Tempted By Satan

 The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. And he was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to him. Mark 1:12-13 

     
     Seemingly without a moment to dry himself after his baptism, the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. The language is startling not just for its brevity but because it seems to suggest that Jesus was forced to do something against his will. Matthew and Luke tell us that our Lord “was led” into the wilderness while Mark bluntly states that he was driven. The point is not that our Lord was forced against his will to make this sojourn, but that it was urgent he make it. Upon returning from the wilderness he would begin his ministry in earnest but before that time it was essential that he square off against Satan in what had to be the most intense period of temptation ever leveled against anyone. While Mark simply states that Jesus was being tempted by Satan, Matthew and Luke make it clear that Satan joined Jesus in the wilderness to personally oversee the assault (Matthew 4:1-13; Luke 4:1-13).

     Hear Hebrews 2:14-18. Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

     Some ask if it was really possible for Jesus to have sinned? Well, if he was truly made like his brothers in every respect, than yes. Some believe that Jesus must have had something to combat temptation that you and I don’t have today. There is no question that he possessed things we do not. His knowledge, power, wisdom, and Divinity are just a few examples. Yet if I understand the Scriptures correctly than these temptations were a test of our Lord’s humanity, not his deity. The temptation to turn the stone to bread and our Lord’s response to it (Matthew 4:3-4) really doesn’t mean much if Jesus were not truly experiencing the same sort of hunger you and I would experience after fasting for forty days (see Matthew 4:2). I have no idea how deity and humanity existed within Jesus and urge you to be leery of any man who claims to understand it. However, I don’t have to understand it to believe it and I believe it with all my heart.

     Think about how you feel when temptation strikes. Think about the battle you fight as you call appropriate passages to mind and draw upon certain principles to help you overcome. Jesus knows all about that because he did it himself. In fact, he did it perfectly and for that reason he became our merciful and faithful high priest to make propitiation for our sins. I can take comfort in my temptations knowing that my brethren around the world experience the same things (1 Peter 5:9). I find even more comfort knowing that my Lord and Savior experienced them as well (Hebrews 4:15-16).

     But of all the lessons we can learn from this let us make sure we learn this one: we don’t have to sin! Temptation can be overcome! Jesus did it by knowing God’s Word, loving it, and committing himself to obeying the will of his Father. In so doing he left behind the template for overcoming every temptation Satan can throw our way. Jesus took Satan’s very best shots over and over again. After the temptations in the wilderness Satan left Jesus to lick his wounds but he was not going to stay away forever. Luke informs us that when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune time. (Luke 4:13) How many opportune times came over the course of our Lord’s ministry we can only guess at. But this one thing we know for certain: Jesus never sinned. Not once. Satan’s greatest failure came at the hands of the one he unloaded everything he had against. He could not make Jesus sin. He cannot make us sin, either! Praise be to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for showing us how to overcome Satan! Let us take his example and use it against the adversary for he will certainly use everything he has against us.  

You Are My Beloved Son; With You I Am Well Pleased

Mark 1:9-11

     I have long been fascinated by the baptism of Jesus. Everything about it is striking from John humbly seeking to cast Jesus in the role of baptizer (Matthew 3:14), to our Lord’s response to John’s statement (Matthew 3:15), to the heavens being torn open, to the descending of the Spirit, to the voice of the Father speaking to His Son. There are many scenes described in the gospels that modern Christians would love to have been present to witness. This scene stands near the top of my list.

     Mark, in his typical fashion, shows us the scene in just a few words before quickly moving to the events immediately following our Lord’s baptism. However, the little Mark does say about the baptism itself is noteworthy.

     Bible students know that our Lord’s baptism (more specifically, the Spirit descending and resting upon him) was God’s sign to John that the Messiah had come and was standing before him (John 1:29-34). Matthew shows us that God spoke about Jesus at that time (Matthew 3:17), at least for the sake of John and perhaps any bystanders still present. However, both Mark and Luke (3:22) show us that the Father was primarily addressing Jesus Himself. The entire divine family was present in a very special way at this time. The Son was being baptized, the Spirit came and remained with Him, and the Father audibly expressed His love and pleasure in His Son. What an extraordinary family gathering!

