Three Life Lessons from Obadiah

The first challenge to Obadiah is finding it! This little book is tucked into the middle of the minor prophets.  When you read it the first time, it might seem strange and make you wonder why it is there. But, as with every book of the Bible, there are lessons that are relevant even today.

In fact, that was the challenge I was facing as I began this series more than a year ago. Could I find lessons from every book of the Bible to help us follow Jesus. So far, I have been successful and I pray that these lessons are helping you.

Here are three lessons from this very short book.

God is Sovereign

The vision of Obadiah.

       Thus says the Lord God concerning Edom:

       We have heard a report from the Lord,

and a messenger has been sent among the nations:

       “Rise up! Let us rise against her for battle!”

Obadiah 1 (ESV)

National gods were common in the Old Testament times. Edom had her god; Israel had her God. But the statement we have here is that God rules over Edom as well.

Edom was not chosen by God like Israel but they were still included among the nations that were called to worship him. However, they did not worship or even acknowledge God.

They were not beyond the power of God and he had a word for them, a warning. Just because they didn’t believe didn’t mean that God would not exert his will upon them. This is a reminder to us that our failure to believe does not change God’s sovereign will. His existence does not depend on our belief. He is and he reigns.

God Stands Up for His People

Because of the violence done to your brother Jacob,

shame shall cover you,

and you shall be cut off forever.

Obadiah 10 (ESV)

Jacob and Esau were brothers. Jacob became Israel. Esau became Edom. Now God makes a declaration and gives the reason for that declaration. His chosen people were to be honored not attacked. Certainly, there should be at least a sliver of respect between Edom and Israel. While Jerusalem was suffering, the people of Edom were content to watch its destruction. For that, they would suffer!

Again, we must remember that we have responsibility to stand up for right. We must do all we can to ensure that people everywhere are treated with respect and courtesy.

More than that, we know that when we decide to follow Jesus we become his chosen people and he will stand up for us!

When God’s People are Destroyed, It Effects Others

The house of Jacob shall be a fire,

and the house of Joseph a flame,

and the house of Esau stubble;

       they shall burn them and consume them,

and there shall be no survivor for the house of Esau,

for the Lord has spoken.

Obadiah 18 (ESV)

God chastened his people, taking them short of destruction. But that destruction had far reaching effects. By allowing the Babylonian empire to take over that region of the world, destruction not only visited Judah and Jerusalem but the nations around them.

We are chosen people. Jesus called us salt and light. When our witness is extinguished there are far-reaching consequences. As we cease to follow, the light fade and the salt loses its saltiness. Society struggles. Even though the world does not acknowledge all the grace of God that flows into it, that grace still flows. And we are the conduits of that grace.

We see a deterioration of morals in our culture today. It is because there is no viable moral structure apart from God. Any other moral structure relies on man-made, and necessarily flawed, rules. Moral structure outside of God is self-centered and relativistic. It is only through the moral code that God gives that society can be absolutely harmonious.

Followers of Jesus must continuously show the grace (love) and truth (righteousness) of God in our daily lives. As we follow conscientiously, we can be sure that we are making a difference in our world. And right now, the world needs us more than ever!

Your Turn – Share Obadiah Lessons!

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