Obadiah

Obadiah 1:3, 4 “The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rock, in your lofty dwelling, who say in your heart, ‘Who will bring me down to the ground?’ Though you soar aloft like the eagle, thought your nest is set among the stars, from there I will bring you down declares the LORD.”

Obadiah begins his prophecy with promises of destruction to Edom. Edom, like so many other people have begun to think of themselves as invincible. They have been destructive to the nation of Jacob, their brother and what’s more they have gloated over the captivity of Jacob. They did not lift a finger to help their brother, rather they rejoiced at Judah’s day of distress and disaster.

God is a God of justice and Edom, like all the other nations will pay for their transgressions. They will receive according to what they did. Their wise men will be destroyed and their mighty men will be dismayed. We are reminded that God promises that whatever a man sows, he will in turn, reap. Edom sowed and now God will bring their harvest. Obadiah hints that while earthly opponents might leave the gleanings, God would not. Now that is scary.

Task for Today: Pride of heart is a bad thing. It deceives us into thinking we are something we aren’t. My mother called it “Too big for your britches.” Don’t let that happen to you. Don’t be an Edom. Today, empty your heart of pride and of thinking you are better than those who appear to be being punished. Take no delight in the misfortune of others even if they caused their own misfortune. Humble yourself in the sight of the Lord. Like David of old, ask God for a clean heart.