     Yet as amazing as it was, I suppose it shouldn’t come as a surprise when we consider the circumstances. The fullness of time had finally come. He who had been prophesied about near the very beginning (Genesis 3:15) and countless times throughout the centuries that followed had finally come into the world. John’s preparatory work was all but complete and the time had come for the Messiah himself to take up his ministry. Centuries worth of prophecy were coming to fruition. Thus, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit were all present in a very special way at the event that, after a period of intense temptation in the wilderness, marked the beginning of Jesus’ ministry.

     The Father said that He was well pleased with his Son. Why wouldn’t He have been? The boy Jesus had increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man. (Luke 2:52). If he was about 30 at his baptism (as most believe), then he had reached that point without transgressing the law of God even a single time. The question that came from the lips of the boy Jesus, Did you not know that I must be about my Father’s business (Luke 3:49b), was the theme of his entire life (John 8:29). Living a life absolutely free from sin, devoted entirely to fulfilling the Father’s purposes without a single slip, is staggering. It’s something every saint has failed to accomplish. In fact, were every sin we have ever committed written down in detail and set before our eyes I have no doubt the length of the list would shock and shame us. Were Jesus to have such a list it would contain not a single mark. Let that sink in for just a moment. We who have succumbed to sin more times than we can count owe a debt that we cannot begin to repay. Praise be to our sinless Savior who willingly paid it in our stead! While this thought could obviously be pursued further, it is an article for another time.

     I often wonder about everything the Lord’s baptism meant to Him personally. Without revelation on the matter such questions cannot be answered and it is probably best not to try. Yet for us, I believe we see another example of Jesus sharing the circumstances of man. While he did not need to be baptized to have sins remitted, he came to earth so that sins could be remitted. As sins are washed clean in the waters of baptism, it is significant that he who made such cleansing possible preceded us in receiving it. Besides recognizing its significance, let us tread with caution lest we enter the realm of speculation and begin speaking where God has not.

     The baptism of Jesus and the events surrounding it are simply extraordinary. From that point on our Lord worked in earnest preaching, teaching, and preparing. But for now, think about that day so long ago when the divine family gathered at the baptism of sinless Jesus. His was a life that pleased the Father in every way. Let us strive to emulate our Savior in this and all things. 

John Appeared (Mark 1:2-8)

     John did not simply appear out of the blue. He had been the subject of prophecy centuries before his birth (verses 2 and 3). However, to the multitudes it must have seemed as though he came out of nowhere to begin an exciting spiritual revolution. So popular was he that all the county of Judea and Jerusalem was going out to him and were being baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. (verse 5).

From whence came his incredible popularity? God did not see fit to answer this question in a single verse. However, it is possible to piece together what we are told about John to help us understand what made him so magnetic and unique. A true man of God always stands out and above all else John was a man of God. Without exception John is set forth as one whose entire life was consumed with performing his duty to God and the Messiah. Every recorded word from his mouth was spiritual in nature. That sort of man is going to be conspicuous no matter where or when he is found.

     John’s appearance was remarkable. Now John was clothed with camel’s hair and wore a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey. A weakling (physically or mentally) does not live out in the wilderness. The man who does will become as rugged as the environment in which he dwells. Our Lord himself emphasized this aspect of John in Luke 7:24-25. Where the people were used to the Pharisees and scribes of their day living comfortably within their cities, John seemed to burst forth from the wilderness like a whirlwind, strong of body and mind, disdaining the comforts to be had within a city like Jerusalem. This, too, would have made John unique.

     John’s commitment to his message was unmatched among those born of human parents. John came proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins (Luke 3:2). He clearly understood that all men are sinners and need to repent. With John a man’s rank and wealth meant absolutely nothing. Whether it was Herod the tetrarch or a humble shepherd John knew they needed repentance and so his message to both was the same (Luke 3:7-20). Where the Pharisees tended to exclude themselves from the company of sinners in need of repentance, John did not hesitate to lump them in with everyone else. That was startling and did not go unnoticed.

