Obadiah is the least popular book in the bible.
That’s probably because its in the Old Testament, it’s small, it’s
written in a situation we are unfamiliar with and it’s message seems a
bit harsh. All the prophets tell us something of the gospel and Obadiah
is no different.
Obadiah
is God’s message against the nation of Edom. They, along with many
others nations (including God’s people, the Israelites) have rebelled
against God and, as a result, are facing God’s judgement. It’s a hard
message, but it’s one that sheds light on the good news about who God is
and what he has done.Part 1 - The Untouchables
Part 2 - The Joy of (other people's) pain
Part 3 - Justice
Part 4 - On your own head
Part 5 - The Cup
Part 6 - Safe in the Fire
Shame and Separation
Because of the violence done to your brother Jacob, shame shall cover you, and you shall be cut off forever.
(Obadiah 10 ESV)
As a result of their sin - their lack of love for God and others - the Edomites will experience shame and be cut off forever. This shame and separation is something that we all recognise. We feel shame naturally, and put a lot of effort into suppressing it. We experience our separation from God and this will only increase into eternity unless there’s some intervention. I won’t just be experiencing shame but be covered in it, there won't just be a gap between me and God but I will be cut off forever. I can’t shake off that shame. I can’t bridge that separation. The glorious news of the gospel is that through Jesus life, death and resurrection, I am free from shame and separation
the one who never sinned became separated so that we can be brought near:
15] For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. [16] Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
(Hebrews 4:15-16 ESV)
looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
(Hebrews 12:2 ESV)