God promises to turn your life around - will you let Him?

‘The exiles of this host of the people of Israel shall possess the land of the Canaanites as far as Zarephath, and the exiles of Jerusalem who are in Sepharad shall possess the cities of the Negeb. 21 Saviours shall go up to Mount Zion to rule Mount Esau, and the kingdom shall be the Lord’s.’

Obadiah 20–21.

In these verses God shows the culmination of the prophecy over Edom and Israel. One day, the Israelites, the exiles of Jerusalem, that were once outcasts and looked down upon, will become landowners. They will have provision, not just for themselves, but will also become ‘saviours’ for others. Mount Esau will also be transformed - From a place of pride and self-sufficiency to a kingdom where God reigns. 

God can turn lives around. 

God doesn’t design things to be destroyed. He didn’t want the Edomites to suffer and be wiped out, but the way they were going was already destroying themselves and those around them. These people of Edom had become sinful and a terror for people following God. They led others to persecute and kill the Israelites and they were proud of it. In this book God is showing how that is going to change. No more will His people be those that are abandoned, alone and without, but they will have their own place, their own land and they will prosper. Those that were once kicked out, dragged off, persecuted, bedraggled and mistreated will become owners, leaders and helpers. They will transform the mountain where their enemy lived into one where God's kingdom is. Where truth, justice and love prevail so much so that ‘saviours’ will be there. There will be those available to help, heal and lead the people of God into real freedom. Not the perceived freedom the Edomites had been living where everyone did what they wanted in order to get what they wanted. 

This is a radical turn-around of events. The place of worldy prosperity and self-sufficiency (Mount Esau) is promised to become a place led by God! It seems unbelievable and unreal, but God can turn any life, any situation and any place around. No matter the current circumstances, your history, or what you’ve got yourself into - there is hope, and there is rescue available. God can turn your life around if you let Him. 

If you are feeling like you are stuck, that there are things that are coming against you, or that you've got involved in things that you wish you hadn't, then you can ask God to intervene. You can call out to Him and ask for rescue. Ask Him to remove you from the place of Edom, to send you 'saviours' - people who can help you out of this mess. There are people willing and able to help because they too have been saved by the love of God through the greatest saviour, his son, Jesus. 

If you ask God to change your life, He will. It will mean some changes required from you too - after all, you have changed the rulership. When you ask God for help, you give Him permission to be the commander of your life, not you. This is because when you are in control, look where it ends up - becoming fed up of the drive for independence and self-gratifying behaviour, never being satisfied, stuck in a never-ending loop seeking self-fulfilment which brings chaos, destruction and defeat. When you invite God in to help you, God will invite you to make a change and invite you to the place where He reigns. This will turn your life around.

We see how God had a plan for the Edomites and the Israelites in this book of Obadiah. He also has a plan for your life. A plan where you will have possession over some things, where you will be provided for, and have purpose as well as the ability to lead others to salvation. Your life can be transformed when you trust God. You can escape the torment and suffering of years gone by, and have a prosperous future prepared for you. You can be transformed from feeling forgotten and downtrodden to being recognised, safe and given purpose. 

God promises to turn your life around - will you let Him?

which mount are you living on?

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? 

Pride or accountability?

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? 

How you treat others matters

The people of Edom, Esau’s descendants, have turned away from God and from their connections with their relatives - the tribes of Israel. They have disregarded God’s best for them, and have ended up affiliating with those that have persecuted their kin. Therefore God has decreed what will happen to them, not just because of this cruelty but also because of their pride and self-confidence. This is how their downfall will occur;

7 All your allies have driven you to your border; those at peace with you have deceived you; they have prevailed against you; those who eat your bread have set a trap beneath you —  you have no understanding. 

Obadiah v 7

How terrible it is when those we love, care for, connect with and generally do life with let us down. That is bad enough, but what about when those you trust in and share life with actually lead to your downfall? That is what God says will happen to the Edomites. Those closest to them will transform from friends to enemies. The people that should have come to their aid will aid their destruction. The Edomites were so confident and assured in the relationships they had built up with others, feeling secure, safe and comfortable. They believed they had mutually respectful relationships with those around them, that they had built trusting alliances. Yet they were about to be betrayed. Just like the Edom had done to the Israel. As they had betrayed their family, they too were heading for being ensnared by those they treated as family. 

How you treat others matters. 

We see this from this episode in the Old Testament, through all the rules and regulations set out by God, and into the New Testament. Jesus teaches into it; ‘whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets’ (Matthew 7:12). In Luke 6:31 it is put this way, ‘as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them’. Both of these verses show that how you treat others matters. Firstly, because if you treat others as you want to be treated, then you are fulfilling the will of God! That’s a pretty big thing if you have chosen to live life following Him! The simple act of treating others well, with kindness and consideration, as you would wish to be treated, is actually fulfilling God’s wishes - isn’t that a wonderful thing?! Jesus shows in these words that the rules and regulations have been about showing love, care, and justice to fellow man - treating others as you’d like to be treated, simple. So, if you are not sure what God wants you to do in life - start with that - treat others how you want to be treated, by doing so you'll be fulfilling the will of God!

