Edom's Judgment: The Law of Reciprocity Obadiah 15 - Equipped for Battle

When the Bible mentions “the day of the LORD”, we do well to pay close attention. This refers to the timing when God Himself begins to act, and this time Edom will pay the price for their actions. Since God is very patient with people, sometimes they believe Him to be aloof, non-caring or even worse, approving of their behavior. However, God does all things within His time, and the time has come for the judgment of Edom.

Obadiah wrote, “is near upon all the heathen:” The reference is to all who have and are attacking God's people Jacob at this time. There will be none cleared, and those who attack Israel and act against them should take heed to these foreboding warnings. God has His attention upon Jacob's attackers and woe be to those those who sit idly on the sidelines while Jacob is attacked and who help those who would come against Israel in a forceful way.

Obadiah completed his thought with, “as you have done it shall be done unto you: your reward shall return upon your own head.” The prophet Hosea wrote of this idea in chapter eight and in verse seven of his prophecy: “For they have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind: it has no stalk: the bud shall yield no meal: if it does yield, the strangers shall swallow it up.” In other words, the actions that have been taken will be those that are employed against them. Edom is in trouble. As they have sown against Jacob, they will reap what they have sown. Their “reward” will be exactly as they have done unto Jacob.

Paul the apostle was very clear about this law of reciprocity. He wrote in the book of Galatians in chapter six and verses seven and eight, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man sows, that shall he also reap. For he that sows to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that sows to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.” Edom's judgment fulfilled this principle. When we put an orange seed into the ground, we expect to receive and orange tree. When we plant a lemon seed, we expect a lemon tree. If we plant corn, we expect corn, and so on. But the same is true in spiritual matters as well. If we plant seeds that are against our enemies or against God or His people, our harvest will be one accordingly. It's God's law, and He will not be mocked.

Edom becomes a great lesson for all of us. First, we must be very careful how we talk about or act against God's chosen people Israel. Secondly, we must be careful to sow good seed into our own lives and others. The harvest of the future depends upon the seed we plant today. May we ever keep in mind the type of seed we are sowing, so that when our harvest comes in, it will be one that is pleasing and not one that contains corruption.

Next time we will take a look at more illustrations of the judgment against Edom, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

 

Two More Mistakes of Edom Obadiah 14 - Equipped for Battle

It is bad enough when someone has one or two injunctions against us, but when the accuser is God and there is a list, we are in serious trouble. This is the case with Edom, and Obadiah has written to disclose it. So far we have learned of the prideful, greedy, insatiable, and presumptive attitude within Edom. We have discovered their dependency upon their unreliable confederates, and lately they have been indited for only looking upon Judah as they were being conquered, but cheered on their oppressors and plundered their belongings. Edom should not have entered into Judah's gates nor simply gazed upon their affliction nor looted them in the day of their calamity. Obadiah has been thorough with his accusations against Edom, and today he adds two more. In verse fourteen he wrote:

Neither should you have stood in the crossway, to cut off those of his that did escape; neither should you have delivered up those of his that did remain in the day of distress.

If the above reasons that Edom is being judged is not enough, Obadiah say Edom “should not have stood in the crossway, to cut off those of his that did escape”. In other words, when the people of Judah began to flee their conquerors, Edom stood in the path of escape. They blocked the people of Judah. They held them up, and the bottom line is that the people of Edom helped Jacob's or Israel's enemies. Vicarious participation was not enough. Edom was now involved in the subjugation.

Next Obadiah wrote, “neither should you have delivered up those of his that did remain in the day of distress.” These words imply that not only was Edom impeding Israel's escape, but they were also involved in their capture. They gathered together some who remained in the cities and delivered them up to their captors. The accusing words are emphatic, “neither should you”, and because they did, the judgment of God is upon them.

How are we toward our enemies? Would we like Edom not only be happy that they suffer, but also participate in actions that could cause their afflictions? Is revenge our driving motive against them? When we look deeply into ourselves we sometimes find the natural inclination to respond after our fleshly nature rather than the way God encourages us to be. Paul the apostle gave us the spirit of God in the book of Romans in chapter twelve and verses nineteen through twenty-one where he wrote:

Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but [rather] give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance [is] mine; I will repay, says the Lord. Therefore if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him drink: for in so doing you shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

Our enemy satan would love to destroy us by our keeping a grudge. He'd like nothing better than to break our fellowship with God by giving us an opportunity like Edom to help our enemies fall into affliction. Revenge may be a natural tendency, but as children of God, we must leave all the vengeance to Him. This takes a work of the Spirit of God in and through our willing hearts and minds to receive the ability to restrain.

So who is it that is bugging us today? Have we turned them over to the vengeance of God, or are we looking for an opportunity to watch or help them fall? Lest we be like those within Edom, let us turn all our enemies over to God's care.

