|
Dear Heavenly Father, Praise When Jehoram did evil in your sight, you could have destroyed Judah. Yet you were not willing to do this “because of the covenant that you made with David, and since you had promised to give a lamp to him and his sons forever” (2 Chr 21:7). I praise you today as the covenant-keeping God! You are faithful to your word and longsuffering with those who put you to the test. How great is your love and mercy! Hallelujah! Today in Your Word Today you told me about Jehoram’s bloody reign, the sacking of Jerusalem, Obadiah’s prophecy against Edom, and Elisha’s ministry in Israel. Jehoram had married Ahab’s daughter Athaliah (with Jehoshaphat’s blessing *sigh*), and so his decision to kill his brothers and lead Judah into idolatry comes as no surprise. You immediately brought judgment on Jehoram, first through Elijah’s letter and then through Edom, who along with Libnah, revolted against his rule. You also stirred up the Philistines and the Arabs, and they invaded Judah and carried away Jehoram’s possessions, his wives and his children. Once again, you were showing your people that sin brings suffering and the path to peace is found only in faithful obedience to you. Edom was delighted by the sacking of Jerusalem, and they gloated while the Arabs and the Philistines carried off the city’s wealth (Obad 1:10–14). Obadiah, a prophet of God, denounced Edom for their complicity in the invasion, and warned them that they would soon be “cut off from the mountain of Esau by slaughter” (Obad 1:9). He also predicted the final victory and vindication of Israel in the last days: “For the day of the Lord is near upon all the nations. As you have done, it shall be done to you; your deeds shall return on your own head. But in Mount Zion there shall be those who escape, and it shall be holy, and the house of Jacob shall possess their own possessions” (Obad 1:15, 17). The prophet Joel later cited Obadiah when he said, “It shall come to pass that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Joel 2:32), and Peter gladly proclaimed this verse to the Jews in Jerusalem at Pentecost (cf. Acts 2:21). This teaches me that while you sometimes use wicked nations to judge your people, such nations will not escape punishment, for no one can sin and get by (cf. Hab 1–2). It also shows me that even in the midst of judgment, there is hope for redemption. You offer salvation to the world through your Son, and all who turn to Him in repentance will have everlasting life! Reflection The story of Naaman teaches me that you are not impressed by my willingness to do great things in your name. Instead, what you find impressive is my faithful obedience in the small things and my willingness to follow you even when you lead me in directions that don’t make sense (cf. Luke 16:10). Request Father, when your will doesn’t turn out the way I think it should, give me the grace to bow before your throne and obey the gentle voice of your Holy Spirit. Your will be done! Thanksgiving Paul said: “In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thess 5:18 NASB). I thank you today for all things, knowing that you are working to conform me to the image of Christ! In Jesus’ name, Amen. Suggested Hymn: “All the Way” — Frances J. Crosby. Meditation Verse: 2 Kings 5:13. |