How you treat others, even sometimes despite how they treat you, shows which kingdom you are a part of. It is not always easy, and we have times when we do not feel like it and there are people that you probably think don't deserve kind treatment, but the standard of Jesus is still the same - treat them as you would like to be treated. This is what Jesus says the Law and the Prophets have been guiding us towards, so would you break the laws of the land just because you don't want to keep them? Or because you think it is hard?  Probably not, the same is true here. Will you neglect to fulfil the wishes of God because someone else is annoying, difficult, different, even wicked? You get to choose which kingdom you are a part of by how you behave towards others. The kingdom of God teaches that how you treat others matters, and you can build and demonstrate His kingdom when you treat others well. Which kingdom do you display by how you manage your relationships - The kingdom of God or of the World? 

How you treat others matters. 

The deceptiveness of pride

The book of Obadiah is a short one in the Old Testament. The author, Obadiah, has written down what God has shown him about the judgement for the country of Edom. Here are the first few verses that we shall consider today;

*1*The vision of Obadiah. 

Thus says the Lord God concerning Edom: 

We have heard a report from the Lord, 

and a messenger has been sent among the nations: 

“Rise up! Let us rise against her for battle!” 

*2* Behold, I will make you small among the nations; 

you shall be utterly despised. 

*3* The pride of your heart has deceived you, 

you who live in the clefts of the rock, 

in your lofty dwelling, 

who say in your heart, 

“Who will bring me down to the ground?” 

*4* Though you soar aloft like the eagle, 

though your nest is set among the stars, 

from there I will bring you down, 

declares the Lord. 

Obadiah 1–4.

A pretty harsh judgement you would think, but that is because of the harsh way the Edomites have treated others. The reason that Edom is going to be overcome is because they assisted the Babylonians in capturing the Israelites that fled when Jerusalem was destroyed. This is serious to God because the Edomites are actually relatives of those Israelites! Edom consisted of the descendants of Esau, who was one of the sons of Isaac, and the brother to Jacob. Jacob is the one from whom all of the tribes of Israel descended. Therefore, the Edomites are related to the Israelites and their tribes, so they had, in essence, turned against their own family to support the unholy Babylonian nation. Instead of caring for and assisting their fleeing family, they turned against them. So, God pronounces what He intends to do to Edom through the prophet Obadiah. 

The Edomites would have been aware of their heritage and who the Israelites were, they could not feign ignorance about knowing who their ancestors were. Yet this does highlight the fact that although people can be brought up in the same family, with the same values and expectations, they still get to choose their own way in life just like their forefathers; Jacob and Esau. Jacob chose to honour God and the nation that came through him did consider God in some way throughout their history. They have times of following and disobeying, but God's voice doesn't ever seem too far away. Whereas Esau's descendants, the Edomites, seem to have rejected God, living their lives for what they can get out of it with no consideration for God. We see that through this book of Obadiah. The Edomites believe they are thriving, they are successful and capable. Yet, despite appearances, God is showing that there are more important things to life than the outward visible achievements. God proves through this prophecy that he is concerned about the hearts of His people. Even though the Edomites may not consider themselves His people, He does. He still cares about them and wishes to warn them about their impending doom because of their disregard for Him and their kin.

God, through Obadiah reveals that the cause of the Edomites issues is not hatred, greed, jealousy or a violent temper, but pride (v3). The Edomites were deeply satisfied within themselves. They took great pleasure in who they were and what they could do. This is the source of their problems; a confidence in oneself, and a reliance on one’s possessions and capabilities. They were ok with that, but God says, 'The pride of your heart has deceived you'. 

You may have heard of the proverb, ‘pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall’ (`Proverbs 16:18). Pride - the deep pleasure and satisfaction of your own achievements or possessions is destructive. It is a problem because it is me-focussed. It gives no honour, glory or concern to anyone else, just oneself. The proud can be spotted as those who consider themselves better than others because of what they have got and achieved, they look to themselves for the solutions to life’s problems and think that they are responsible for their own success. The Edomites were such people. They knew what they were good at, and revelled in it. Even where they lived demonstrated something of how apart and above others they felt - they lived up high in the rocks - what a secure, solid powerful environment to oversee the other land and nations from, they would literally have to look down on everyone else from their dwelling place. They felt safe and secure, just like an eagle soaring around; confident, and unconcerned, unaware of any danger. Yet, in verse 4 God promises, ‘from there I will bring you down’. It seems impossible. From the top of a solid mountain plateau, from the soaring heights of the eagle, from there God will bring the nation of Edom down. It does not seem like it can happen, certainly not to the Edomites from their privileged position. Yet, no matter how secure you can feel in life, if you are consumed with pride and fail to acknowledge God’s favour, then you may be heading for a downfall just as these people were.

No matter how high you may feel in life, no matter the height of your achievements or capabilities, God can bring you down. So, what can you do to avoid it? Ensure that you are not 'deceived' like the Edomites were - that you are not blinded by success or achievement or that getting something or somewhere in life is your ultimate goal in life. Make sure that you are caring for others, that you are not destroying or degrading others in your attempt to succeed. Most importantly, consider God. What does God want you to achieve in life? What and who has He given you to take care of? Are you showing your gratitude and acceptance of God's favour, generosity and love to those around you? Do people hear you boast, not of yourself, but of what God has done for you?

Be aware of your attitude and behaviour towards God, yourself and others. God sees the deceptive nature of pride, and it is so easy to fall into the trap of self-sufficiency and feeling good about success and hardwork, after all, isn't that what the rest of the world emulates? God would like to rescue you from pride - will you let Him? Or are you just going to wait for the fall?