What actions can we take to align with God's justice as seen in Obadiah? Setting the Scene “ ‘If thieves came to you, if robbers by night—Oh, how you have been destroyed!—would they not steal only what they wanted? If grape pickers came to you, would they not leave some gleanings?’ ” (Obadiah 1:5) God declares that Edom’s coming judgment will be far more thorough than an ordinary theft or harvest. Human takers usually leave something behind; divine justice will leave nothing that fed their pride and cruelty. From this vivid warning we learn how to align ourselves with God’s justice rather than fall under it. What This Reveals About God’s Justice • Perfectly thorough—nothing hidden escapes His eye (Hebrews 4:13) • Perfectly fair—He measures judgment by the measure of sin (Romans 2:5-6) • Protective of the vulnerable—He condemns those who exploit the weak (Psalm 72:4) • Generous—His law expected gleanings to remain for the poor (Leviticus 19:9-10); Edom’s “glean-less” end shows how they denied that generosity Practical Actions That Keep Us in Step with His Justice • Practice honest gain – Refuse shortcuts, fraud, or taking what is not ours (Ephesians 4:28) – Make restitution quickly when we discover wrong (Luke 19:8-9) • Leave “gleanings” for others – Budget margin for sharing with those in need (2 Corinthians 9:7-8) – Offer time, skills, or resources instead of squeezing every benefit for ourselves • Stand with the wronged, not the wrongdoer – Speak up for the defenseless (Proverbs 31:8-9) – Refuse to profit from oppression or gossip (James 5:4-6) • Cultivate humility over pride – Edom boasted in impregnable cliffs (Obadiah 1:3); we choose daily dependence on God (1 Peter 5:5-6) – Submit plans and possessions to His will rather than claiming invulnerability (James 4:13-16) • Celebrate mercy, not downfall – Edom gloated when Judah fell (Obadiah 1:12); we rejoice in repentance and restoration (Luke 15:7) – Guard the heart from schadenfreude; pray and work for reconciliation (Romans 12:17-21) Supporting Scriptures That Echo Obadiah’s Call • Micah 6:8—“He has shown you…to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” • Amos 5:24—“But let justice roll on like a river, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.” • Proverbs 21:3—“To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.” • Isaiah 58:6-7—True worship loosens chains of injustice and shares bread with the hungry. Living It Out This Week • Audit one area (finances, schedule, relationships) for hidden “theft” or selfish harvesting. Leave gleanings. • Reach out to someone wronged or marginalized; listen, defend, assist. • Choose one prideful boast to surrender to the Lord, replacing it with gratitude. • Give anonymously to meet a need, mirroring the Lord’s generous heart. By embracing honesty, generosity, humility, and advocacy, we stand in harmony with the God whose justice Obadiah proclaims—a justice both searching and good. |
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