Next time we will see the beginning of the sentence upon Edom for their behavior, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

 

Edom Shouldn't Have Obadiah 13 - Equipped for Battle

For many days now we have been studying the book of Obadiah, and we have found that God Almighty is very displeased with Edom's behavior. They were prideful, greedy, insatiable, and trusted in their own fortitude and alliances, however, they and all their behaviors were now the target of God's wrath. In the last couple verses we have learned exactly what Edom did to deserve God's attention, and we have found that rather than participants in resisting Judah's destruction they looked upon them, cheered against them and bore prideful faces as their enemies were captured. Today we learn more of Edom's malicious behavior. In verse thirteen Obadiah wrote:

You should not have entered into the gate of my people in the day of their calamity; yes, you should not have looked on their affliction in the day of their calamity, nor have laid [hands] on their substance in the day of their calamity;

Three more infractions are added to Edom's charge. First, they “should not have entered into the gate of my people...” Notice that God calls them “my people”. Even though Israel is the “people” of God, God was now allowing their defeat and capture. Because they went through tragedy and trial doesn't mean that God did not claim them. Sometimes God allows correction to come so that we may draw closer and closer to Him. Also notice Edom's offense, “entered into the gate of my people in the day of their calamity.” In other words when Judah was defeated, people in Edom came into their cities in the aftermath. Edom took advantage of the people of Judah when they were at their lowest point.

Secondly, Edom once again is referred to as “looked on their affliction in the day of their calamity.” The idea here is that Edom went into their cities gloatingly observing all the damage that was done. They gazed upon and inspected the harm done to their enemies and enjoyed pillaging through their tragedy.

Finally, Obadiah wrote that Edom “laid hands on their substance in the day of their calamity.” This is the third use of the words “day of their calamity” which indicates that God is very concerned as to the timing of Edom's actions as well as their behavior. In the time when Israel was being destroyed, Edom engaged these most deplorable ways. Now those from Edom took it up another notch. They “laid hands on their substance” or in other words, took items that belonged to Judah. They looted Jerusalem after it had fallen to the Babylonians. Like those who take advantage of a riot or public disaster, people from Edom ransacked the cities and took things for themselves.

What happens inside us when our enemies fall? Are we like Edom in our actions or behavior? Are there people that we secretly desire that judgment from God would fall upon their heads? Do we speak adversely against anyone who has done us wrong in the past? Perhaps the ways of Edom are much closer to us than we think. Jesus said, “But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you,” (Luke 6:27-28) How do we react to His words? One of the interesting ways of God is that He says something like this but is also able to keep it. God loves people who do not love Him, and God's desire is to draw close to them so they will realize how much He cares for them. Edom may have taken actions that are similar to ours at times, but our God in Heaven is constantly on the lookout to help those who are against Him even in their times of calamity. May we all learn from the Heavenly Father.

Next time we will see two more negative actions that Edom took, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

 

Edom You Should Not Have Obadiah 12 - Equipped for Battle

How many times in our lives have we heard the words, “You should not have done that?” If we are anything like most people, it has happened upon many occasions. However, how many times have we heard the voice of God saying this against us? Such is the case with Edom in today's verse from Obadiah. We learn more of the failures of Edom who set themselves against Jacob or Israel when the Babylonians conquered them. If we look closely, we may see ourselves in verse twelve where Obadiah wrote:

But you should not have looked on the day of your brother in the day that he became a stranger; neither should you have rejoiced over the children of Judah in the day of their destruction; neither should you have spoken proudly in the day of distress.

Obadiah used three phrases to describe the actions of Edom against Jacob: “looked on”, “rejoiced over” and “spoken proudly.” There is something about our nature that resembles the reaction of Edom. Edom “looked on” Jacob in the day they were taken over and made to be strangers in a foreign land. In other words, they simply watched. They didn't get involved, and they certainly didn't try to intervene in the assault. They were bystanders, and rather than participating, they simply watched the tragedy occur. So many times today there are great causes where we should engage, however, the posture of most is simply to “look on” and ignore participation of resistance. Rather than being active participants in the resistance, they are spectators.

Next, Obadiah wrote that Edom “should not have rejoiced over the children of Jacob”. Not only did Edom not participate in resisting the onslaught, they actually rejoiced over the plight of Jacob. They cheered and yelled from the sidelines as Jerusalem fell prey to Babylon. Edom certainly didn't know the warning of Solomon written in the book of Proverbs in chapter twenty-four and verses seventeen and eighteen:

Rejoice not when your enemy falls, and let not your heart be glad when he stumbles: Lest the LORD see [it], and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him.

According to God's words through Obadiah and the warning from Solomon, we must be very careful if we see our enemies go through suffering. The tendency may be to be happy about it, but the warning is very clear that we must not do this.

Finally, Edom should not have “spoken proudly in the day of distress.” When others go through difficult times or troublesome correction, the tendency may be to think oneself better than they. Words such as, “If they were such and such way, they would not have gone through this.” The spirit behind those words is, “I am better than they”, and it exemplifies the very pride of Edom that God is making pronouncement against.

We would all do well to take heed to the warnings given through Obadiah for Edom. When we see others go through pain, we should not be simply spectators, should not rejoice over their plight, nor should we be arrogant as though we are superior to them. If we react in opposite ways to these, not only will God be pleased, but our adversaries may see something different than the rest of the world offers to them.

Next time we will see even more indictments against Edom, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

 

Edom Opposing Israel Obadiah 11 - Equipped for Battle

The judgment of Edom was pending, and Obadiah was given the commission by God to foretell their fate. Because they were contrary to Jacob or Israel, now God is contrary to them. We have learned of the pride, greed, and false confidence Edom had in themselves and their confederacies, but none of those are able to withstand God. As we saw in yesterday's lesson, Edom's main sin was their opposition to Jacob or Israel. Today Obadiah shares what Edom did to Jacob to deserve such attention from God. In verse eleven Obadiah wrote:

In the day that you stood on the other side, in the day that the strangers carried away captive his forces, and foreigners entered into his gates, and cast lots upon Jerusalem, even you were as one of them.

As Jacob or Judah was carried away captive by the Babylonians, Edom simply watched. They “stood on the other side”. Like onlookers who watch a person on the street get attacked without doing anything about it, they watched as the people of Judah were marched out of their city and made to be servants. No one in Edom came to rescue them. No one in Edom cared. In fact, they rather enjoyed what was happening to Jacob, and rather than coming to Jacob's aid, Edom cheered on the attackers.

Obadiah says these were “strangers” and “foreigners” who came against Jacob. People who were contrary and strong came in to rip off Jacob, and Edom didn't care. The only concern Edom had was to “cast lots upon Jerusalem” which means they gambled over who would get certain items from the pillage of Jerusalem during Babylon's conquest. Edom waited on the sidelines while Babylon took the people of Jerusalem away, and then Edom came into Jacob's town and took their belongings. There was one big problem, God saw them do it.

God through Obadiah said, “you were as one of them”. In other words you are just as guilty as the attackers. Whenever there is a bystander who stands and watches another person be beaten and destroyed, especially when the person should be close to them, God's all seeing eye is upon them. They do not get away with it, and although it may seem that violators sometimes get away with infractions, they never do. God is watching, and in the case of Edom, God is pronouncing judgment upon Edom for it.

Like Edom Satan doesn't care about us, and he does everything to steal, kill and destroy us. His entire purpose is to keep us from having a relationship with God. There are times where he uses others in this world to conquer us, pillage us, and make us feel unworthy of God's love. He stands on the sidelines like the people of Edom and desires to plunder our belongings as soon as we fail. He uses our fleshly desires to influence our fall, and if he can, he will take every piece of value we have gained. But we must remember, dear ones, God is watching, and God will not allow the enemy of our soul to destroy us. As with Edom, God's judgment is strong, and no one can resist Him.

If we feel like we have been destroyed by the “Edoms” of this world, and we seem to be without hope, we must take courage that our loving Heavenly Father is overseeing everything we endure. Without a doubt He will take action against not only those who come against us, but also against those who stand on the sidelines to take advantage while we endure our plight. God saw Edom, and God sees those against us too.

Next time we will see more indictments against Edom, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

 

Edom's Violence Against Israel Obadiah 10 - Equipped for Battle

The plot grows ever thicker as we look deeper and deeper into the reasons why God is so against Edom. Edom, as we have learned, is very prideful and insatiable. They believe themselves to be secure and in need of no one. They are greedy, and they believe in the false strength of their nearby allies. However, the all reaching and unpreventable God in Heaven is against them, and now their fate is doom. Today we learn in particular just what Edom did to deserve all this judgment, and if we are wise, we will pay very close attention to this one. Obadiah wrote in verse ten:

For your violence against your brother Jacob shame shall cover you, and you shall be cut off for ever.

The reason for the judgment was “violence against your brother Jacob” or as Jacob is known by another name, “Israel”. As we learned in earlier lessons, Edom was the name given to Esau who was the brother of Jacob after he ate the red pottage by which he forwent his birthright. Now we see how that plays into our current prophecy from Obadiah. Edom as a nation was a brother nation to Jacob or Israel, and now they have been indited for “violence” against them. Woe be to any nation that comes against Israel, and if there needed to be any proof of this, look further into God's words through Obadiah.

“Shame shall cover you”. In other words disgrace, dishonor and humiliation is Edom's fate. Edom has been violent against Jacob or Israel, and now they will pay the price in full...”you shall be cut off for ever.” Forever is eternal. Forever is everlasting, and although the shame of Edom is bad enough, now they will be eliminated, hewed down and destroyed forever. If we have not seen that the official decisions of God are not minacious and foreboding by now, we shall never see it. God is the protector of Jacob and those who dare to come against Israel are not wise and shall be dealt with by the all-mighty God.

Satan comes against us in subtle yet violent ways. Our flesh nature can lead us to actions that destroy us. According to the gospel of John in chapter ten and verse ten satan's purpose is to “steal, kill and destroy”, but Jesus' purpose is to “give you life, and life more abundantly”. Is it any wonder that God is against those things that act violently against fellowship and relationship with Him? When Edom rose up in violence against Jacob, God's attention was directed at eliminating them. So shall it be with satan and our flesh nature. God has those actions which are contrary to Him in aim, and should we be aware of His pursuit, yielding is our greatest resource. Whenever the Heavenly Father decides to remove enemies against our soul, His love and compassion for us drives Him to take complete action. His love for us compels Him, and nothing that comes against us shall impede His ways.

Edom acted in ways contrary to Jacob, and God was watching. Edom failed to realize the protection of God for Israel, and those who are against His children should take heed of this warning today. God desires a relationship with all who will come to Him through His Son Jesus who died for our sins on the cross. May all who read these words come to the all-powerful, unimpeded, and saving grace of Almighty God before shame and being cut off becomes their fate as Edom's.

Next time we will see specifically how Edom was against Jacob, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

 

Edom Cut Off and Slaughtered Obadiah 9 - Equipped for Battle

We have been studying the prophetic words of Obadiah against Edom and have seen the reasons for Edom's judgment. Their prideful, insatiable, and greedy ways will not protect them even though they believe their confederacies and wisdom are fortresses of security. We have seen how Edom is a type of satan and our flesh nature, and when God desires to come against someone or something, no one can resist Him. Today Obadiah continues his pronouncement of judgment in verse nine of this ominous book. He wrote:

And your mighty [men], O Teman, shall be dismayed, to the end that every one of the mount of Esau may be cut off by slaughter.

Edom's confidence was in their ability to hide. Edom's confidence was in their strength, and Edom's confidence was in their might, but none of them were opposition enough to resist the mighty hand of God. Obadiah mentions not only “mighty men” but also “Teman” or “South” who was a descendent of Esau. He was referring to an entire region of Edom that was in the aim of God. This time the judgment is not only clear, but also complete.

Obadiah warns of their fate, “shall be dismayed” or shattered, broken and made scared. These opponents of God and Israel were now to be frightened to the point that none of them would be brave. Obadiah says “to the end that every one of the mount of Esau may be cut off by slaughter.” Once the pronouncement was made, Edom was cut off by slaughter. How many Edomites do we know today? When God is serious about the elimination of someone or something, nothing can stand in His way.

Now it is interesting when we look at Edom as a type of satan and the flesh. Paul the apostle wrote in the book of Galatians in chapter five and verses nineteen through twenty-one:

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are [these]; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, sedition, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told [you] in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

All of the above actions are a direct result of our flesh nature. We have a loving Heavenly Father who desires a relationship with each of us, and yet, we have a flesh nature. The actions that we participate within are often contrary to God, and many of us boast that we really don't have a problem with them. Sometimes our confidence within ourselves is much like the people of Edom in that we believe ourselves to be fortified and beyond the reach of God. But when we surrender our lives to God through belief in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, all our flesh nature is as Edom before Him. It must be destroyed, and our natural tendencies must be dealt with one by one. As with Edom this will be a complete slaughter, and the works of the flesh must be cut off. Satan will continue to persuade us to follow in our fleshly ways, but every one of them will be under attack. God loves us too much to allow us to continue in ways that are contrary to Him.

Edom is under attack from God, and so will our flesh nature be should we choose to follow Him. Although our natural tendencies may be to resist God in this, as these enemies of God are removed, a place for fellowship and relationship with God is made that is beyond compare. May we ever be available and yielded to our Heavenly Father's desire to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Next time we will begin to see specifically why Edom is to be judged, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

 

Wise Men and Understanding Destroyed Obadiah 8 - Equipped for Battle

The pronouncement of judgment has begun against Edom, and now God is giving the details. The prideful, insatiable people of Edom have believed themselves to be beyond the reach of anyone, but their deception did not prevent their impending doom. It is a fearful thing to be in the aim of a Creator God, and today we find more of the details for the judgment of Edom in verse eight of Obadiah. He wrote:

Shall I not in that day, says the LORD, even destroy the wise [men] out of Edom, and understanding out of the mount of Esau?

“Shall I not in that day” are the words that begin this ominous verse. The Heavenly Father, “says the LORD”, continues His proclamation against Edom with a question that is rather more of a statement. There will be not prevention of God's intervention. God is making His stand, and the false securities of Edom will not prevail. Edom believed in their pride, their fortitude, their wealth and their treasures. They believe in their confederacies and allies, and they thought themselves impenetrable. Yet, nothing could impede the pending hand of God's revenge.

