Obadiah 15-21

Big Idea:

Intro:

Hi Church Online Family. Merry Christmas! Thank you for be part of our Christmas Online Service.

If you The River Church Online your home church, then you know we’re in a short Christmas series from the book of Obadiah titled, “Is this… Christmas.” However, if you are new to The River Church, then first, let me say, “Welcome!” But let me also give a quick recap of our series, so you can feel included in what we’re discussing!

The book of Obadiah is in what we call the Old Testament (the first part of the Bible) and one of the shortest books of the Bible. Obadiah is somewhat unknown prophet of Israel. And God gave him a harsh message of judgment to speak to Edom - Israel’s neighbors and also relatives (the father of nation of Edom was Esau, who was the twin brother of Jacob - the father of the nation of Israel).

The message was given following the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC by the Babylonians. And at this time, Edom did nothing to help their neighboring family. In fact, that actually helped in the destruction. And so God had a warned that their future was not hopeful!

Again, if you’re new to TRC, you might be thinking, “so far… this doesn’t sound like it has anything to do with Christmas. It actually sounds pretty dark.” You’re right. This is not your standard Christmas content. It’s a little DIFFERENT. And that’s by intention! I believe by causing you to ask the question, “Is this… Christmas?” you’ll actually walk away with a better understanding of the true meaning of Christmas as we answer that question and study Obadiah’s ancient message - at least that’s my hope!

Just a couple more things before we dive into the sermon. Up to this point in the series, we’ve highlighted a few main points:

Edom was a very prideful nation. And that got them in trouble. It’s one of the reasons God will judge them, because God hates pride. Because the reality is, a prideful heart shakes its fist at God and say, “I don’t care about You or any of Your plans.”

Edom was guilty of plenty more sins - like betrayal, theft, and murder.

Because of this, one primary message of Obadiah’s God-given message to Edom was: Judgment is coming! And you deserve it!

And as you hear this, again, don’t feel odd if you’re thinking, “This does not sound like a promising Christmas message!” That’s by intention… it’ll get better. It’s sorta like the saying, “For good news to truly be good, it helps to understand the bad news.” And unfortunately, I’m not thru with the bad news - but stick with me! I promised GOOD NEWS IS COMING!

But the bad news is Obadiah’s message wasn’t just for Edom. It also has an application to us today. Because we too...

Have a pride problem - we shake our fist at God!

We too have a sin problem - we rebel against God and hurt other people.

And we too deserve judgment. God’s word (the Bible) says...

Romans 3:23 ESV

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

And it also says...

Romans 6:23 ESV

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Furthermore...

Hebrews 9:27 ESV

And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment,

Like Edom, there’s judgment coming. As I said last Sunday, “Merry Christmas you filthy animal!”

But with the stage set and everyone caught up… let’s start moving towards the good news, because that’s what happens at this point in Obadiah’s message.

Exegesis:

Response:

When did the King come. Emmanuel - the God/King with us. Christmas is the ultimate fulfillment of this hopeful promise at the end of Obadiah.