This morning's message is a detour from our ongoing study in the book of Acts. Pastor Bob will be out of commission for a couple of weeks recovering from surgery. Please keep Pastor Bob in your prayers for a full and speedy recovery.
This week's message is from the book of Obadiah. It was recorded at East Side Christian Church, where Pastor Bob was a guest speaker.
Titled - "Justice, Judgement and the Day of the Lord"
Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz
Today, we are taking a detour from our weekly study in the book of Acts. Instead, we will be looking at Obadiah, the shortest Book of the Bible. Along with the other “Minor Prophets,” there is nothing minor about their content, nor their message. We find that Obadiah’s words provide evidence for a date some 90 years before Joel, or about 900 B.C.!
Internal evidence seems to indicate that Obadiah’s ministry was during the reign of Atheliah’s son Ahaziah. The northern tribes had set up their own King, Joram, who was the son of Ahab, who married Jezebel! (2 Kings 8:16-26). Ahaziah was King over Judah (the southern tribes.) Turmoil followed, as Ahaziah was also the son-in-law of Ahab, and Ahaziah “did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord.”
Obadiah’s prophecy denounces the Edomites, descendants of Jacob’s brother Esau. The region in which they lived was south of the Dead Sea, east of the Jordan River rift. The area includes the cities of Petra and Bozrah, built up by the nomadic tribe of the Nabateans, who used the region to tax the trade routes through the Middle East. Petra is a notable city and is described by Obadiah. Though the Edomites inhabited the area, it was the Nabateans who drove them out, westward into the Negev Desert of southern Israel, and the region known as “Idumea.”
The core problem of world politics is revealed in Obadiah’s 10th verse, 1:10. This single chapter book provides reasons for God’s displeasure and gives us insights into the continuous upheaval in World politics, particularly in the Middle East.
The Bible contains the written record of the land purchase where Jerusalem sits; the ascension of David to his throne; and the written record of Jesus as a descendent of King David.
Upon Jesus return to Earth, He will rightly take the throne of His Royal Ancestor, David, and reign over the whole Earth.
“The heavens are Yours, the Earth also is Yours, the world and all of its fullness” (lyrics from a worship song).
Bobservations' Column: Audio Version
Sunday Morning Message:
Obadiah 1:1-21 - Justice, Judgment and the Day of Judgment
Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:
John Wesley is said to have remarked that he read the newspaper “to see how God was governing His world,” and this is certainly a biblical approach. God rules over kingdoms and nations (2 Chronicles 20:6; Daniel 5:21); and as A. T. Pierson used to say, “History is His story.” This doesn’t mean that God is to blame for the foolish or wicked decisions and deeds of government officials, but it does mean that He is on the throne and working out His perfect will.
The God who knows the number and the names of the stars (Psalm 147:4) and who sees when the tiniest bird falls dead to the ground (Matthew 10:29) is mindful of the plans and pursuits of the nations and is working out His divine purposes in human history.
Knowing that the Lord reigns over all things ought to encourage the people of God as we watch world events and grieve over the decay of people and nations. The sovereignty of God isn’t an excuse for believers to be indifferent to evil in the world, nor is it an encouragement to slumber carelessly and do nothing. God’s ways are hidden and mysterious, and we sometimes wonder why He permits certain things to happen, but we must still pray “Thy will be done” (Matthew 6:10) and then be available to obey whatever He tells us to do.
The day of the LORD is near for all nations. - Obadiah 1:15
For all those who say in their heart, “There is no God” (Psalm 14:1), a day of reckoning will come. “The day of the LORD is near for all nations” (Obadiah 15). On that day, people will reap what they have sown. Just as Edom had sat drinking and carousing among the ruins of Jerusalem, so also will the nations be forced to drink the cup of God’s wrath on the day of judgment (Obadiah 16). As Paul wrote: “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction” (Galatians 6:7-8).
Thankfully, the day of judgment is also a day of deliverance for those who love the Lord (Obadiah 17). Righteousness will triumph over sin and evil. In terms of the judgment on Edom, in a bit of divine poetic justice Obadiah said that it would be the Israelites themselves who would execute judgment on Edom, specifically that the returnees from exile would occupy the former land of Edom (Obadiah 18-20). In the end, Mount Zion would emerge not as a place of defeat and exile and destruction, but a place of victory and deliverance and power. “And the kingdom will be the LORD’s” (Obadiah 21).
