Son of man, set thy face against Mount Seir, and prophesy against it. Ezekiel 35:2
An old friend of ours refused to go to see the doctor, even though she was not feeling well. She confided in us that she thought something was wrong, but she didn’t want to talk to the doctor about it because she was afraid of what the doctor would say. When we did get her to the doctor, it turned out the news wasn’t as bad as she feared. Many people are like that lady, in that we don’t like to hear bad news about ourselves. Even news that we need to hear. Our text tells us today about some bad news for Mount Seir, the Edomites, the descendents of Esau. This bad news served as a promise, a warning, and a reminder to others.
Judgment was coming to Mount Seir. God was not threatening them that it might happen; He was promising that it would happen. As opponents of His people Israel, they had earned His punishment and would receive what they deserved. The Bible promises judgment on our world today, punishment well deserved for unbridled sinfulness and unashamed despising of the Word and the people of God. This is not a threat; this is a promise. Judgment will happen and our Gospel message is not that of those who urge society to clean up and return to God. It’s not going to happen; it’s too late for that. We need to spend our time in warning, not in restoring this world.
Even though judgment was coming to Mount Seir, there were individual Edomites who could flee from the wrath of God and take sides with God’s people. These individuals could find safety and deliverance by abandoning Mount Seir and turning to God. That’s why we preach the Gospel today, that’s why we witness, deliver Gospel tracts, hold Sunday Schools and children’s meetings. Our goal is that some might be rescued by heeding the warning. And that we as Christians might benefit from the reminder.
Conditions in Mount Seir were intolerable to any with an appreciation for God and His people. Just as conditions in the world are intolerable for us today. Even though we are in the world, we are not of the world. We cannot stoop to its depravity nor run to its excess of riot. The message to Mount Seir is the reminder that as Christians, we are citizens of a better land, ambassadors of a better kingdom, and sojourners to a better shore. We are looking for the mansions of joy, not the judgment of Mount Seir. And it should make us different.
We live in today’s Mount Seir, but not for long. Until we are delivered, let us remember the promise, heed the warning, and regard the reminder. – Jim MacIntosh