Standing Aloof
Because of the violence done to your brother Jacob, shame shall cover you, and you shall be cut off forever. On the day that you stood aloof, on the day that strangers carried off his wealth and foreigners entered his gates and cast lots for Jerusalem, you were like one of them. But do not gloat over the day of your brother in the day of his misfortune; do not rejoice over the people of Judah in the day of their ruin; do not boast in the day of distress. Do not enter the gate of my people in the day of their calamity; do not gloat over his disaster in the day of his calamity; do not loot his wealth in the day of his calamity. Do not stand at the crossroads to cut off his fugitives; do not hand over his survivors in the day of distress.
Obadiah 10 –14
+
Standing Aloof
After years of apathy towards God’s people, Edom turns to hostility. They had a choice when God sent Babylon to punish Israel. Edom could repent and show compassion, but instead, they choose destructive self-serving actions. The inherent spiritual hostility that led to such a choice sealed Edom’s fate. But before we climb on our high horse, we need to recognize this behavior in ourselves. Too often we are indifferent or outright hostile toward God’s people. We do not love one another as Christ loves us. Even today God gives us similar opportunities either to participate in His good work of compassion or turn our backs on those in need. Unfortunately, we chose the latter. But this does not stop God from showing compassion toward us. He has already extended His compassion toward us in the sacrifice and blessing of His only Son Jesus Christ. So in repentant love towards Jesus and our fellow brothers and sisters, we look for opportunities for Jesus to use us as His means to help those who are hurting and have suffered misfortune. In Christ, the Holy Spirit uses us to relieve their distress, and give them hope through His Word and through His love.
Obadiah 10 –14
+
Standing Aloof
After years of apathy towards God’s people, Edom turns to hostility. They had a choice when God sent Babylon to punish Israel. Edom could repent and show compassion, but instead, they choose destructive self-serving actions. The inherent spiritual hostility that led to such a choice sealed Edom’s fate. But before we climb on our high horse, we need to recognize this behavior in ourselves. Too often we are indifferent or outright hostile toward God’s people. We do not love one another as Christ loves us. Even today God gives us similar opportunities either to participate in His good work of compassion or turn our backs on those in need. Unfortunately, we chose the latter. But this does not stop God from showing compassion toward us. He has already extended His compassion toward us in the sacrifice and blessing of His only Son Jesus Christ. So in repentant love towards Jesus and our fellow brothers and sisters, we look for opportunities for Jesus to use us as His means to help those who are hurting and have suffered misfortune. In Christ, the Holy Spirit uses us to relieve their distress, and give them hope through His Word and through His love.
Recent
Archive
2023
January
Responding to GodLamentationSeek GodThe Day of the LordA Matter of FaithThe Secure and the ComplacentThe Pride of the PeopleFrom Depths of WoeVisions of FireA Plumb LineAmaziahSummer FruitA Final VisionA Word of HopeA VisionHumiliationDisplacedStanding AloofHouse of FireRestorationHeeding God’s CallOverboardInside the Great FishFor a Second TimeMessage ReceivedNot FairA Lesson on MercyWho Is Like the Lord?O Earth!Then and NowLament
February
Courtroom DramaEnemies of GodThe Lord GathersFalse ProphetsZionRestorationWise MenIn, But Not OfGod’s ReproachSurvey the CrossLook to the LordVindicationThe Lord’s DeliveranceA Merciful HymnBack AgainLord’s Wrath and CareDoom and DeliveranceThe Enemies of GodOur ConquerorWoe to the City of BloodshedNo Other God’sAre You Better?Prophecy FulfilledThe Prophet SawHow Long?God in the MidstJustice ServedThe God of History
March
Waiting for an AnswerA Dire SituationA Twisting of the TruthIn His Image and In His LikenessThe Lord’s NameThe Sin of ManFear, Love, and TrustThe Day of SalvationThe Word of the LordThe Lord’s JudgmentClear and to the PointBe SilentThe Day of WrathSeek the LordGardensRunning After Other GodsSwordsThe Kingdoms of this WorldWhere is Your Trust?The Lord’s RemnantThe Truth of His WordThe Human HeartA Song of VictoryRebuildingObedienceSurpassing GloryA Faithful ResponseLooking to the FutureReturn to the Lord!A Performative WordFour Horns