Obadiah -- Called To SERVE, Not To Sit On The Sidelines

Regardless of all they’ve done to sin against God, Israel is still loved by God.  They are His children, and anyone who picks on them will see God coming to their defense.  “He says, in effect, Mess with them and you mess with Me,” Max Lucado says.

God spoke to the nation of Edom through this short book.  They were the descendants of Esau, the twin brother of Jacob, who was later renamed Israel and whose 12 sons made up the 12 tribes.

Jacob had been chosen by God to receive the double blessing of the firstborn, despite the fact that Esau was the firstborn.  But Jacob and his mom hadn’t been satisfied with waiting on God to handle it, and the trickery they used had caused a blood feud that had led to this message from God.

Here, God lets the world know that He’s already set in motion the destruction of Edom.  Their pride and their gloating over Israel’s troubles, plus their failure to help them, would now cost them their nation.

My commentary said, “Knowing that the Lord reigns over all things ought to encourage the people of God as we watch world events and grieve over the decay of people and nations.  The Sovereignty of God isn’t an excuse for believers to be indifferent to evil in the world, nor is it an encouragement to slumber carelessly and do nothing … We must still pray, ‘Thy will be done’ and then be available to obey whatever He tells us to do.”

Not doing that cost Edom everything.

Father, I pray that our nation will not stand by and let events unfold without heeding Your call.  You brought us forth as a nation for a purpose, and we should represent You and Your truths to the world, without apology.  Please help our leaders to remember this and to wisely join You to not do as Edom did – standing by and watching.  It will surely lead to our destruction if we do.

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford