Down on Bended Knee

“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

Obadiah tells the story of two nations, the nation of Israel and the nation of Edom. Behind the story of these two nations is the story of two men: Jacob was the father of Israel and his twin brother Esau became the father of the Edomites. The relationship between these two brothers was in constant conflict, even before they were born, they struggled together in their mother’s womb. Jacob, the younger brother had stolen the birthright from his older brother Esau and Esau never got over it.

This family feud marked the lives of these two men and the lives of their descendants, the two nations of Israel and Edom. The nation of Edom would stand by and watch with delight and laugh as Israel would be attacked by its enemies: “This is what the Sovereign Lord says about Edom-We have heard a message from the Lord: An envoy was sent to the nation to say, ‘Rise, and lets us go against her for battle.” Obadiah 1:1.

Obadiah teaches lessons about the attitude of pride and a desire for revenge will ultimately lead to destruction: “You should not look down on your brother in the day of misfortune, nor rejoice over the people of Judah in the day of their destruction, nor boast so much in the day of their trouble.” Obadiah 1:12.

Pride sets us up for the fall. Arrogance believes it is invincible, but an attitude of self-centeredness leads to failure: “See, I will make you small among the nations; you will be utterly despised.” Obadiah 1:2. A heart governed by the Spirit of God is aware of the attitudes of pride: self-sufficiency, self-righteousness, and self-centered judgmentalism: “For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.” Galatians 5:17.

We are to give our hurts over to the Lord: “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord.” Romans 12:19. A humble heart sets aside grudges and weeps with those who are hurting: “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” Romans 12:15.

“Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Ephesians 5:11-14.