At the heart of war
22/10/2023 - Matthew Destry
What is the cause of international conflict and where is God in the midst of it all?
Genesis 25:24-33
This prophetic poem, the shortest book in the Old Testament, is addressed to the people of Edom, and shows us just how bad things can get when brothers turn against each other. This prolonged antagonism between Judah and Edom is in evidence in Obadiah, serving as the prophecy’s framework. It serves as a cautionary tale to us about watching our relationships and living with humility.
The vision of Obadiah…
a/ Who will bring me down to the ground?
Edom leaning on their strength: the danger of pride.
b/ A word to the ‘wise’
Edom leaning on their own wisdom: the danger of knowledge.
c/ Where are you now when I need you?
Remember, O Lord, what the Edomites did on the day Jerusalem fell.
‘Tear it down,’ they cried, ‘tear it down to its foundations!’ (Psalm 137:7).
Sins of omission and sins of commission: when doing nothing is worse than doing something
d/ Your wine shall turn to poison
God’s justice is coming: be ready
e/ God is King
A new kingdom: not David, not Israel, but the Lord.
- Empathy
Romans 12:15-16
Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.
- Responsibility
Galatians 6:10
So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.
- Story
Hebrews 12:14-17
Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled; that no one is sexually immoral or unholy like Esau, who sold his birthright for a single meal. For you know that afterward, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no chance to repent, though he sought it with tears.