In historical times, mountains were places where people often worshipped as they were believed to be physically closer to where the gods lived. They became places where altars were made and items of worship placed. High places were sought after as a place to worship, and as a place of safety as the height in itself is a good defence. Therefore it is interesting as we read Obadiah to hear of two high places. The Edomites are said to have lived on a high place, ‘in your lofty dwelling’ (v3) and, ‘among the stars’ (v4), where they felt secure and powerful. Then in v17, we hear about Mount Zion, a place of refuge and holiness;
17 But in Mount Zion there shall be those who escape, and it shall be holy, and the house of Jacob shall possess their own possessions. The house of Jacob shall be a fire, and the house of Joseph a flame, and the house of Esau stubble’
Obadiah 17 - 18
So here we have the mention of the second high place, seemingly in contrast to the mount of Edom. Yet there are similarities as they are both elevated, and both are used as places of worship. It is like the two places have the same opportunity, but they have been used for different purposes. One place (Edom) has been used to glorify man, and the other (Zion) will be used to glorify God. Both are places of worship, but worship for very different things. They are both places of worship, but what is it that is worshipped there and what does it lead to?
The two high places could be a metaphor for the way of the world (Edom), and the way of God (Zion). The mount of Edom represents the way most people of this world are living. It seems; comfortable, easy, successful and the self is gratified, you can do what you want. It seems that you can feel good being there, because the aim is to please yourself, but when you get a lot of people together doing that same thing, seeking to please oneself, it is only a matter of time before that stops being fun and becomes scary. It might seem like this way offers much, but take a deeper look. Is doing whatever you want real satisfaction and purpose? Plus, where is that way of life leading? Even if you think this is the kind of life you'd like and want to lead, consider what this lifestyle had become for the Edomites - it had become home to selfishness and pride which led to destruction, devastation and betrayal. It was a place that promised much and seemed pretty good at first glance, but when you got to really know the life of Edom, it is full of deception. selfishness and adversity. Due to the material success and position, it seemed like a good place to be, but the reality is this lifestyle comes at a cost and eventually delivers death as its reward.
That doesn’t have to be your future. There is another kingdom, another mount, another way of life. Yet, it may not offer all you want because it is not the way of the world or the way self, but the way of God. If you choose to live on Mount Zion, in God’s kingdom, you will be following His rules and His ways. Not your own or anyone else’s. If you are fed up with the never ending search for self-sufficiency, improvement, bigger and better then why not try moving to this mount? On Mount Zion God tells us there will be acceptance, holiness and possessions, there is an inheritance waiting for you that you can grab hold of. There is a future that involves possessions not death or stubble!
As well as the Mount of Edom, there is also Mount Zion. You can choose which one you go to, which one you build your life upon.
*32*And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be those who escape, as the Lord has said, and among the survivors shall be those whom the Lord calls.
Joel 2:32.
God gives you the choice- you can choose to live with Him or without Him - Mount Edom or Mount Zion. Both places have a future, but what do you want yours to look like?
No comments:
Post a Comment