"...from there I will bring you down, declares the Lord." - Obadiah v.4
Edom falsely assumed they were beyond the reach of attack. Strategically located in the mountains, these descendants of Esau believed that their fortification, built firmly into the side of the rock, would somehow keep them secure. Yet, the word given through the Lord's prophet was anything but an affirmation of their strong position: "From there God will bring you down."
We would do well to learn from the Edomites, for this is an example of pride's deception. They were guilty of looking at their surroundings for hope. They considered their circumstances, evaluated their situation, and wrongly landed on the conclusion that they were invulnerable. Just as Esau's elder status failed to assure him access to his father's inheritance and blessing, Edom's lofty dwelling could not guarantee its safety. Instead, these people became an illustration of God's judgment against wickedness.
If we're not careful, we will buy the lie as well. We will begin to think we are something; we'll take inventory of our good reputation, our moral uprightness, and all of our achievements. However, in doing so we'll forget the source of our blessing and begin to pat ourselves on the back. Woe to us for naively believing we've become invincible. Woe to us for misplacing our value and destiny in things that can so easily be taken away. Circumstances, situations, surroundings, status, positions, reputation, health, wealth, friendships, and the like, can all be changed, completely revoked, gone in an instant. But pride won't let us see this as true.
Last Monday we discussed pride's sneaky, deceitful nature. Today we see how it tangibly sets it trap. When we find our purpose, worth, security, and fulfillment outside of Christ, we enter the dangerous hunting ground of the enemy. Here, our adversary feasts upon the puffed up. With our noses to the sky, we cannot see the trip line laid to prompt our fall. Having hearts content with worldly comforts, like Haman, we build the gallows for our own demise.
So then, if we are hopeful in this hour, why? Our initial response may reveal a great deal about the condition of our soul. Sure, we know the churchy, Sunday school answer; we know that "Jesus" is the only right thing to say. But if we're quickly ready to reply with other supporting arguments, we may want to meditate upon what our additional responses reflect. Do we feel safe in this life because of a surplus of personal savings or investments? Have our good deeds seemingly solidified our sanctification? Is the commendation of man more important than hearing, "Well done, my good and faithful servant"?
Friend, our confidence must come from the crucified and risen Savior. Our hope must be in Christ alone, or it is no hope at all. Our church attendance has its value and our saintly service is to be applauded. Discipleship is honorable, for it comes at a steep cost; accordingly, our pursuit of holiness is a worthwhile endeavor that should be esteemed. Nevertheless, we must never forget that the gospel is the motivating factor that drives our desire for each. Yes, it is His grace that fuels all we do! We love because we were first loved by Him; we seek to be a blessing to others because we've been so richly blessed; and we obey the commands of Scripture because the Spirit of God has revealed to us that real life and joy are only found through intimacy with Him.
Finally, let us consider this. If hope cannot be found in our spiritual storehouses, then how great is the insufficiency of our bank accounts and 401k's? We may feel so very high - so safe - so free, but if our certainty is misplaced in another, the Lord will bring us low. The great apostle made his one and only boast in Christ (Galatians 6:14, 1 Corinthians 2:2). We would be wise to follow his lead, lest Obadiah's prophecy concerning Edom, becomes our own.
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| Matt Fowler Associate Pastor of Missions & Students matt@nbchurch.info @fattmowler |
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