Reflection on Obadiah

Scripture

Those who have been rescued will go up to Mount Zionn in Jerusalem to rule over the mountains of Edom, and the Lord himself will be king.

Observation

Obadiah writes at the time that Nebuchadnezzar’s armies have invaded Judah, destroyed Jerusalem and carried away many people into exile in Babylon.

Edom, though related historically to Israel through Jacob, stood back and gloated at the nation’s misfortune and sufferings. Now the Lord promises that Edom itself will be obliterated. It’s allies will now will turn on them.

Israel will be restored as Edom and what the other nations have done to Israel, so it shall be done to them. The captives who have been exiled will return and they will rule over Edom, and the surrounding nations.

And the Lord will be their King.

Application

In many ways, the Exile seemed to represent the end of Israel and its relationship with the Lord. Yet God did not abandon his people. We know that after 70 years in Exile, the people were allowed to return and rebuild.

The warning here is for us not to be too quick to judge other believers. When they go through trials and tribulations, it may not be God’s rejection of them or a sign of hidden sin. It could be that the Lord is allowing things to happen that will deepen their trust.

I find it very troubling when people, especially leaders, criticise other pastors, teachers and prophets. They do gloat at times at the misfortune of others. We must take a different approach – recognising that a brother or sister is struggling and helping rather than hindering

Prayer

Lord, please help me not to gloat as the Edomites gloated Help me to remember that other people are a part of your Body too. Amen.

#bible #Obadiah #reflection

Those who perpetrate violence (ḥāmās חָמָס)

The Lord tests the righteous,
But the wicked and the one who loves violence (ḥāmās חָמָס) His soul hates. Psalm 11.5

#churchleadership #Hamas #Israel #Messiah #Obadiah #palestine #salvation #Violence #Gaza

https://lightforthelastdays.co.uk/articles/israel-and-the-middle-east/those-who-perpetrate-violence-%e1%b8%a5amas-%d7%97%d6%b8%d7%9e%d6%b8%d7%a1/

Obadiah’s context: Edom and Israel
(The origins of the Gaza conflict)
Trevor Stewart-Sweet

And the Lord said to her:
“Two nations are in your womb,
Two peoples shall be separated from your body;
One people shall be stronger than the other,
And the older shall serve the younger.” Genesis 25-22

#churchleadership #hamaswar #Israel #Messiah #Obadiah #palestine #salvation #Gaza

https://lightforthelastdays.co.uk/articles/obadiahs-context-edom-and-israel/

This was a fun doodle my friend https://www.furaffinity.net/user/FatGlaz made of Obadiah being embarrassed. If you get what this might reference then congrats. I just uploaded it by itself because of how cute he looks.

#Obadiah #gator #gangster