Loving Neighbors and Brethren

O. T. #2149  "Loving Neighbors and Brethren"

March 15, 2022

Obadiah-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

Do you love the brethren? Do you know that you have passed from death to life? John gives us instructions in 1 John 3:14, 16, We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. Hereby perceive we the love of God, because He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

Loving the brethren, other believers, whether in our church or elsewhere, is evidence that we are spiritually alive with Jesus. If we remain in Jesus, then we will have fruit-love, joy, answered prayer. Real love is an action, sacrificial giving, serving others, putting their desires before ours.

Are we asking our Lord who He wants us to serve today? How can we encourage the hurting, troubled, needy brothers and sisters in the faith?

LET IT GROW

Neighbors are not always friends. When one does not take care of their cows, they get out into the neighbors' yards and fields. When one works hard keeping their yard looking good, they don't want holes in it, nor cow piles, messes.

Edom was Judah's southern neighbor, sharing a common boundary. Edom liked nothing about Judah. Perhaps it went back to their ancestors being at odds-Esau and Jacob. Edom had cities cut into rock cliffs and set in a canyon that could be entered only through a narrow gap (Petra). What Edom though to be their stronghold became their downfall.

Obadiah was sent by God as prophet from Judah to Edom, sharing His coming judgments.  What will happen? The bad news for Edom is found in verse 2, Behold, I have made thee small among the heathen: thou art greatly despised.

In the Hebrew language, despised refers to disesteem, think to scorn.

God is greatly disgusted with Edom. Since Edom lifted their heads loftily against God and surrounding nations, God and the nations will do the same. Edom will be wiped out and Judah will do it.

 

LET IT GO

Teach us to love our neighbors and brethren.

Help us to show them love and mercy as You, God, do to us.

Give us wisdom to know when to show tough love, standing for Your Word and ways.