Obadiah next gives us details of some of the judgment - “Even destroy the wise men out of Edom”. These were the educated, the smart people, the ones who supposedly know all the answers. These “wise men” are the ones to whom the people turn for solutions, and yet all their calculations will fail them and they shall die as everyone else. When the mighty hand of God is against a nation there is no amount of education and wisdom that shall prevail.

Finally Obadiah speaks of God's elimination of “understanding out of the mount of Esau”. The place of reason will be eliminated, and though the people of Edom try to make sense of this, there will be no rational found. The key word upon their lips will be “why?”, and they will have no answers. The smartest among them will be destroyed, and Esau will receive the punishment for their pernicious ways.

As daunting as this is, if we look closely we will discover the loving hand of God. Our Heavenly Father desires to remove all our dependence upon things other than He. If we rely upon our own education and wisdom as the source of solution for every situation that arises, we are sure to encounter some circumstance that goes beyond our capacity to know why. The underlying and resounding thought behind these daunting judgments is that God is available, and our trust should ultimately be in Him and not in the things of the Earth. Pride, fortitude, wealth, treasures and even education cannot save in the most critical hour. This does not declare that these things are necessarily evil, but rather that regardless of whether we possess them or not our dependence must be in the Heavenly Father rather than these. Our fleshly nature gravitates toward these characteristics and satan is a promoter of such because he does not want us to trust in God. However, if we are to have fellowship and relationship with God, we must put our ultimate trust in Him as Edom failed to do. Oh might we learn from the failings of others in the scriptures that these traits will be eliminated from our lives.

Next time we will see the actions of God against Edom's mighty men and their land, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

 

Edom's Judgment Begins Obadiah 7 - Equipped for Battle

The vision of Obadiah has shown us thus far the downfall of Edom and the reasons for it. They were prideful, insatiable, and thought themselves to be beyond the judgment of anyone. However, they did not factor in God, and now that their indictment has been handed down, their sagacity begins. Obadiah relates the beginning of their judgment in verse seven. He wrote:

All the men of your confederacy have brought you [even] to the border: the men that were at peace with you have deceived you, [and] prevailed against you; [they that eat] your bread have laid a wound under you: [there is] no understanding in him.

When everyone seems to be with us, there is a sense of peace and safety. However, when those we trust turn against us, all rest becomes unsettled. This is the case with the nation of Edom. Obadiah reveals the truth about those with whom Edom thought themselves in alliance. He wrote, “All the men of your confederacy have brought you even to the border:” Those with whom Edom was in league, aligned with, and were once on the same team have now turned against them. Oh how difficult it is for us when those we once trusted now bring us into difficult times.

Obadiah adds, “the men that were at peace with you have deceived you, and prevailed against you;” At one time these now opponents were at peace with Edom, and now deception has set in. Predominance has become the fate, and rather than being ones who get along, Edom now has enemies. Isn't it interesting how contracts and commitments, covenants and promises can for one moment in time seem impenetrable, and then in an instant or two be broken and violated? Business partnerships, marriages, leagues, churches, and other institutions by which promise and alignment is made with other people have a presumption of being fortified and everlasting only to find that courts and judges become the final destination of dissolution. Edom thought they had allies. Edom thought they had peace. Edom thought they had it made, but they soon discovered the very people they put their trust within were the ones who also would bring them down.

Obadiah finishes this verse with two more descriptions of Edom's opponents - “they that eat your bread have laid a wound under you: there is no understanding in him.” At one time Edom's allies ate bread with them and had such a close relationship with Edom that they participated with them in the intimacy of eating. Eating with someone was a symbol of becoming as one with another person. As each person would take a piece of bread and dip it within the soup that was usually provided, they were participating in a unified action. The one loaf was becoming part of each of the participants bodies, and they were considered as one. Now these who were unified have wounded Edom, and rather than having a friend with understanding, they now have a foe who has laid a “wound” which means a “net” or a “trap” under them.

Edom's judgment has begun. People they trusted have brought them to the boarder, deceived them, and prevailed against them. They who were once unified are now opponents and foes who do not have care or understanding for the people of Edom. When we consider Edom as a type of satan or even our flesh nature, this judgment is good. Satan and his influence must be destroyed, and our flesh must have judgment pronounced against it. However, if we will take a little time to ponder this verse, perhaps we shall find ourselves within it, and realize that some of the alignments we have made have now come back to haunt us. Hopefully we will understand that the Heavenly Father is concerned with the covenants we make with other people, and before we align ourselves with any person or group, perhaps the judgment of Edom will come to mind and our choices will be bathed in prayer.