If we all reaped strictly what we’ve sown, there would be no hope for any of us. Because Jesus died in our stead, however, we no longer owe a penalty of death if we trust in His name (John 3:16). When we take communion, we do so in remembrance of Him—His body, broken for us, and His blood, shed for us (1 Corinthians 11:23-26). From which cup will you drink? The cup of God’s wrath, or the cup of communion? Choose love and rejoice!
Sunday Morning Audio Message:
Key Words and Definitions with Reference:
Obadiah (1:1) - Thirteen different men are named Obadiah in the Bible, including the minor prophet who wrote the book of Obadiah. The name Obadiah was common in ancient Israel and Judah. His name means "the servant of Jehovah." He is considered by many to be the first prophet chronologically. Other than what is disclosed through the book of Obadiah, nothing more is known about Obadiah the prophet. His book, the shortest of the Old Testament with only twenty-one verses, reveals that Obadiah probably lived in the harsh and bitter era after the capture and destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians. He was most likely a contemporary of Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel.
Thus saith the Lord God (1:1) - Although the background of the prophet is obscure, the source of his message is not. It was supernaturally given by God, and was not motivated by unholy vengeance. Cf. Jeremiah 49:14.
Edom (1:1) - The descendants of Esau (Genesis 25:30; 36:1), the Edomites settled in the region south of the Dead Sea. Obadiah's entire one-chapter prophecy deals with God's coming judgment on Edom, the nation founded by Jacob's twin brother, Esau. The fulfillment took place initially later at the time of the Babylonian invasion, when Nebuchadnezzar decimated the Edomites and their Land. The nation was eventually overrun by others and finally became desolate. However, the ultimate fulfillment will be when the confederacy invading Israel in the last days (Psalm 83; Ezekiel 38), which includes the Muslim Arabs now occupying Edom's ancient land, is defeated and its influence destroyed.
Arise . . . Rise Up Against Her (1:1) - The prophet heard of a God-ordained, international plot to overthrow Edom. the selfish motives of Edom's enemies were divinely controlled by the Lord's "messengers" to serve His sovereign purposes (cf. 104:4).
I Have Made Thee (1:2) - God sovereignly rules over all nations (cf. Daniel 2:21; 4:17; Jeremiah 39:15). He dictates the rise and fall of nations. What appears secure or invincible to humanity can be humbled by a single divine decree. The phrase "I will make you" highlights that the future of the nation of Edom rests entirely on God's initiative, not on the nation's alliances, their military defenses or even wealth.
Who Shall Bring Me Down . . . I Will Bring You Down (1:3, 4) - Edom's pride was answered decisively by the Lord (cf. Matthew 23:12). The calamity against Edom, though brought about by her enemies, was truly God's judgment of her pride (cf. Proverbs 16:18; 1 Corinthians 10:12). In spite of her economic prosperity and geographical impregnability, the God of Jacob would topple Esau's offspring (cf. Jeremiah 49:16).
The Clefts of the Rock (1:3) - The people of Edom built their homes in high rock clefts and mountain fortresses. Dwelling in difficult mountain terrain, Edom's imposing, impregnable capital city of Petra was virtually inaccessible, giving her a sense of security and self-sufficiency. They believed their elevated geography made them untouchable, asking, "Who can bring me down to the ground? Here is the reality of God's power, through the prophet Obadiah, God responds that even if they were to “soar like the eagle” or build a “nest among the stars,” His sovereign will reaches everywhere, and He can bring them down from any height.
Robbers by Night (1:5, 6) - Because of the rugged terrain and very narrow access through the gorges, predatory attack could only come at night. Edom's attackers, by divine judgment, would not stop where normal thieves would when they have enough. Unlike partial human theft or harvest gleaning, God's judgment on Edom would be total, thorough, and complete. Every nook, cranny, and hidden treasure would be searched out and wiped away.
Esau (1:6) - The personification of the nation Edom (cf. Jeremiah 49:10).
Esau was the twin brother of Jacob and the firstborn son of Isaac and Rebekah.
The name Edom means "red," originating from when Esau rashly sold his birthright to Jacob for a bowl of red lentil stew.The Nation: Esau’s descendants became known as the Edomites (the "House of Esau"). They settled in the rugged, mountainous region south of the Dead Sea, with Petra as a major city.
