Last night God kept me awake for several hours concerning the subject of Obadiah. This is a classic story about the conflict between light and darkness resulting in the judgment of God.
Obadiah converted from an Edomite to Judaism. God made him a prophet. Obadiah came from a wealthy family but lost most of his money taking care of 200 prophets which were being persecuted by King Ahab. Obadiah hid the prophets in caves and provided water and food to keep them alive.
This prophesy about the conflict between light and darkness is illustrated through the lives of Esau and Jacob.
Esau and Jacob were twin brothers. Isaac was their father. Esau disregarded God’s laws, married women outside of Israel, and didn’t respect his birthright. Jacob respected God even though he made many mistakes in life.
Esau is credited with establishing the nation of Edom.
The prophesy of Obadiah identified three central themes about Edom.
They were a very prideful people.
They did not fear or respect God.
They participated in the destruction and ravaging of Israel and treated the people with cruelty.
Obadiah prophesied Edom would be destroyed and the house of Jacob (Israel) would be delivered and restored to holiness.
The message of Obadiah is alive today. We are headed for big troubles and the punishment of God.
There was a miscarriage of justice administered by the Edomites. This same brutal injustice is taking place today against Christ followers all over the world. This is spearheaded by the work of Satan.
The shadow of Edom is reflected in many nations around the world. In the United States there is a significant decline in Christianity and a rising movement to replace the precepts of God with liberal laws and contemporary views. The objective is to remove God from our society.
The wealthy are idolized and the poor are just an outcast of society.
The Body of Christ has become corrupted and filled with religious views which have nothing to do with God. The pride of Christians is thinking they are better than non believers and deserve the goodness of God.
The judgment of God will touch every fabric of humanity. No one will be able to escape the fires of God.
The malfeasance (wrong doing) reaches the highest level of government officials and religious leaders in our society. We are a nation of immoral people operating with impure motives. Self indulgence is the characteristic of our society.
Obadiah is coming soon. The call from God is to repent and return to Christ. Your only hope is in the Cross of Christ. We have to live for Jesus and turn away from all forms of darkness.
This is about taking Jesus seriously and making a decision to live for Him above all else.
Hal Hollister Ministry 