Today's Reading:O.T. - Obadiah 1
N.T. - Galatians 5:13-6:10
Focus Verses: Obadiah 1:12-13
12 You should not look down on your brother in the day of his misfortune, nor rejoice over the people of Judah in the day of their destruction, nor boast so much in the day of their trouble. 13 You should not march through the gates of my people in the day of their disaster, nor look down on them in their calamity in the day of their disaster, nor seize their wealth in the day of their disaster.
Insight:
Obadiah prophesied against Edom because they gloated over the destruction of Israel and saw it as an opportunity for their own gain. The people of Edom were descendants of Esau and so Obadiah talks about the relationship of Edom and Israel as an extension of that of Esau and Jacob. Selfishness, gloating, deception, and opportunism are all unacceptable to God.
Response and Action:
I should never take pleasure in the suffering of others, even those who are suffering the consequences of their own sin or foolishness. I should not think of ways to profit from the misfortunes of others. Both of these flow out of pride and selfishness and are contrary to the humility and graciousness God has called me to pursue.
O God, give me a humble spirit toward you and a generous compassion toward others. Help me to weep with those who weep. Make me a person who is interested in helping and redeeming those who are doing wrong, and ready to redeem and restore when they fall. Thank you for your love and mercy toward me, and your readiness to save and restore. Amen.
Proverbs: 19:8
"He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; he who cherishes understanding prospers."
Resources:
Free of Charge: Giving and Forgiving in a Culture Stripped of Grace
by Miroslav Volf
