“The day of the LORD is near for all nations. As you have done, it will be done to you;
your deeds will return upon your own head.” Obadiah 1:15
Though it may be the shortest book of the Bible, Obadiah still offers an insight for Christians today. The majority of the book is the pronouncement of the judgment to come to Edom. The greatest lesson that Obadiah has to offer may be hard for Christians today to swallow. Obadiah speaks truth about the consequences to come when God’s people separate from him or when they directly oppose him. Such individuals will not receive the promises of God’s restoration, rather they ought to live in fear of the judgment to come.
Edom’s downfall was due to the pride of their heart which deceived them as evidenced in verse 3. The people of Edom had harmed God’s people, and now await destruction because of their sin. The nation of Edom was destroyed and disappeared from history, and serves as an example of the destruction that can come from pride.
Obadiah’s prophecy is still relevant today. Time and time again the dangers of pride, and the destruction that results are written about throughout Scripture. There were and still are consequences for living our lives in a selfish manner, putting all of our attention and focus on ourselves and our own desires over those around us. The Scripture above emphasizes what many today call the Golden rule: Do unto others and you would have them do unto you.
Would you prefer for every man or woman to look out for themselves and follow only their own desires, despite the costs or toll it may make on you? Maybe you can think of a time where someone acted in a selfish manner that caused you harm. How did their actions make you feel?
Perhaps pride is something you struggle with. Do you struggle to set aside your own desires for those that are from God? If so, know that you are not alone in the struggle. Pride has been a struggle for many men and women throughout Scripture, and is a struggle for Christians today as well. Bring your struggle before God and ask for his assistance. Let Obadiah’s prophecy serve as a stark reminder of the consequences that result when you choose not to come before God. Choose today to seek restoration and forgiveness rather than a life of destruction.
Prayer:
God,
Please help me pay more attention to my prideful tendencies. Help me to turn from my pride and run to you. Let the image of Edom’s destruction be a constant reminder that I want to seek your restoration, and not your wrath.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
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