Humiliation
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!” Behold, I will make you small among the nations; you shall be utterly despised. 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?” 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 1b–4
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Humiliation
“Thus says the Lord.” With these words, the hearer is to understand that this is not just the opinion of one man. This message against an enemy of Israel carried God’s authority and was not a matter of Obadiah’s wishful thinking. The Edomites descendants of Jacob’s brother Esau were put on notice. Edom’s cup of iniquity was overflowing. Edom had been hostile toward Israel for centuries. As the ruler of history, God would use the nations to move against His enemies. God is about to cut Edom down to size. Self-secure in their own defenses Edom having a rugged, mountainous territory that any invading army would find difficult to attack, ignored God’s Word. This led to complacency and a false sense of security. Edom’s pride at her apparent power and invincibility would be brought down. Even though some of Edom’s fortresses and military defenses were set in high, inaccessible places, they were still within God’s reach. He would bring them down. So is every sinner eventually humbled in the presence of God. No matter our worldly success or power, we are all equally unworthy to stand in the presence of the Creator of all. The difference is only that those who have faith did not ignore God’s Word when it came to them. The Holy Spirit, through the Word, brought faith to every Christian heart. And in humble recognition, we bow before our heavenly Father knowing that because of His Son our Lord, Jesus Christ, we have been made worthy to be in His presence. Our forgiveness, won on the cross, frees us from sin, death, and the devil. Continuous feeding of the Word and Sacraments strengthens our faith which firmly takes hold of our Savior. So now when we stand before God on our judgment day, we will hear God’s Word of welcome as we are invited into His kingdom.
Obadiah 1b–4
+
Humiliation
“Thus says the Lord.” With these words, the hearer is to understand that this is not just the opinion of one man. This message against an enemy of Israel carried God’s authority and was not a matter of Obadiah’s wishful thinking. The Edomites descendants of Jacob’s brother Esau were put on notice. Edom’s cup of iniquity was overflowing. Edom had been hostile toward Israel for centuries. As the ruler of history, God would use the nations to move against His enemies. God is about to cut Edom down to size. Self-secure in their own defenses Edom having a rugged, mountainous territory that any invading army would find difficult to attack, ignored God’s Word. This led to complacency and a false sense of security. Edom’s pride at her apparent power and invincibility would be brought down. Even though some of Edom’s fortresses and military defenses were set in high, inaccessible places, they were still within God’s reach. He would bring them down. So is every sinner eventually humbled in the presence of God. No matter our worldly success or power, we are all equally unworthy to stand in the presence of the Creator of all. The difference is only that those who have faith did not ignore God’s Word when it came to them. The Holy Spirit, through the Word, brought faith to every Christian heart. And in humble recognition, we bow before our heavenly Father knowing that because of His Son our Lord, Jesus Christ, we have been made worthy to be in His presence. Our forgiveness, won on the cross, frees us from sin, death, and the devil. Continuous feeding of the Word and Sacraments strengthens our faith which firmly takes hold of our Savior. So now when we stand before God on our judgment day, we will hear God’s Word of welcome as we are invited into His kingdom.
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