August 23
Obadiah 1
Edom is judged because she has acted with violence toward Israel.
INSIGHT
Esau and Jacob were brothers. Esau was the father of the nation Edom, and Jacob was the father of the nation Israel. Therefore, in a sense, the nations Edom and Israel are brothers. A day comes when Assyria wages war against Jerusalem. But instead of joining Israel, their brother, in the fight against Assyria, Edom joins Assyria and fights against their brothers in Jerusalem. Because of this breach of loyalty, God pronounces judgment on Edom through the prophet Obadiah. God offers no hope for possible restoration or deliverance for Edom. Her fate is sealed. Edom is destroyed as a nation.
PRAYER
Praise God for His justice and righteousness. Thank Him for the love that He pours out on His people:
He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light,
And your justice as the noonday (Psalm 37:6).
By You I have been upheld from my birth;
You are He who took me out of my mother’s womb.
My praise shall be continually of You (Psalm 71:6).
Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears,
And delivers them out of all their troubles.
The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart,
And saves such as have a contrite spirit (Psalm 34:17-18).
Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind.
Now pray this affirmation to the Lord:
“Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).
The Lord encourages us to come to Him with our concerns and desires. As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:
-- Spiritual victory over temptation
-- Opportunities to serve the Lord
-- Whatever else is on your heart
Offer this closing prayer to the Lord:
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen (2 Corinthians 13:14).
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