In this mini-series of articles, I realize that I’ve written more words about the book of Obadiah than are actually present in the book itself (at least in typical English translations). However, I’d like to share a few more thoughts about the consequences that Obadiah prophesied to the nation of Edom, who took advantage of their neighbors (the people of Judah) when the Judeans experienced God’s punishment. Then, Edom continued to practice the very kinds of sins that cost the Judeans so greatly.
Previous articles have reminded us to not fall into those same behaviors, but I hope that you’ll bear with me on a few more observations, along with some ideas on how to behave better than Edom did.
We might hate what some governments do to their people. We might hate what one nation does to another nation that they are at war with. We might hate what false teaching does to those who go along with it. However, let’s remember that God didn’t hate us when we were lost in our sins, and so we must love others – even people who are currently far away from God’s ideal.
This could also apply to those who are justly convicted of crimes – even really bad ones. A God who restored a murderer of Christians (i.e., Paul) for His kingdom can restore even the worst criminals of our day. That doesn’t mean we let those criminals run free on our streets. After all, it is still the state’s job to administer justice, through authority granted by God. However, it does mean that we must work towards forgiving and praying for the souls of even those who persecute us (see Matthew 5:44, for instance).
Now, I don’t think that this means we intentionally invite those into our homes that are likely to harm us, nor should we celebrate evil deeds like subterfuge and terrorism. However, there’s a stark contrast between good things like justice and protecting the innocent against harm, versus celebrating the destruction of people whose only crime was being born into a country ruled by an evil regime.
After all, in gloating over people’s punishment, we may implicate ourselves for sins that we – or our country at large – have done, and for which we also deserve God’s wrath.
We should look at our own environment: our own family, church, community, and nation. And, in doing so, we must consider what our role is in the righteousness of that group. As a start, we should try to not personally contribute to the sin level of this world, but we also can’t just ignore sin around us.
That is, while we may not be able to change hearts like God can, we must not consider sin around us as having nothing to do with us, isolating ourselves from those who need help. Similarly, we cannot merely wring our hands and complain about others’ sin when there is something – anything – that we can do about it.
Remember, sin hurts everyone, and we are called to love others, even as we are called to share the good news with them about a better way of life. If we see sin around us and do nothing, how much of the responsibility for that sin do we share? How guilty of nationwide punishment are we when we see sin around us and don’t at least try to make a positive difference: first through the example and testimony of our lives, then reaching out to others who need our help: providing both material support to get them out of their current situation, and knowledge to find a better way of life with Jesus Christ.
Don’t be like ancient Edom. Jesus offers not only a better example, but also the help to follow His perfect teaching, life, and service. Following Him allows us to participate in a great inheritance. God’s people were promised a return to their land in Obadiah 1:17, which was indeed fulfilled in time, but those who have listened to Jesus and accepted His gift and His better life have something even greater awaiting us.
And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
Revelation 21:3-4 NIV
https://bible.com/bible/111/rev.21.3-4.NIV
From Sunday School lesson prepared for August 3, 2025
References:
- Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
- The College Press NIV Commentary – Minor Prophets Volume 1 (Hosea-Micah), by Harold Shank. © 2001 College Press Publishing Co.
Those Who Sin Differently 