Next time we will see the actions of God Himself against Edom, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

 

Edom's Sin Revealed Obadiah 6 - Equipped for Battle

There is nothing hidden from God. Nothing. He sees all, knows all, and no one, no where, in no manner can keep anything outside of His knowledge. Some of us may think that a little frightening, and others may find it comforting. Edom has been indited by God through the prophet Obadiah as being presumptively proud, self-reliant and insatiable. They believe themselves to be beyond anyone's reach, and they have no problem wanting more and more and more. Our flesh and satan can also be this way – prideful and never satisfied, and as we continue to study through the book of Obadiah, we will discover that nothing we do or nothing we may hide is hidden from Him. Obadiah wrote in verse six of his prophecy:

How are the things of Esau searched out! how are his hidden things sought up!

Obadiah begins Edom's revelation with “How are the things of Esau”. Notice with me first that Obadiah reverts to the original name of Edom - “Esau”. Esau as we learned earlier means “hairy”, and we referred to how his name was changed to Edom or “Red” after he sold his birthrite to his brother Jacob for a simple bowl of red pottage. We also found that Esau was a type of the flesh or “our flesh nature” in the Bible, and because we live in our flesh today's verse should have particular interest to us.

Obadiah goes on to say, “the things of Esau are searched out”. In other words, the things of Esau are found out, discovered, and revealed. Although Esau or Edom thought themselves to be hidden, God has exposed them and their charateristics. The writer of the book of Hebrews penned these words in chapter four and in verse thirteen:

Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

Edom thought themselves outside of God's judgment and revelation, but they were not. They thought their sins were invisible, but they were not. God has exposed them.

Next Obadiah says “how are his hidden things sought up!”. The idea here is that they are bubbled up from beneath the surface. Like an under ground geyser that burst forth from the Earth's surface, Edom's sin is uncovered and revealed. Although Edom thought themselves to be clandestine, their little and not so little secrets were now made open for all to see.

Sometimes we can be like Edom or Esau. We may have secret sins about which we believe no one knows. We may have “pet” sins that we justify or excuse and think that they are hidden. They are not, and should God reveal them, all of us would become extremely guilty. Sometimes the best way to deal with sin and our sin nature is to reveal what is really there, and then allow God to deal with it. This manner is used by God with some of us. He so desires a relationship with us that in order to break through our stubbornness and pride He will humble us by exposing something that we would rather He not. In speaking of conforming to the laws of God Moses wrote in the book of Deuteronomy in chapter twenty-nine and verse twenty-nine:

The secret [things belong] unto the LORD our God: but those [things which are] revealed [belong] unto us and to our children for ever, that [we] may do all the words of this law.

God exposed the secret things that He knew of Edom or Esau, and now their judgment was impending. They should have conformed to God's law, but now they will pay a price for not doing so. Today may we consider passionately those “secret sins” that we may possess, confess them, and ask God to purify us and cleanse us before He tells everyone everything He knows.

Next time we will begin to see the fall of Edom and the manner in which it plays out, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

 

Edom Never Satisfied Obadiah 5 - Equipped for Battle

Our privilege of late has been to peer inside the thoughts of God through the prophet Obadiah about a nation called Edom. God's judgment is being pronounced against this sinful nation, and we have the opportunity to discover why. Edom has been prideful, and they believe themselves to be secure within their high and rocky fortresses. Yet, they are not beyond the reach of God. God sees. God knows, and God understands their true nature, and when He seeks to avenge, no one can hide. In today's verse, Obadiah five, we once again observe a trait that is within Edom, and if we look closely enough we will find this same trait in satan himself and in our own sinful flesh. Obadiah wrote:

If thieves came to thee, if robbers by night, (how art thou cut off!) would they not have stolen till they had enough? if the grapegatherers came to thee, would they not leave [some] grapes?

We read yesterday where Edom was full of pride, and their downfall began when they believed themselves to be beyond the reach of anyone. Obadiah reveals God's next assessment of Edom by asking them questions concerning thieves, robbers and grapegatherers. He notes, “if thieves came...robbers by night” but then interrupts himself and pauses to parenthetically share just how “cut off” this nation of Edom is. It's almost as if Obadiah is outside of his own words, and the judgment he is sharing is so strong that even as he writes about it, he has to share it with emphasis. Edom is “cut off” which means ceased, destroyed, perished and undone. It is a horrible thing to be within the contrary aim of the Almighty God.

Obadiah uses the examples of thieves, robbers, and grapegatherers to describe Edom and asks “would they not have stolen till they had enough?” “Would they not leave some grapes?” “Till they had enough?”, “...leave some grapes?” In other words, even thieves, robbers, and grapegatherers have a limit, however Edom was never satisfied. There was a constant desire for more, just a little more, just another little bit, just one more time, and yet the insatiable desire never stops. Like a constant passion for more money, more chocolate, more sex, more food more, more, more. God says through Obadiah, the sin of Edom is not only pride, but also never being content. The flesh nature of man and satan are like Edom. The flesh is never satisfied, and always desires more. Satan constantly attempts to destroy people's lives, and he has an insatiable desire to remove everyone from a relationship with God.

