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[expand title=”Devotion Text”]Obadiah 1:1-4
Thus says the Lord God concerning Edom: We have heard a report from the Lord, and a messenger has been sent among the nations: “Rise up! Let us rise against her for battle!” Behold, I will make you small among the nations; you shall be utterly despised. The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rock, in your lofty dwelling, who say in your heart, “Who will bring me down to the ground?” Though you soar aloft like the eagle, though your nest is set among the stars, from there I will bring you down, declares the Lord.
If you ever have trouble locating the book of Obadiah, don’t worry. It’s the shortest book in the Old Testament, titled for an obscure prophet whose name means, “Servant of the Lord.” But the message is hard-hitting and straight to the point.
God declares that Edom is going to be destroyed because of the way she has treated his people. The tension between the two nations actually began in the womb. The Edomites were descendants of Esau, Jacob’s twin brother. The Edomites and the Israelites (Jacob’s descendants) continued the struggle until God, fed up with Edom’s actions against Israel, said “No more!” As one writer says, “Obadiah is Edom’s day in court, complete with Edom’s arraignment, indictment, and sentence.”
What do we learn from Obadiah? Put simply: Pride goes before a fall! Edom’s arrogance and cruelty against God’s people led to their doom. Obadiah teaches us that even when it seems our enemy is winning, God always delivers. Now that’s a promise to hold on to!
Talking Points
- Ask God for teaching moments with your children. Show them that pride always goes before a fall.
- Continue to ask for teaching moments emphasizing that God—in his timing and way—always delivers.
Father,
You are in control. You promise to protect your children. Your ways are not our ways and your timing is not always our timing. But thank you for the certainty that in the end, you will bring us safely home. In Christ’s name. Amen.
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