The vision of Obadiah. Thus saith the Lord GOD concerning Edom; We have heard a rumour from the LORD, and an ambassador is sent among the heathen, Arise ye, and let us rise up against her in battle. Obadiah 1:1
Genesis 12 is the first instance in our Bibles of God’s Promise that He would bless those who blessed Abraham and his descendants, and curse those who would curse Abraham and his descendants. But it is certainly not the last time this promise is mentioned. The Edomites would certainly know of this promise. Their founder Esau was a grandson of Abraham, although he forfeited his right to the promised blessing by selling his birthright to Jacob. But despite their knowledge of the promise, the Edomites stood by and even rejoiced when the Babylonians defeated Judah and destroyed Jerusalem. So the prophet Obadiah takes them to task for it.
In his little book, the shortest in the Old Testament, Obadiah makes it clear to the Edomites what they should have and should have not done. And he made it clear that God would hold them to account for it. Just as God will surely hold to account those nations and people who hate and oppose His earthly people today. And that hate and opposition is strong today, and growing stronger. Enemies of Israel have so twisted the narrative of the holy land that most of the United Nations members vote against Israel and in favour of her enemies at every opportunity. Shamefully, that has included Canada since the Liberals were elected in 2015. Just as Obadiah promised destruction for Edom in his day, so God will surely punish Israel’s enemies of today.
Does it really matter if we pray for and bless Israel and the Jewish people? Does it really matter if the peace of Jerusalem is actually mentioned in our daily prayers? Although God has temporarily set aside His earthly people for a time to bring the Gentiles into the blessing, He still loves those people dearly and has a great future for them. His promise of a blessing or a curse on Israel’s friends and foes still stands. -Jim MacIntosh
Here is the link to the video of this message: https://youtu.be/lCcQaqeENTo