Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

OBADIAH:

The book was written either 840 or 586 B.C. The confusion on dates is based on two attacks on Jerusalem.  There is nothing known about Obadiah, except that his name means servant of the Lord. The entire book is written to the Edomites who were the descendants of Esau (Jacob's twin brother).  Although Jacob and Esau resolved their differences the Edomites were the sworn enemies of Israel. So the purpose of the book is a forewarning of destruction because of their actions:
Because of the violence against your brother Jacob, you will be covered with shame; you will be destroyed forever. (10)
On the day you stood aloof while strangers carried off his wealth...You should not look down on your brother in the day of his misfortune, nor boast so much in the day of their trouble. (11,12)
...As you have done, it will be done to you; your deeds will return upon your head. (15) 

REVELATION 8:

The seventh seal is broken and the second series of judgements comes upon the earth, the sea, the rivers and the heavens. So where with the first series, man is attacked, in the second a third of all the earth is destroyed.
...A third of the earth was burned up...A third of the sea turned into blood...A third of the waters turned bitter...A third of the day was without light, and also a third of the night (7-12)

JOURNAL:

So where is the "brotherly love"? I never realized what happened to Esau and his descendants. Apparently they were an established Kingdom in the mountains of Mount Seir.  They never were at peace with Israel, in fact they assisted any enemy and also participated in most attacks against them.  One Edomite of note was Herod the Great.

So I picture Edom being the snotty brother who finds all kinds of ways to get his brother in trouble and does his "happy dance" at every misfortune.  Although God is furious with Israel's rebellion, in the end,  Israel is restored and Edom is completely destroyed.

Just when I think I can finally get out of the crosshairs of my own sin, I am hit right between the eyes. How many times have I secretly rejoiced at the misfortune of someone who has caused me harm?How often have I felt justified when an enemy fails?...Too often.  Reality is that I am not God, I do not hold the keys to eternity and judgement. No matter the wrongs done to me, the ultimate wrongs are those done in disobedience to God.  I am no better than the worst of mankind and therefore deserve no less punishment.

Again...the redemption of grace is always about the heart.  I am reminded of 1 Corinthians 13...
Love is patient, love is kind.  It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. (13:4-8)

So, to hold grudges and to seek revenge are toxic positions and will ultimately lead to my own destruction...that is a tough word, yet one I know deep down is true.

To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you.
Lewis B. Smedes


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