Retaliation

Read: Obadiah 15-21

For the day of the LORD is near upon all the nations. As you have done, it shall be done to you; your deeds shall return on your own head. (v. 15)

One of the hardest things our son had to learn in sports was to not retaliate. During heated games when he was fouled, he was tempted to lash out in frustration at the offender. As parents, we worked hard to explain it was the referee’s job, not his, to administer the consequences for the wrong committed in the game.

In Obadiah, the Lord prophesied that there would be a time coming, the day of the Lord, when God would right all the wrongs committed in all the nations. The Israelite nation of Judah had been cruelly mistreated by its brother and neighboring nation, Edom. Edom had taken advantage of Judah while it was vulnerable and added to the pain and destruction the Israelites experienced. But rather than take matters into their own hands and retaliate, God was reminding them that he is a God of justice and there would be consequences given for misdeeds. God declares that on this day of judgment his children will be delivered, his mercy and grace will be in abundance, and all his promises will be fulfilled.

Are you tempted to take matters into your own hands? You can trust God to right the wrongs committed against you. Be thankful for his mercy given freely to you through the blood of Jesus Christ and be encouraged that one day his kingdom will triumph! —Kelly Slaybaugh

As you pray, thank God for his justice and his mercy.