Be Kind to Your Neighbors

Read Obadiah
 
Obadiah 1 This is the vision that the Sovereign Lord revealed to Obadiah concerning the land of Edom.
&
10 “Because of the violence you did to your close relatives in Israel, you will be filled with shame and destroyed forever.”
 
WE again recall Edom, founded by Esau, is Israel’s and Judah’s cousin in the generational lineage. Yet, from the time Israel approached Edom on their journey to the Promised Land (See Numbers 20:14), the history of the nations’ relationship has been marked with animosity and violence.
   God had directed Edom to be in a mountainous, desert-like area south and east of the Promised Land. It seemed a harsh environment. But in the providence of God’s creation, Edom would proper and become wealthy. A busy trade route passed through Edom. Copper was mined from the mountains. This is another example of pagan nations prospering because the LORD has created resources throughout the world. He gave to all mankind the knowledge to use his creation.
   The Bible also recounts that the LORD destroyed kings and nations when they became prideful in their wealth. This was Edom’s problem. Their pride caused them to believe the were impregnable in their mountain fortress. And they could do violence against their northern cousins because of their physical wealth and power. Edom’s attitude pointed to the four reasons God used Obadiah to declare his judgment.
   First, as noted, Edom was continually violent against Israel. It was an ongoing hatred originating in Esau’s desire to kill Jacob (Genesis 27:42). They looked for ways to take advantage of Israel’s and Judah’s weaknesses, even to join with other nations against Israel.
   Second, Edom gloated when (other nations) exiled your relatives to distant lands. The Jews’ distress was Edom’s delight. But when we consider each person on earth is related to us as God’s creation, we are to pray for our enemies and love them. Matthew 5:44-47 But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! 45 In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. 46 If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. 47 If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that.” This, indeed, is a high call to faithfulness.
   Third, Obadiah 13-14 lists several ways Edom assisted Israel’s enemies. They plundered Judah, gloated over its destruction, seized their wealth and even killed those trying to escape during various wars.
   Fourth, Edom essentially received what they had done to Israel. The prophet said in verse 15 “The day is near when I, the Lord, will judge all godless nations! As you have done to Israel, so it will be done to you. All your evil deeds will fall back on your own heads.”
   Obadiah’s message underscores once more the cost of rejecting God’s Word. Violence begets violence. We must remember Jesus sober warning and great promise: John 5:29Those who have done good will rise to experience eternal life, and those who have continued in evil will rise to experience judgment.