Edom is to be judged by God, and so will satan and our flesh. Part of the purpose of letting us peer into the judgment of God against Edom is that we might recognize Edom's traits within our own lives. God in His mercy and kindness reveals in advance the characteristics that are contrary to Him. The heavenly Father's solicitation toward us and everyone is that we will identify sinful ways as He does, and then appeal to Him to remove them. This was the purpose of the cross of Jesus Christ. God already knew the prideful and insatiable characteristics of man. God identified them, and then set about to remove our sinful state by sending His Son Jesus to die in our place as a penalty for our sins. We are the aim of God for a relationship with Him, and the only way that fellowship occurs is by the removal of our insatiable sinful nature. The price has been paid, and all we must do now is believe in the substitutionary sacrifice of Jesus.

Edom was prideful. Edom was never satisfied. Oh may we examine our hearts today and discover if any of these traits lie within, and if found, may we seek the face of God for each of them. Heavenly Father we open our hearts to you today to reveal where we are prideful and never content.

Next time we will see how all things are open to the eyes of God and how Obadiah reveals that nothing about Edom is hidden from Him, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

 

Pride Doesn't Hide Obadiah 4 - Equipped for Battle

God through the vision of Obadiah has begun to pronounce judgment upon the nation of Edom. As we learned yesterday in Obadiah three, Edom's error and sin was pride. Because their dwelling was in the clefts of the rocks they felt themselves to be impenetrable by anyone, however, they forgot that with God there is nowhere to hide. Obadiah continues his declaration against Edom and its pride in verse four where he wrote:

Though you exalt yourself as the eagle, and though you set your nest among the stars, from there will I bring you down, says the LORD.

We learned yesterday from the book of Proverbs that “pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18). Obadiah shows us how far reaching that destruction or fall can be. The Almighty God tells Edom through Obadiah, “though you exalt yourself as an eagle”, and the idea is that Edom thought themselves out of reach, and their own fortitude would constitute safety. They thought themselves beyond the reach of any oppression, and because they hid themselves in high places, surely no one would have access. But they forgot about God.

Obadiah continues, “though you set your nest among the stars”, or though Edom were to dwell in outer space, beyond the atmosphere of the Earth, beyond where anyone has ever set foot before, they still would be within the reach of God. In other words, there is no hiding from God. God is omnipresent and everywhere at the same time, and there is no where we can exalt ourselves or hide ourselves from Him. He created the universe, manages the universe, and dwells within every nook and cranny in which the universe lies. Some people think themselves to be as the Edomites – beyond reach, but there is no where anyone can hide from God.

Our enemy satan tried to exalt himself to the throne of the Most High God, and he was brought down. Our flesh may try to exalt itself against God, but it shall be brought down, and though these who dwelt in Edom thought themselves safe, the Almighty basically says no matter where you are or where you may go or try to hide, “there will I bring you down.” Our pride doesn't hide us from God, and for some of us one of the first characteristics that must removed to have a relationship with God is our pride. God Almighty desires to have a relationship with us through His Son Jesus Christ, and if we exalt our ways, our thoughts, and our ideas as superior to God's, we in effect hide ourselves within our own cognitive fortresses. These forts may be compelling for argument, and they may provide some sense of security as having spiritual aspects settled, but the Heavenly Father can enter into any mental surety and bring down any thought that is contrary to His. God loves us, and He cares enough about us to move aside all false senses of security to share with us the truth. He is always present. Edom forgot this, and rather than turn to an Almighty and resourceful God, they thought themselves safe without Him. May we learn from the pride of Edom that with God there is no where to hide.

Next time we will continue to consider how God compares Edom to thieves and those who gather grapes, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

 

Edom's Problem - Pride Obadiah 3 - Equipped for Battle

Obadiah has been given a vision by God against Edom, and the vision does not hold a cheerful fate for them. What was it that caused God to react in such a manner? Why would God be so against a country or nation in the first place, and is there anything about the way that Edom was behaving that we might consider about our own lives? Obadiah answers those questions in verse three of his daunting prophecy. He wrote:

The pride of your heart has deceived you, you that dwell in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation [is] high; that says in his heart, Who shall bring me down to the ground?

Pride was Edom's problem, “The pride of your heart”. Pride is number one on the list of the things that God hates. In the book of Proverbs in chapter six and verses sixteen and seventeen Solomon wrote:

These six [things] does the LORD hate: yes, seven [are] an abomination unto him: A proud look...

