There are two very heavy vehicle-sized doors made of iron at the entrance of our driveway and a very tall fence around the perimeter of our multi-family dwelling. The only way in is through the doors or climbing the fence so it feels relatively secure.
Unfortunately this week our “fortress” was proven to be weaker than we had thought. While leaving for work one morning, I discovered someone had “keyed” the side of my car. Why… how… who…? I have no idea… After the initial shock and disgust there were many other feelings. I was a victim to a crime which led me to feel powerless, betrayed and violated, with no one to rescue me.
What if (hypothetically) in this scenario I had a brother who was aware of the crime taking place? And in this crime my brother not only sat idle and did nothing, but then proceeded to help the criminal destroy my vehicle and then insult me after doing so?
That’s pretty much what happened in Obadiah 1.
The people of Judah (their brothers) were being attacked and not only did the Edomites sit idle, they helped the attackers! Imagine first the feeling of “being attacked” then imagine your brother (or someone who should help you) helping the attackers complete the job, then laughing in your face, pillaging and plundering your belongings.
In the end, God was furious with the Edomites (the house of Esau) for their pride, greed, violence and betrayal. God made it clear that they would pay dearly.
For the day of the Lord is near upon all the nations.
As you have done, it shall be done to you;
your deeds shall return on your own head. (Obadiah 1:15)
As always I look for Jesus in the story. We betrayed him. We spit upon him, denied him and murdered him therefore we deserve the same fate as the Edomites. We betrayed God’s chosen one and we continue to betray him through our sin.
Unlike the Edomites, we can look to the one we betrayed for redemption. Even though we are guilty of putting him on the cross through our sin, he does something what no other “god” can do: Jesus forgives us even though we do not deserve it, then he offers us an eternal place with him in Heaven.
Mercy and grace and an eternal home in a place with no sadness in exchange for our hearts. Deal.
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace (Ephesians 1:7)