The vision of Obadiah.
Thus says the Lord God concerning Edom:
We have heard a report from the Lord,
and a messenger has been sent among the nations:
“Rise up! Let us rise against her for battle!” Obadiah 1:1
This is the shortest book in the cannon of Old Testament books put together by the first council of Nicaea. What we understand as our “Bible” was assembled around 325AD. This book is considered to be written around 899-795BC. Obadiah was thought to be by Jerome to be a contemporary with Hosea, Joel, and Amos. Jeremiah is thought to have incorporated some of Obadiah’s vision into part of the prophecies of his own, thus stamping the canonicity by the council of Nicaea. Okay …enough of the history lesson, what stands out to me?
Have you ever considered that what you receive from the Lord is significant… for others to hear and learn from? It seems today there are many people receiving ‘messages’ of coming impending danger. Obadiah had a message of coming danger and destruction. Who was the message for? It was for the enemies of the people of God. There are sections of the prophecy that still ring true for the actions of nations today.
For the day of the Lord is near upon all the nations.
As you have done, it shall be done to you;
your deeds shall return on your own head. Obadiah 1:15
It speaks to the law of sowing and reaping.
Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. Galatians 6:7
We cannot escape the consequences of sin. Sin ALWAYS has a cost… for all of us. When and how do we receive those consequences? That will have to do with who actually ‘know’ the Lord Jesus and who does not. Woe to the enemies of the Lord Jesus. And yet … the Lord will also often allow the consequences of sin to ‘teach’ a child of God.
For the Lord disciplines those He loves, and He punishes each one He accepts as his child. Hebrews 12:6 NLT
So … if a ‘message’ is given to one who is humble before God … a wise person would at least listen and ask the Holy Spirit to impart and explain their responsibility as the ‘hearer’.
Jesus often said…
“Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.” Mark 4:23
There are MANY warnings in our Bibles – do you consider them to be useful to you? Do you have the wisdom to understand them? Did you know the Holy Spirit is often considered to be ‘wisdom’? Is He (the Holy Spirit) actually indwelling your body? Have you developed a close intimate relationship with Him? Do you have daily conversations with Him? Is He imparting wisdom to you? Is He teaching you? Is He guiding you throughout your day? Is He giving you warnings of coming danger? Is He asking you to be prepared for what is to come to you?
Does the Holy Spirit point out the significance of the scripture you are reading for you own life and current situation?
When He is indwelling you then this scripture is useful for you.
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 2 Timothy 3:16
What is the ‘Word’? Read John 1:1
Is the “Word” more than just the printed Bible?
Jesus also did many other things. If they were all written down, I suppose the whole world could not contain the books that would be written. John 21:25
Now is the time to ask the Holy Spirit to teach you and speak to you. He is always there and wants to answer that prayer request.