Root 66: Obadiah
Obadiah is the shortest book in the Bible, but as all of the prophets, packs an important message. The prophet spoke his words to the Edomites, who have an important history. God promised Abraham and Sarah, “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you shall be divided; the one shall be stronger than the other, the older shall serve the younger.” (Gen 25:23) Abraham and Sarah had two sons, Jacob and Esau. They were at odds throughout their lives. Jacob’s descendants go on to be the Israelite people and the lineage of Jesus! Esau’s descendants become the Edomites and ultimately Herod the Great, who was at odds with Jesus.
The Edomites had wealth, good land in the hills, and LOTS of pride. They were at odds with the Israelites to the point that they were “aloof” when the Babylonians came to destroy Jerusalem. Even thought they were “brothers”, they did not try to help. Obadiah prophesies strong words against their pride and their lack of help. In verse 15 he says, “For the day of the LORD is near upon all the nations. As you have done, it shall be done to you; your deeds shall return on your own head.” Ultimately, Edom fell off the the face of the earth. Now we have the tourist city of Petra (Jordan) to remember them, but that’s it.
The problem with Edom is pride. Pride is always deceiving, and it changes the heart. Nothing good comes from us and what WE can do. It only comes from the Father.
Unresolved conflict always causes issues. The conflict does not go away.
Remember, everything has a beginning. Everything is a result of something else. Thankfully, Obadiah reminds the people in verse 21 that a Savior is coming…
QUESTIONS:
1. Is there anything in your life that causes you to depend only on yourself and not God? What is it and why do you feel that way? How has pride reared it’s lie in your life?
2. You reap what you sow. What are you sowing in your life today?
3. Is there anything you are passionate about that you are silent on? Remember, silence is complicity. Where do you need to come to the defense of others?
