Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, today, we turn our hearts and minds to the Book of Obadiah, the shortest book in the Old Testament, yet rich with lessons that resonate through the ages. As we delve into these sacred scriptures, let us reflect on the themes of sin and destruction, the omnipotent Day of the Lord, the hopeful restoration of Israel, and the glorious vision of the Messiah’s eternal kingdom.
The Sin and Destruction of Edom
In Obadiah, we find the prophet speaking against the nation of Edom, descendants of Esau, Jacob’s brother. The Edomites stood accused of pride, violence, and indifference. Obadiah 1:3 says, "The pride of thine heart hath deceived thee, thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high; that saith in his heart, Who shall bring me down to the ground?"
Edom’s sin was not merely in their pride but in their failure to help their brother Israel during their time of need — indeed, they reveled in Israel’s downfall. This serves as a stark reminder to us all about the nature of sin. Sin often begins subtly, but it leads us to a path of destruction if left unchecked. It separates us from God and from one another, fostering division and strife.
Let us examine our hearts today. Are there areas in our lives where pride, indifference, or a lack of compassion have taken root? As a community united in Christ, let us commit to support and uplift each other, remembering Paul’s admonition in Galatians 6:2, "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ."
Obadiah also speaks of the Day of the Lord, a time of divine judgment not only for Edom but for all nations. This day is not merely one of punishment but also one of divine justice and revelation. Obadiah 1:15 warns, "For the day of the LORD is near upon all the heathen: as thou hast done, it shall be done unto thee: thy reward shall return upon thine own head."
This prophecy encourages us that wrongdoing will not prevail; God’s justice will ultimately triumph. The Day of the Lord is a reminder of God's sovereign rule over the world, and that every action we take has consequences in His divine economy.
As we anticipate this day, let us live in a manner that honors God, seeking justice and righteousness in our own lives and in the world around us.
Despite the grim prophecies against Edom, Obadiah ends with a note of hope — the restoration of Israel. Verses 19-21 depict a future where the exiles return and possess their inheritance. This promise of restoration is not just physical but spiritual, pointing forward to the work of Christ, who reconciles all things to Himself.
In our own lives, restoration and reconciliation should be a continual process. We are called to be agents of reconciliation, embodying the hope and healing found in Christ. Let us reach out to those estranged, offering forgiveness and seeking peace, modeling our Savior who reconciled us to God.
Finally, Obadiah, though focused on historical events, casts a vision towards the eternal kingdom of the Messiah. This kingdom is characterized by peace, justice, and the full knowledge of the Lord covering the earth as the waters cover the sea.
As believers, we are already citizens of this kingdom through Christ. Let us therefore live as ambassadors of this kingdom, spreading the good news of Christ’s love and the hope of His eternal reign. Let our lives reflect the values of this kingdom — love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Brothers and sisters, in conclusion, the Book of Obadiah, though brief, challenges us to reflect deeply on sin, judgment, restoration, and the hope of the Messiah’s eternal kingdom. May we take to heart these lessons, allowing them to transform us more into the likeness of Christ.
Let us go forth in peace and love, bearing the light of Christ to a world in need of hope and restoration.
"Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen." (Jude 1:24-25).
