Thursday, March 27, 2014

Sunday, March 30: Obadiah the Prophet

Obadiah 1 - 21

Thank you for continuing this journey of The Gospel Project® for Kids. Sunday’s Bible account looks at the prophet Obadiah’s message to the people of Edom. Do you remember the account of Jacob and Esau? The twins struggled in the womb, and their mother Rebekah asked why. Read Genesis 25:23 to find out God’s reply.

The nation of Israel descended from Jacob, and the nation of Edom descended from Esau. God reaffirmed His promises to Jacob (Gen. 28:15), but Esau was a godless man who despised God’s promises. (Heb. 12:16) For centuries, the two groups were at odds. When Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt, the king of Edom refused to let the Israelites pass through his country to get to the promised land. (Num. 20:14-21) Edom fought against God’s people on several occasions. (See 2 Chron. 20:2; 28:17; 2 Kings 8:20-22)

The Book of Obadiah is God’s message about Edom in response to their sin. When the Babylonians invaded Jerusalem, the people of Edom didn’t help. Like an envious brother, Edom was glad to see Judah overcome. In fact, Edom was a guilty participant in the action against Judah. Read verse 11 in Obadiah.

God said the people of Edom would get what they deserved. “As you have done, so it will be done to you; what you deserve will return on your own head” (Obad. 15). God used Obadiah to give a message to His people. Even though they were mistreated by the people of Edom, God was still in control. God showed His people that He is ruler of all the earth, and in the end, Jesus will set up His kingdom and make all things right.

No comments: