Obadiah - The Downfall of the Prideful

One Chapter
Who was Obadiah anyway? We only know him by his name but what a powerful name it is. Obadiah means "one who serves Yahweh." Maybe I should name our next boy Obadiah. Obadiah speaks judgement on a nation that God used to punish the Jews for not obeying. The thing that struck me was how prideful they were. They thought they did everything in their own power and strength. Verse 3 states that "the pride of your heart has deceived you." Wow! Pride is extremely deceiving because it causes us to think that we can do no wrong. Everyone else is at fault. There is no way that we have blame in anything that goes wrong. In verse 12-14, Obadiah lists eight things that Edom did wrong. Four of them had to do with gloating, boasting, and rejoicing over the downfall of Judah and their distress. How often do I rejoice in the downfall of someone? I see a news story on television about a murderer being caught and sent to prison and I think "Yes, justice is served. They are right where they deserve." But wait, if not for the grace and mercy of God I too could be in their place. I need to think about it on a spiritual level. They are going to spend an eternity in hell if someone does not reach them with the gospel. I need to put away my pride. How often have I not witnessed to someone because I think that I am too good for them or that I am better than they are? They are on a lower level than myself so I cannot reach them. Edom's downfall (even though they were a pagan nation) was there pride. God brought destruction up on them for it. I see the pride in my own life but I also see it in my children. William especially has a problem with it and I have been praying about it and working with him to alert him when he is being prideful. Old habits do die hard. I sometimes need to just stop him and have him repeat the phrase "I was wrong." Sometimes he just won't do it and ends up in tears. He does not want to admit that he has fault in anything. His favorite words are "But he..." or "But she..." It is like looking in a mirror sometimes as I find myself not wanting to admit my fault in certain situations. Most of the arguments Carl and I have are over this issue. I don't want to admit I am wrong and neither does Carl. When I swallow my pride and admit my own fault it is amazing how Carl too sees his and we can come together and work out our problems without all the "But you..." We can see our sin for what it is and confess and repent. How amazing that God gives us this one chapter book by a prophet who is not well known to remind us of the pitfall of pride.

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