Wise Men (1:8) - Edom was known for her wise men and sages (cf. Jeremiah 49:7). Her location on the King's Highway provided her with intellectual stimulation from India, Europe, and North Africa. "wise men of Edom". In biblical times, the nation of Edom—specifically its prominent southern region and city of Teman—was internationally famous for its human wisdom, intellectual elite, and strategic counselors.
Teman (1:9) - A name derived from a grandson of Esau (Genesis 36:11), Teman was an ancient city and tribal region of Edom (located in present-day southern Jordan.
Slaughter (1:9) - Both slaughter and shame will be just retribution for Edom's violence and slaughter against her brother's people.
Violence Against thy Brother Jacob (1:10) - Edom's opposition is in plain view here, which began as Israel approached the land and continued to Jeremiah's day (Numbers 20:14-21; 2 Chronicles 28:17). Because Jacob and Esau were brothers, this evil of Edom was made even more reprehensible (cf. Genesis 25:23; Malachi 1:3; Romans 9:10-13).
Day of the Lord (1:15) - God's near judgment of Edom in history (vv. 1-14) was a preview of His far judgment on all nations (vv. 15, 16) who refuse to bow to His sovereignty.
My Holy Mountain (1:16) - This is referring to Zion, Jerusalem.
Drink, and Swallow (1:16) - This refers to the cup of God's wrath. Judah drank temporarily of judgment; Edom will drink "continually," with irreversible, permanent results (Jeremiah 49:12).
Deliverance (1:17-21) - A reversal of Judah's plight at the hands of the Edomites will come about when Messiah intercedes and establishes His millennial kingdom and "Holiness" prevails.
Israel (1:18-20) - Those of Judah who remain (v. 14) will be divinely empowered to "devour" (v. 18) and completely wipe out the house of Esau.
Teman (1:9) - A name derived from a grandson of Esau (Genesis 36:11), Teman was an ancient city and tribal region of Edom (located in present-day southern Jordan.
Slaughter (1:9) - Both slaughter and shame will be just retribution for Edom's violence and slaughter against her brother's people.
Violence Against thy Brother Jacob (1:10) - Edom's opposition is in plain view here, which began as Israel approached the land and continued to Jeremiah's day (Numbers 20:14-21; 2 Chronicles 28:17). Because Jacob and Esau were brothers, this evil of Edom was made even more reprehensible (cf. Genesis 25:23; Malachi 1:3; Romans 9:10-13).
Day of the Lord (1:15) - God's near judgment of Edom in history (vv. 1-14) was a preview of His far judgment on all nations (vv. 15, 16) who refuse to bow to His sovereignty.
My Holy Mountain (1:16) - This is referring to Zion, Jerusalem.
Drink, and Swallow (1:16) - This refers to the cup of God's wrath. Judah drank temporarily of judgment; Edom will drink "continually," with irreversible, permanent results (Jeremiah 49:12).
Deliverance (1:17-21) - A reversal of Judah's plight at the hands of the Edomites will come about when Messiah intercedes and establishes His millennial kingdom and "Holiness" prevails.
Israel (1:18-20) - Those of Judah who remain (v. 14) will be divinely empowered to "devour" (v. 18) and completely wipe out the house of Esau.
Conclusion and Personal Application:
You can apply these timeless truths to daily life through several practical steps:
Guard Against Pride and Self-Reliance: What are you placing your confidence in? Edom trusted in its rocky fortresses and clever wisdom. The Bible heavily condemns sinful pride, viewing it as a root of spiritual rebellion and self-sufficiency that separates people from God. The Antidote is Humility: James 4:6 and 1 Peter 5:5 emphasize that "God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble."
Reject Gloating! Mourn with Others: Obadiah condemned Edom for rejoicing and gloating when Jerusalem suffered. Guard your heart against secret satisfaction or gossip when a rival, coworker, or cultural opponent faces hardship.
Show Compassion: Instead of blocking or mocking people in distress (as Edom did to refugees), respond to crises with grace, mercy, and support. Leave vengeance to God: Trust God's ultimate justice rather than holding onto bitterness or seeking payback against those who wrong you.
Avoid Spiritual Apathy, Take a Stand: Do not remain passively indifferent when you have the chance to do what is right. Live faithfully unto God, and align with His Kingdom. Remember that worldly powers rise and fall, but God's righteous kingdom ultimately triumphs and will reign forever!
No comments:
Post a Comment