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Obadiah 12 (NIV)
“You should not look down on your brother
in the day of his misfortune, nor rejoice over the people of Judah in the day
of their destruction, nor boast so much in the day of their trouble.”
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| Grace dies when it becomes us versus them.* |
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God assigned Obadiah the task of prophesying to the nation
of Edom. The Edomites were descendants of Esau and thus they were the kinfolk
of the people of Judah. They were not, however, one big happy family. Edomites
rejoiced in the misfortunes of the Jews while they also aided their enemies and
took advantage of their weaknesses. Obadiah warned Edom of their eventual
comeuppance for their conduct toward Judah.
Today’s world is divided into “us and them” camps as well.
We have all chosen sides in religion, politics, race, nationality, and social
issues. It is human nature to prefer to associate with like-minded people and
perhaps that’s not such a bad thing. But it is not right – not righteous – to gloat every time the
other side suffers. It is not Christlike to wish for our enemies to get what
they deserve. Jesus loved all those wrong-thinking Pharisees who wanted him
dead. He spoke truth to them, not angry, bitter rhetoric. Yes, Jesus’ message
is divisive - but not hateful. Everyone has to give up their worldly baggage of
dogma to follow him.
In verse 15, Obadiah pronounces that God’s judgment upon
Edom is imminent. What they had done to their Jewish relatives was going to be
done to them. As Obadiah rebuked Edom for their treachery toward Judah, we
stand accused as well. Some day we will answer to the Judge for our
uncharitable wishes, our bigotry, and hatred. Let’s turn our name-calling and
side-choosing into a game of “Red Rover” and invite “them” to come on over!
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| Be careful, lest in fighting the dragon you become the dragon.* |
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