Jesus in the Old Testament, Obadiah

Jesus in Obadiah

Jesus said this.

“You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life, and it is they that bear witness about me,"

Obadiah is one of the shortest books in the Bible. It's a Prophecy against Edom, a mountainous country southeast of Israel. It had been settled by the descendants of Esau, Jacob's brother. It was Edom that refused Israel passage through their land on the way to Canaan {See Numbers 20:14-21}.  Esau was the son of Isaac, just as Jacob was, but he cared more for the things of the world than for his birthright As seen in Genesis 25:29-34.

"Once when Jacob was cooking stew, Esau came in from the field, and he was exhausted. And Esau said to Jacob, “Let me eat some of that red stew, for I am exhausted!” (Therefore his name was called Edom.)  Jacob said, “Sell me your birthright now." Esau said, “I am about to die; of what use is a birthright to me?” Jacob said, “Swear to me now.” So he swore to him and sold his birthright to Jacob.  Then Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew, and he ate and drank and rose and went his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright."

His descendants were just like him. The message, therefore, is directed to those who have the opportunity to be spiritual, but who choose instead to be worldly. This is something that we all must deal with and decide. After some time, they as a people, and a Country began to engage in open hostility against Israel.

We do not know who Obadiah really was, or where he came from. Yet we do know that his name means ''Worshiper'' or ''Servant of Jehovah.'' This Book is his Prophecy against Edom.

"Because of the violence done to your brother Jacob, shame shall cover you, and you shall be cut off forever. On the day that you stood aloof, on the day that strangers carried off his wealth and foreigners entered his gates and cast lots for Jerusalem, you were like one of them." Obadiah 1:10-11

This is a reoccurring theme all throughout the Word. Bless Isreal and be Blessed. Curse Isreal and be Cursed.

"I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you, all the families of the earth shall be blessed." Genesis 12:3

We are God's Chosen people. We have been adopted into the Family of God, through the Blood of Jesus. We are now the same people as the Israelites. Remember, there is no difference now.

"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." Galatians 3:28

So this Promise applies to you as well. However, we are relatives of Isreal now, remember, so was Edom. So we should also take to heart Edom's Sin. There are steps if you will, that get progressively Worse.

   1 - They stood aloof {Verse.11}. In every conflict between right and wrong, the person who remains neutral also does damage.

"So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin." James 4:17

  2 - They actually witnessed the destruction of Jerusalem with their own eyes. They witnessed Evil and did nothing. This is NOT how we are to behave. Jesus said this.

“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you." John 15:12

He died for us. We need to be prepared to love to this degree, as Jesus Loved us.

"Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13

  3 - The Edomites gloated when Israel fell. {Verse 12}. Pretty self-explanatory here.

  4 - They spoke proudly. Edom stood by and said, ''That's all right; they probably deserved it.''

Remember, we all deserve it. Jesus came to earth because we all deserve it. We all deserve to be utterly destroyed.

 5 - Not only were the Edomites guilty of wicked indifference, they eventually became actively involved in Israel's distress {Verse.13}.

 6 - Edom took advantage of Judah's trouble by plundering some of their wealth {Verse 13}.

 7 - They gave open assistance to the enemy {Verse 14}. When the Israelites escaped and tried to flee, the Edomites cut them off from their defenses and handed them over to their pursuers.

Remember, there are steps to Sin. All are bad, but there is a progression. Sin starts with a thought. Ends in death.

"Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin, when it is fully grown, brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers." James 1:13-16

Sin is never a sudden outburst. Or just a single happenstance. You have Thought, Desire, Deception, Action, which WILL bring forth the last in this progression, Death. Obadiah was warning Edom, that they were on this progression. That the end result would be destruction and death.

If you find yourself in the progression, remember stories like this one. It was written for us, to be used as an example for us. We must not be like the Edomites. But be rather like Isreal. We must be God's Children and follow God's plan and purpose for us. We have Jesus who came to earth to die for us, yet rather, Rise from the Dead so we do not have to follow after Edom. But we can be and should be, the Children He wants us to be.

Do you know Jesus as your Savior? Have you been adopted into the Family of God? If not, say this Prayer. Right now. Wherever you may be. Say it in your own words, and do not doubt in your heart. God will heal you. He will send the Spirit of Life to you. Let us Pray.

"Oh heavenly Father, Lord God. I am a Sinner. I know this. I know there is nothing I can do to change that. But I know you can. I accept Jesus and His Sacrifice for me. I believe that He raised from the Dead. I repent my Sins. Please send the Spirit of Adoption into my life. Help me to get to know the real you. Save me. Please. In the name of Jesus, Amen!"

That's it. It really is just that simple. Now go tell someone what you have just done. "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." {Romans 10:9} You need to find a Church that God leads you to, and be Baptized the way Jesus said to be. You are now a Child of God. A New Creature. You "have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him." {Colossians 3:10}

If you want to tell me, or comment, question, give testimonials, or just say "Hi," the Email is opntalk@gmail.com

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost be with you all. Amen.{2 Corinthians 13}

Until next time, be Blessed, be a Blessing, and Jesus is Lord!