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THE VISION OF OBADIAH (OBADIAH 1:1-9)

REFLECTION

The vision of Obadiah is the theme for our reflection. Obadiah is the shortest book in the Old Testament and a vision of God’s judgement against the people of Edom for being allies of Babylon attacking the people of Israel. We shall reflect on the fact that God is the avenger of His people so we must beware of whom we attack or abuse.

Dear friend in the Lord according to history the Edomites are the descendants of Esau (Genesis 25:30). The expectation was when the Babylonians attacked Israel, Edomites would have come to the aid of refugees of Israel or granted them any asylum but they rather betrayed them by capturing them and sending them back to the Babylonians to be dealt with. This sinister act of the Edomites brought upon them God’s judgment or wrath, hence, the vision of Obadiah. The Lord said to Obadiah about Edom, “See, I will make you small among the nations; you will be utterly despised…All your allies will force you to the border; your friends will deceive and overpower you; those who eat your bread will set a trap for you, but you will not detect it. 8 “In that day,” declares the LORD, “will I not destroy the wise men of Edom, those of understanding in the mountains of Esau? 9 Your warriors, Teman, will be terrified, and everyone in Esau’s mountains will be cut down in the slaughter. (Obadiah 1:2,7-9).

The key lesson of today’s reflection is that because of our covenant relationship with God, He will fight our battle for us when we are oppressed. He is our avenger. For this reason, Paul assures us when he wrote to the Romans, “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 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 12:17-19). Let us not incur the wrath of God by conspiring to perpetuate evil against the vulnerable. God takes judicial notice of our wickedness and conspiracy against others for personal gain or profit. Edom sought to gain favour from Babylon when they attacked their brothers and sisters. It would have been better for the Edomites if they had not interfered in the business of the Israelites because they did not walk along, they had the protection of a superpower, fiercer and stronger than than Babylon. We are greatly acknowledged to help the weak and vulnerable and not exploit them. It pleases God when we help those in distress. These acts bring blessings to our lives.

In summary, we have learnt that God is the avenger of His people so we must beware of whom we attack or abuse. Shalom.

PRAYER

God Almighty we surrender our battles to you, grant us victory over those who seek our disgrace and downfall. Amen.