*** Today’s readings (Joel & Obadiah) is divided between yesterday and today. See yesterday for reflection on Joel) ***
SCRIPTURE: Obadiah 1:1-21
“You should not gloat over your brother in the day of his misfortune.” (Obadiah 1:12)
Israel (descended from Jacob) and Edom (descended from Esau, Jacob’s brother) fought for years.
Here Obadiah describes how Edomites took advantage of defeated Israel and her refugees.
This tension makes me think of the present day tensions between Jews and Muslims.
Both of them claim Abraham (grandfather of Jacob and Esau) as their father.
And yet, as brothers, they fight and harass and oppress each other.
“The day of the Lord is near for all nations.” (Obadiah 1:15)
This is a warning for all people, for all nations, including the Jews and Muslims.
God’s command is that we treat all people with respect, justice and mercy.
All people, all nations, will be judged for how they treated others… for going back we are all related.
“As you have done, it will be done to you; your deeds will return upon your own head.” (Obadiah 1:15)
This makes me think of how Jesus taught us to pray.
“And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” (Matthew 6:12)
Will God treat us as we have treated the weak or needy or guilty around us?
Will God treat the Jews as they treated the Palestinians, or vice versa?
Will God treat me as I treated the homeless, the addicted, the criminals?
If Jesus is our pattern for how to treat tax collectors, prostitutes, foreigners…
How am I doing as a Jesus-follower?
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, I know I am forgiven by grace. But help me to share that grace with others, as You have shared it with me, lest I lose out on the very grace that I have received.