Lovely vs. Ugly

O. T. #2148  "Lovely vs. Ugly"

March 14, 2022

Obadiah 1

LET IT GLOW

If you are new to this blog, welcome, and we will get into the prophesy of Obadiah after we look for some encouragement found in 1 John 3. (The major prophets kind of bogged us down and so does the minor prophets, so I decided to find some uplifting words.)

Looking at verses 11 and 12, we are reminded that Cain killed his brother (Able) because his works were evil and Able's were righteous. The story is found in Genesis 4. Able offered unto God  a best first-born lamb (blood sacrifice) as required for sin, but Cain offered from his crops what he had raised.

You will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. but you must subdue it and be its master. (Gen. 4:7, NLT)

Apparently, Cain refused the LORD's instructions, for Cain killed his brother Able. It was because of jealousy and envy that Abel's acceptance by God that led him to hatred. He was sent away to be a wanderer as his punishment.

In 1 John 3:13-16, John told us to Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you. We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.

What do we learn here?

• The world will hate us for living righteously and loving others.
• If we hate your brothers (biological and spiritual), then we are murderers.
• Murderers do not have enjoyment of the Christian life and intimacy with God.

Watch our attitudes towards others. Are we showing the love of God to all people? We may be the only source of love that they receive. Blessings and fellowship with God is worth the price of forgiving others and loving them.

LET IT GROW

Actions and words can be lovely or ugly. They reveal the heart. How evident is in in our world today.

Obadiah wrote down the vision that God gave him concerning Edom. Other nations were allied with Edom against Judah. They did not have instant information like we do today.

In verse 1, the rumour (news, announcement) was heard from the LORD, and an ambassador (messenger) was sent among the heathen (nations) for the purpose of convincing them to join forces against Edom in battle.

The Lord ordained this. History is His story. We should listen to the news to find out how He is governing. (John Wesley) God is on the throne working out His perfect will. (Don't blame God for foolish and wicked decisions and deeds of governments.) He is working out His divine purposes in human history. (Wiersbe)

Folks, are we praying for those suffering in the world because of evil? Do we pray for changed hearts? For our heart to be changed?

LET IT GO

Change my heart, O God, make it ever true;

Change my heart, O God, may I be like You.

Jesus, worthy is the Lamb of praise and glory and honor.

We trust in You.