The resources God has given us to live a thriving life are His Word, Spirit, and People.
Read God’s Word:
Obadiah, Psalms 82, 83
Act 2: God’s Covenant People
Scene 8: Exile: God Disciplines His People
Background Information: Obadiah, Psalms 82, 83
Obadiah is the shortest book in the OT. It is a series of poems against Edom, their neighbor on the east side of the Dead Sea. Edom was only about the size of Connecticut, but it was strategically located and enjoyed considerable wealth. Judah and Edom have shared a troubled history. Abraham was the father of Isaac; Isaac was the father of Jacob and Esau. Jacob became known as Israel, and Esau’s descendants became the nation of Edom. These nations continued the same dysfunctional relationship that the two brothers had all those years earlier. When Israel fell to Babylon, Edom took advantage of their misfortune in some horrible ways. Obadiah describes how Edom will experience the curse of Genesis 12:3, “I will bless those who bless you, I will curse anyone who treats you with contempt.” Later in history, Herod the Great, a descendant of Esau (also known as Idumeans), will try to kill the infant Jesus. Edom’s attack on God’s people and God’s purposes had a long history. In AD 70, the Idumeans were wiped out by the Romans, and the descendants of Esau suffered total destruction just as the Lord had said they would. “Therefore, no survivor will remain of the house of Esau, for the Lord has spoken” Obadiah 1:18. Though the book is addressed to Edom, it is written for Israel. Not only is it for Israel, but it’s for all of God’s people until the return of the Lord. Edom is a representation of all nations who take a stand against God and his people. Do you think the people of Judah found hope in the Lord’s word regarding his future victory over their enemies? Maybe some did, but most were probably like us. They lived with their daily struggles dominating their minds and hearts. How much actual hope can you have, while experiencing your present suffering, in a promise that is to be fulfilled beyond your own lifetime? It depends. Are you living only for your own lifetime, or are you living for eternity? Your time horizon will determine your hope. Live with an eternal time horizon; live with gospel hope.
Pray:
Praise God for…
Thank God for…
Confess your sins to God
Ask the Holy Spirit to convict people of sin and their need for righteousness. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you opportunities to have gospel conversations and to boldly share as he gives you opportunity.
Ask God for… (what else concerns you?)
Reflect:
Write down one passage of scripture that stood out to you today.
Write down why this passage stood out to you.
Engage Community:
Text or call someone now and tell them…
– What you are praying for.
– What stood out from God’s word today.