This Is the Old Testament is part of a twelve-week thematic overview of the entire Bible. Each day we’ll read a thematic selection from a different book or two of the Bible, along with supplemental passages that show how the theme of that day’s main reading is found throughout Scripture. We’ll also read a brief summary of each book and a reflection on how the book fits into the larger story of Scripture. This week, we’ll continue looking at the Minor Prophets.
What Is Obadiah? The book of Obadiah, the shortest book in the Old Testament, contains Obadiah’s message concerning the coming Day of the Lord as well as a promise that Israel would possess the land of Edom, the nation descending from Esau.
How Obadiah Fits Into the Story: The book of Obadiah displays the holiness and mercy of God. This book upholds faith in God’s just government and hope in the triumph of His will. Its message reorients our aching hearts to the truth that God is on His throne and faithfully cares for His own.
Reflection Questions:
1. How does God’s eternal nature affect the way He rules over His creation?
2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption?
Take time to reflect on your responses and share what you are learning with others in the community in the comments.
1. God sees the big picture! We don’t always understand His ways because He’s operating on a much larger time scale than we are. Things that seem monumental and final in a human’s life might be just a small step in God’s larger plan.
2. God’s judgement on Edom would be His judgement on me, except I am covered by the blood of Christ! It’s easy to view the enemies of Israel as the “bad guys” and to side myself with the “good guys”, but in reality I am just like them if I don’t turn to Christ. I am not “better” than the Edomites by anything that I’ve done on my own; Jesus alone saves me from my sin!
God’s eternal nature means: he doesn’t panic, he’s never taken by surprise, he has all the time in the world to accomplish his goals, he doesn’t get tired, he is never over extended.
On another note, I have always viewed the Israelites’ bent towards idolatry and sin as merely a human weakness on their part, but I was struck today by the strong possibility that this was how Satan tried to thwart God in his plan for sending a savior through this people group. I just never thought of it like that before.
Often we look at the world around us and think, “It isn’t fair, why do they get away with their awful evils?” But then I read passages like Obadiah 4:15 that says, “As you have done, so shall it be done to you; Your reprisal shall return upon your own head.”
This is where I find peace of heart and mind. God knows, He sees those who do evil and act unjustly and one day in His timing — Our righteous, just God will take care of it, and their own evil will return upon their own heads.
Praising God that He is holy, just, righteous and true – and He cares for His own!
@Melanie – praying for you this morning ~ Have a blessed Tuesday ladies!
MAURA, Thank you so much for your prayers, I really appreciate them!! To answer your question, yes, the seizures I have though small, are still exhausting…I am doing everything I know how to, to take preventive measures…depending on how this morning goes (it’s already a little better than yesterday, hoping it will stay that way) but if it swings the other way, then I will need to have a conversation with my neurologist. Please pray about that for me!
I am so glad that you felt the presence of God with you this weekend… that’s an answer to prayer!! I am continuing to pray for wisdom, peace, comfort, and discernment to surround you in this difficult and emotional time… definitely make the time to PRESS INTO God. Listening and hearing what He wants you to! It’s so important ❤️
Isaiah 52… a lot of symbolism, with both prophetic and literal tones in this chapter!! I love how the first verse starts with Awake, Awake… and how it tells us to clothe ourselves with strength (not our own, but God’s) and to put on our garments of splendor (again not ours, but God’s) and how in the second verse it says to shake off the “old” and FREE ourselves from the chains (we placed) around our own necks!! SO much right there!!!
I also highlighted Isaiah 52:6-10 “ Therefore my people will know my name…” “Listen! Your watchmen lift up their voices; together they shout for joy. When the Lord returns to Zion, they will see it with their own eyes.” …” and all the ends of the earth will see the salvation of our God.” WOW!!! So much meat in there!!!
I also loved Isaiah 52:12-15 “…for the Lord WILL go before you, the God of Israel WILL be your REAR GUARD.” … “ See, my servant will act wisely; he will be raised and lifted up and highly exalted.” (this verse made me think of the verses in Mathew 21:1-10 from today’s SRT reading) … “ he will sprinkle many nations, and kings will shut their mouths because of him. For what they were NOT told, they WILL see, and what they have NOT heard, they WILL understand.” Such AWESOME & FULFILLED PROMISES here!!! To God be ALL the Glory and Praise!!!!
Much love to all you wonderful ladies!!! ❤️❤️❤️
1. Following off the comment posted by Melanie, Obadiah (like Amos) reminds us that our God is just, holy and merciful. God can be this way because He is eternal, which means he sees the full picture. He knows the ending. Throughout the Old Testament we have seen Gods wrath and judgement, but every time he casts judgement, although it may seem harsh, it is always for Good. That is because we serve a good God; all Good things come from Him, He brings all good things. I’m thankful I serve a good God. In knowing I serve a good God, I can have faith that today and tomorrow (whatever they may bring) will be good because He is in control.
2. Today’s reading points to the story of redemption because we see Gods acts of mercy. We know we see her mercy in a BIG way again years later at the cross.
Ladies, I have written down and am praying for your requests, and you. God knows you by name. He created you. He has a plan and purpose for your life. Nothing is too big or too small for the heart of God. May His guidance be upon you, His healing as needed, and His help always. Amen.
God is a loving God who desires for mankind to be with him in eternity. With that as his motive he gave the Law in the Old Testament & told the Israelites to follow the Law. When they didn’t God sent many opportunities for repentance. The prophets of the Old Testament continually spoke to encourage them to return to God. God is gracious & I’m grateful he is!
1.God sees the whole picture. Beginning to the end while our limited vision hinders us from knowing why. But God. Rich in mercy know it all. 2. God is faithful. He has the last word. * please continue to pray for me. I was in so much pain last night I wanted to go to the hospital. Pray I know when to go and not to make it worse and for my kids to not worry about their mama