Reading the little book of Obadiah in the light of current world events can be a useful exercise. It shows us a glimpse of God's character and heart in the face of atrocities committed against his children.
God's people had been betrayed, attacked, robbed and cut-down in ways too gruesome to contemplate. And, in the face of such awfulness, Obadiah reminds us of three important things: God has seen, God is angry and God will act to bring justice and judgement on those who have acted so badly.
The message - seen through the lens of the cross of Christ - brings a wider context, a sense of hope and a clearer perspective to modern times.
If you're anything like me you nod along with the heinous list of accusations raised. It's easy to point the finger at:
All crimes that we condemn alongside the Lord - there really is no excuse ... The loss, the pain are simply awful.
But lurking quietly amid the list of sins is one that can be easy to miss. "You stood aloof" declares the Lord (v11). You just stood back and let it happen. You didn't lift a finger to help the people who needed you most.
That's the phrase where I stop nodding. That's the moment when my pointing finger begins to waiver. Because I stand aloof too. Not always but often...
I am comfortable beyond measure - my cupboard is full but my giving woeful. The roof over my head holds firm but I find it easy to forget the needs of those who have no shelter. I browse online courses at the click of a mouse and spare little thought for those 12 year old girls who have had to drop out of school to flee to safety and help provide for their younger siblings.
I doubt I'm alone. I rarely find I'm the only one who struggles. It's a common human condition to get so overwhelmed by the things that are going on close to us that we forget the tragedies far away.
So why not take a moment right now to pray for yourself, your family, your small group, your church - just one simple prayer:
Lord, please don't let us stand aloof ...
Then maybe act on that prayer straight away. A click to give. A moment to pray. The difference it could make is huge ...
