As we continue our journey through the book of Obadiah, we can see how the Edomites have been fairly warned by God about the fact that their downfall is coming. They are going to suffer because of their pride and treatment of their kin, the Israelites. They can expect to be utterly destroyed, not just lose their possessions and livelihoods, but also their lives. They shall be completely wiped out as they have lived with pleasure and self-gratification rather than acknowledging God and their responsibilities to others. Doesn't this sound like a familiar story in our day and age? People out to get what they want instead of considering what their life is really about and disregarding others in the process? Is not this what society promotes even? A self-sufficient, independent me-first mentality?
If you can relate to this, then take some time to consider what the outcome could be for you and those around you. It is not too late to make things right. The issue with the Edomites was that they were quite satisfied with their lot in life, and they did not wish to change. God gives us all a chance to change - the question is, are you going to take it?
The way Obadiah expresses the following verses, with the repeated, 'do not' it seems to be as if he is imploring the Edomites to change. It is not too late to recognise the errors of their ways, to change their attitude towards Judah. It is not too late to repent. Yet, they do not wish to listen. The day of the Lord is near, and the day of the punishment is coming, but the Edomites do not wish to see or hear of it;
10 Because of the violence done to your brother Jacob, shame shall cover you, and you shall be cut off forever. 11 On the day that you stood aloof, on the day that strangers carried off his wealth and foreigners entered his gates and cast lots for Jerusalem, you were like one of them. 12 But do not gloat over the day of your brother in the day of his misfortune; do not rejoice over the people of Judah in the day of their ruin; do not boast in the day of distress. 13 Do not enter the gate of my people in the day of their calamity; do not gloat over his disaster in the day of his calamity; do not loot his wealth in the day of his calamity. 14 Do not stand at the crossroads to cut off his fugitives; do not hand over his survivors in the day of distress. 15 For the day of the Lord is near upon all the nations.
Obadiah 10–15.
Do not…do not…do not… what do you think when you read this list of don’ts? I read it and think it is a little bit late! The Edomites have already done these things. They have gloated and rejoiced over Judah’s downfall, they have boasted and been a part of their destruction, they watched and took advantage of their fellow Israelites downfall, they did take their stuff and lead others to capture them. So, isn’t it a bit late?
Yet, is never too late to try to make amends. To apologise and seek forgiveness. I think the real problem with Edom was not the fact that they had done things wrong and treated people badly, but that they were unwilling to admit it, change and seek forgiveness. Instead they had become full of pride, gloating and aloofness. Not only had they assisted the downfall of their brothers, but they were pleased about it.
Can it not be the same with us?
Consider; a parent, friend, mentor, boss giving you some advice and guidance - calling you to account for something you have done and letting you know so that you can sort it out - but you ignore them and carry on. Pride takes over and you probably feel annoyed and aggrieved. Yet they were only trying to help you. Help you admit and correct your mistakes so that you can live free of guilt, shame and the consequences that will surely follow your wrongdoing. I am sure you have had an experience like that, we all have. Yet, how do you respond now in those circumstances? It is easy enough to get offended and react in annoyance, but do you lay aside that pride and sorted things out? or do you live with the hard consequences of pride?
Conversely, have you ever had to be the one calling someone else to account? Knowing that this conversation is difficult and unwanted by both parties, but necessary because you care and want to guide the person to a better outcome, so that they can rectify mistakes and relationships. It is really difficult and frustrating when those people do not listen isn’t it?! When they are so full of pride, denial and arrogance that they do not want to admit any wrongdoing or rectify anything. Then you have to make it clear, if you don’t, then the consequences will hurt.
I know you probably do not want to think of yourself in either of these situations, they are always uncomfortable. Yet, we are all human, and therefore you will make errors and have to sort them out, and you will be required to help others sort out theirs too. There are people that care about your life that will seek to hold you to account, and there are people that you care about that you will do the same for. God also does so. He cares about you and I infinitely more than anyone else could. He knows your ways, and He wishes the best for you, and sometimes what you get yourself into is not the best, just like for Edom. When that happens are you going to humble yourself and listen? Push aside pride, own up and sort out the mistakes you have made? God can use other people like Obadiah to speak truth to you and open your eyes, how are you going to respond when He does?
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