Lessons In Obadiah
Last night Bro. Philip Permenter took us through an excellent study of the short book of Obadiah to kick off our year-long chronological study of the minor prophets. Some remarked that if they had heard a sermon from Obadiah, they didn’t remember it. I’m not sure if I’ve heard it referenced in my 8 years of being a Christian. In fact, if a couple of pages in your Bible get stuck together, you could easily miss it, since it is only 21 verses long! Although a small, neglected book of the Old Testament, there some great lessons to be learned.
First of all, we learn from the prophet that pride is deceptive and leads to destruction. The Edomites considered themselves an impenetrable force because of their geological advantages, having fortresses in the high mountains of Edom. They reckoned they couldn’t be taken or outsmarted by any enemy who lacked their experience in the mountainous terrain. God reminds them, through Obadiah, Who is in control. He warns, “The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who dwell in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high; you who say in your heart, ‘Who will bring me down to the ground? Though you ascend as high as the eagle, and though you set your nest among the stars, from there I will bring you down,” says the Lord.” (v. 3-4) The Lord warns that their enemies will deceive and prevail against them, and they will be cut off by slaughter. Simply put, pride is a killer.
We should also learn from the wicked Edomites that the pain and suffering of others is nothing to rejoice about. The Edomites rejoiced in the calamity Judah was experiencing by the hand of God, due to their disobedience. Instead of helping their distant relatives out in a difficult time, they took advantage of the situation at every angle and increased Judah’s suffering. Their wicked behavior led to their destruction. “For the day of the Lord [judgement] upon all the nations is near; as you have done, it shall be done to you; Your reprisal shall return upon your own head. For as you drank on My holy mountain, so shall all the nations drink continually; Yes, they shall drink, and swallow, And they shall be as though they had never been. (v. 15-16)
On the bright side, we are assured God’s people will have victory over their enemies in the end. Obadiah points to a time when the kingdom would be established on the earth, the church of Christ, spiritual Mount Zion! “But on Mount Zion there shall be deliverance, and there shall be holiness; the house of Jacob shall possess their possessions. The house of Jacob shall be a fire, and the house of Joseph a flame; but the house of Esau shall be stubble; They shall kindle them and devour them, and no survivor shall remain of the house of Esau,” for the Lord has spoken. (v. 17-18)
On the day of Pentecost, Peter used the keys to the kingdom to open the door of faith to Israel as he preached the first gospel sermon. From that time to the present, God’s people have found deliverance, holiness, and the promise of great possessions in the life after this! As for Esau (Edom), or any enemy of God and His children, they will be destroyed.
From the beginning of Holy writ to the end, we notice a major truth; God’s faithful servants will be victorious, and that victory is in Jesus Christ and Him crucified.
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- Eric Bullock, Evangelist
