufficiency. They also gloated over Israel’s misfortunes and willingly captured and delivered many Israelites to their enemies.

So leads us to Obadiah’s message from God to the Edomites. Because of their defiance of God, their treachery and disloyalty to God’s chosen people, Obadiah pronounces God’s judgment on them. “The day of the Lord is near for all nations. As you have done, it will be done to you, your evil deeds will return upon your own head.” (vs 15) 

God takes care of his people. 

Today, God’s people are His church, everyone who has put their hope and trust in Christ Jesus for their salvation and have given their lives to Him. Those who are now adopted and are called children of God. 

As we read Obadiah, we can see how God loves and cares for his own – how God alone is sovereign. God promises that evil will be punished and those who are faithful to Him will be protected.

Obadiah’s warning is also for us to remember that we should never fail to help God’s people. 

Blessings
Pastor Kathy