Day 184 – Obadiah: Introduction
“The day is near when I, the Lord, will judge all godless nations! As you have done to Israel, so it will be done to you. All your evil deeds will fall back on your own heads.” Obadiah 1:15 NLT
Wrinkled face, tiny hands, tiny nose and mouth – she’s a beautiful newborn. After months of secluded formation, she burst forth into the world and her family. Relatives and friends gaze into the perfect little face and see resemblances to mom and dad. The parents rejoice in their daughter, a miracle, a new member of the family. As loving parents, they will feed, protect, nurture, guide, and discipline her. This is their duty and joy.
God, too, has children – men and women whom He created and chose as His very own. The apple of His eye. Certain individuals had already been marked as His, but with Abraham, He promised to build a nation of chosen people. Israel was to be God’s nation, and its people, His very own sons and daughters. Down through the centuries after this nation was born, God cared for and protected it like a loving father, providing discipline when needed, but always with great love and mercy.
Today, God’s holy nation is His church – all who have trusted Jesus Christ for their salvation and have given their lives to Him. These men and women are God’s born-again and adopted children, resembling His image and love to the world. As you study Obadiah, catch a glimpse of what it means to be God’s child, under His love and protection.
Prayer: Father, what joy it is to know that we are Your children whom You chose, love, and protect and that through Jesus Christ we are grafted into an eternal family. Thank You for using prophets like Obadiah to remind Your people of this eternal truth. Amen.