Edom was proud, and they thought themselves immune to any outside attacks. They were dwelling in “clefts of the rock” or in places that they felt were impenetrable. Whenever anyone believes themselves to be outside of or insusceptible to the reach of God, they are deceived. They as Edom often boast about how great they are, and how their means of protection will keep them from ever being attacked or destroyed. Their false sense of security is vain, and although they believe themselves to fully protected, they are not protected from the hand of the Almighty God.

Another verse in Proverbs in chapter sixteen and verse eighteen says:

Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.

How many times have we seen someone who is bragging upon themselves for some type of accomplishment in one moment only to make a fool of themselves in the next? Pride does this to people and nations, and we would do well to take heed to it. Basically the idea is having confidence in one's self or one's own ability rather than attributing successes or accumulations to God. If we are successful, it is because God has given provisions for that success. If we are safe, God has given that safety. If we seem to be unreachable by opposition in any area, it is because God has provided inaccessibility. In other words, all the glory goes to God.

The problem with Edom was that they were taking the glory for themselves. They were so proud they thought, “Who shall bring me down to the ground?” God is answering that question, “I will”. No one and no nation is outside of the reach of God Almighty. Perhaps we should end today's study by looking at what the prophet Isaiah wrote in chapter fourteen and verses twelve through twenty as we see what God did with satan when the pride of his heart was exalted as he thought himself to be equal to God.

How are you fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! [how] are you cut down to the ground, which did weaken the nations! For you have said in your heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Yet you shall be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit. They that see you shall narrowly look upon you, and consider you, saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms; That made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof; that opened not the house of his prisoners? All the kings of the nations, even all of them, lie in glory, every one in his own house. But you are cast out of your grave like an abominable branch, and as the raiment of those that are slain, thrust through with a sword, that go down to the stones of the pit; as a carcase trodden under feet. You shall not be joined with them in burial, because you have destroyed your land, and slain your people: the seed of evildoers shall never be renowned.

If we look through these daunting verses long enough, we will find them filled with the word “I”. “I”, “I”, “I”, “I” - This is the downfall of pride, not only for Edom, but also for ourselves should we fall into pride's trap. Our fleshly natures have a tendency to take credit for what God has provided, and we would all do well to examine our hearts to discover whether we give glory to ourselves as Edom or give glory to God Almighty where glory is due.

Next time we will continue to consider God's judgment against Edom, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

 

Small and Greatly Despised Obadiah 2 - Equipped for Battle

We have been studying the book of Obadiah together and understanding that God has given a vision to Obadiah concerning Edom. The people of Edom have stood on the sidelines while Israel and Judah were taken captive by the Assyrians and Babylonians, and they have ridiculed, pillaged and impeded those who were trying to escape this carnage. We have learned that Edom may be used as a type of our flesh and satan, and when God's face is against them, they have no chance. Today Obadiah continues his vision with the declaration of the words of the ambassador who has been sent against Edom. He wrote in verse two:

Behold, I have made you small among the heathen: you art greatly despised.

Obadiah says, “Behold I have made”. Whenever we see the words of God through a prophet we should pay particularly close attention to them. We must remember that the Creator is involved, and His absolute power and authority are at hand. God has given Edom over, made, assigned and constituted them to the fate He desires, and in this case He has made them “small among the heathen”. The idea is that Edom felt exalted and haughty, great and extraordinary, and now God has made them insignificant, meaningless and unimportant. They who were once highly esteemed among nations, those who were non-Hebrews, are now to be in a different state. It is an minacious and forbidding role to be in the cross-hairs of God Almighty.

Notice to the next line: “you are greatly despised”. The word “despised” is “bazah” in Hebrew. It means despicable, vile, and worthless. What would it be like to have someone say something like that against us, never mind the fact that it is God? Yet God has the nation of Edom targeted. Notice too that not only are these people “despised”, but they are “greatly despised”. In other words they are exceedingly, abundantly, and forcefully despised. We should get the idea that God is extremely unhappy with the nation of Edom. As the writer of the book of Hebrews wrote in chapter ten and verse thirty-one:

[It is] a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

The country of Edom has had it. God is against them, and when He is a foe there is no way out. We must remember that it is a good thing to have God on our side. We do not want to have Him be our enemy. We want Him to be our friend, and He desires for us to be His friends. But access to relationship and fellowship with God only comes on His terms, not ours. We must seek the plan that God has given for us lest we become as those who oppose Him. There is only one who can give us access to approach God as a friend rather than a foe, and His name is Jesus. Jesus came to the Earth to remove sin that separates people from God, and when we believe that Jesus died for our sins, we now have access and acceptance with the Heavenly Father. If we do not appropriate His only provision, we are as Edom, and satan and the desires of our flesh rule in our lives.

Remember as we continue our study that God is against not only Edom, but satan and the flesh are types which are found as we look closely at Edom. May God ever be against satan and his attacks, and may God be against our flesh that so easily follows satan's rebellious ways.

Next time we will look further into Obadiah's prophecy and discover the reason God was against Edom, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore