Tuesday, August 16, 2022

            Obadiah is probably not a place in the Bible where you have routinely, or even recently, read and studied.  It is only one chapter or twenty-one verses long.  We know virtually nothing about this prophet or his background.  He focused his prophecy on God’s coming judgment of Edom for that nation’s cruelty toward Judah.  God would extend His care and protection over His people and shield them from the wickedness of another nation.  That much was certain.  The prophet did make it clear that the “Sovereign LORD” had given him this message to deliver.  In fact, twice in verse one, Obadiah made it clear that God had spoken to him.  We read, “The vision of Obadiah.  This is what the Sovereign Lord says about Edom—We have heard a message from the Lord” (Obadiah 1).  Though we may not visit Obadiah very often for Bible study or guidance, it is part of God’s Word and worthy of our reflection and consideration.
            We do find a relevant warning in Obadiah 15 that can speak or connect with us today.  The prophet wrote, “The day of the Lord is near for all nations.  As you have done, it will be done to you; your deeds will return upon your own head.”  Like Hosea, Obadiah seems to be saying that if we sow the wind, we will reap the whirlwind.  We tend to reap what we sow.  If we sow seeds of division or discontent, we will experience the same thing in our lives.  If we live maliciously or callously, we can expect that such experiences will visit our lives as well.  The contrast is also true.  Living graciously, generously or kindly will likely mean that we enjoy the same as well.  There is an old saying that reminds us once we have made our beds, we will have to lie in them.  There is truth to this statement.  We often have to deal with circumstances of our own making.  We have to handle situations that we have helped to create—whether good or bad.  We rarely live in a vacuum or in isolation. 
            Jesus once said, “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money” (Matthew 6:24).  Obadiah’s message seems to say that we must be careful about the master we choose to serve.  We need to be certain that we have sought the Lord and chosen the Lord above the host of things we might find on earth.  Things, people, possessions and objects will often leave us disappointed and empty.  But no one ever regrets coming to the Lord.  The Lord God is never the wrong choice or bad choice.  The Lord will never leave us feeling empty inside.
            Obadiah warned in verse three that “the pride of your heart has deceived you.”  The things we might desire or pursue may look good or pleasing to us but we soon discover that they have no staying power or permanence.  The pride of the heart persuades us to believe that we can go our own way and not suffer for it.  This pride leaves us convinced that we know best and what we wish to pursue is best for us.  We see this pride on display in the Garden of Eden where Adam and Eve trusted their own eyes and a serpent more than the clear commands and teachings of the Lord who had told them what to do and what not to do. 
            This small prophet is worth your time and reading.  God can use this prophet to encourage us to go deeper into His Word.  A few moments in Obadiah might lead you to another prophet, the gospels, the Psalms or one of Paul’s letters.  The words of Obadiah can spark recognition and remembrance of other Scriptures where you might wish to camp as well.  Have a wonderful Tuesday and enjoy the day the Lord has made and gifted to us.  Remember you can share our worship daily with others at youtube.com/FirstBaptistKannapolis.