Day 32 - 40 Days in the Old Testament
Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
40 Days in the Old Testament
Day 32 | DON'T HATE YOUR BROTHER
40 Days in the Old Testament
Day 32 | DON'T HATE YOUR BROTHER
DON'T HATE YOUR BROTHER
Obadiah 1:12
"You should not look down on your brother in the day of his 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 is the shortest book in the Old Testament, with only 21 verses. Yet God called him as a prophet to condemn the nation of Edom for their sins against both God and Israel.
The people of Edom were descendants of Esau, whose hatred for his brother Jacob caused a grudge lasting over 1000 years. This hatred is why the Edomites forbid Israel to cross their land when the Israelites followed Moses out of Egypt to the Promised Land.
"'Though you soar like an eagle and make your nest among the stars, from there I will bring you down,' declares the LORD." (Obadiah 1:4)
"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)
When I read through the prophets, I have to repeatedly remind myself that the LORD knows all and "whispered" to each prophet (in this case to Obadiah through a vision) truths that they were to divulge as the Lord led. For instance, there was NO WAY that Obadiah could have known about Edom, their history, and their sins, and yet, here it is.
Finally, in this short book, Obadiah prophesies a final and sure message that this country will be utterly destroyed and never again be a nation. Edom had been arrogant and laughed at Israel's misfortune at the hands of an enemy and refused a request from them to help them fight against the enemy.
The practical word for us today is that the LORD will overcome for us if we stay faithful and obedient to Him. Further, we need to help others in their time of need.
Prayer: LORD, help us be sensitive to others you put in our lives who need help that we can provide. Amen.
Obadiah 1:12
"You should not look down on your brother in the day of his 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 is the shortest book in the Old Testament, with only 21 verses. Yet God called him as a prophet to condemn the nation of Edom for their sins against both God and Israel.
The people of Edom were descendants of Esau, whose hatred for his brother Jacob caused a grudge lasting over 1000 years. This hatred is why the Edomites forbid Israel to cross their land when the Israelites followed Moses out of Egypt to the Promised Land.
"'Though you soar like an eagle and make your nest among the stars, from there I will bring you down,' declares the LORD." (Obadiah 1:4)
"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)
When I read through the prophets, I have to repeatedly remind myself that the LORD knows all and "whispered" to each prophet (in this case to Obadiah through a vision) truths that they were to divulge as the Lord led. For instance, there was NO WAY that Obadiah could have known about Edom, their history, and their sins, and yet, here it is.
Finally, in this short book, Obadiah prophesies a final and sure message that this country will be utterly destroyed and never again be a nation. Edom had been arrogant and laughed at Israel's misfortune at the hands of an enemy and refused a request from them to help them fight against the enemy.
The practical word for us today is that the LORD will overcome for us if we stay faithful and obedient to Him. Further, we need to help others in their time of need.
Prayer: LORD, help us be sensitive to others you put in our lives who need help that we can provide. Amen.