     Taking these things together, along with God knowing precisely when any given “fullness of time” had come; it is not difficult to see why John became so popular and why his fame spread so rapidly in that tiny section of the world. But there is something else about John that needs to be noted. After me comes he who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit. (Mark 1:7-8). John never forgot that he was a messenger and the one he heralded was superior to him in every way. There’s a mighty lesson there for you and I today.

No matter how much Bible knowledge we accumulate, how skilled we become in disseminating it, and how many are led to the Lord through the efforts we put forth, we are unworthy servants, we have only done what was our duty. (Luke 17:10). Should any one of us become the single greatest Bible scholar to walk the earth in the last 1000 years we will still be absolutely indebted to Jesus Christ, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie.

     Let us learn from John’s extraordinary concern for spiritual matters and unwavering commitment to fulfilling his duty. Even more, let us learn from his understanding that Jesus Christ is and always will be infinitely superior to us. 

The Beginning

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

Mark 1:1

     The above statement comprises the entirety of Mark’s introductory comments concerning the gospel of Jesus Christ. In this way Mark is very different from the three other gospel writers. Matthew and Luke take the time to consider the events leading up to our Lord’s public ministry by focusing upon his family and genealogy. John’s famous introduction to his gospel considers the great theological foundations upon which it rests. In typical fashion, Mark forgoes any such preamble to jump directly into the mix. We should expect no less from the man who wrote the gospel of “action”, rapidly leading us from one event to the next throughout the life of Jesus Christ.

     Even so, Mark’s stunningly brief introduction is full of meaning. The gospel is of Jesus Christ. It is all about him; what he taught and what he did. Romans 1:16 tells us this about the gospel: For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. The gospel is God’s power for salvation and Jesus Christ stands directly at the heart of the gospel.

     These days a distinction is often drawn between “gospel” and “doctrine”. We are told the gospel contains just the facts about Jesus and has only to be believed (mental assent) to secure one’s salvation. Doctrine, we are told, is that which is obeyed. It is much less important for salvation does not hinge upon obeying doctrine, but believing the gospel. God Himself draws no such distinction as evidenced from Romans 10:16 and similar passages. But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, Lord who has believed our report? One may rightly ask how facts (which we are told is what the gospel is) are to be obeyed. Paul shows us that obedience and belief are part and parcel of saving faith. In the same verse he shows us that there is more to the gospel than simple facts. Thus, uninspired men largely manufacture the distinction between gospel and doctrine.

     Having said all of this, I want to mention a statement made by a young Christian woman from several years ago that emphasizes a problem that is likely a bit more common than we may think. She had become a Christian and went through a “new Christian” class at the congregation she attended. In the two years required to complete that class she listened to numerous sermons from the local preachers as well as visiting preachers during meetings. At the conclusion of those two years she said the following (this is paraphrased): “I feel like I know all about the church, its organization, and the pattern for worship. I feel like I can talk about instrumental music, institutionalism, church discipline, the head covering, MDR, and many other issues. Now I’d really like to learn more about Jesus Christ.”

     The young woman’s statement caused a tremendous amount of soul searching from the preachers and elders of that congregation and rightly so. While all of the topics that young sister mentioned connect to Jesus Christ, she was simply not hearing much about him. The church that becomes issue driven rather than Christ driven has missed the point entirely. Do not misunderstand, the church that is centered on Christ will seek the truth on any issue that comes before it and will prepare itself for potential errors and battles that could eventually manifest themselves. However, the thing they cling to is the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. It is his gospel, it is about him, and it is because of him. Jesus Christ must stand at the very center of all of our preaching and teaching.

     As we begin to consider Mark’s amazing gospel, let’s ensure that we keep Jesus where Mark keeps him and where he always belongs—right in the center of everything.

Restoring The Church

     The call for the restoration of the church has been sounding in certain portions of this country for well over 200 years. The word “restore” means “to bring back; reinstate.” To call for the restoration of the Lord’s church is to suggest that there is something lacking that needs to be brought back, that something has been left behind and needs to be reinstated. Ultimately any restoration that takes place will do so congregationally as the Lord’s church has no earthly head to oversee the entirety of the brotherhood. It will happen as congregations (in particular, the saints who comprise them) examine themselves and restore or reinstate those things that are lacking.

     In this post I want to consider a question: if the call to restore the church is still valid today (and I believe it most certainly is), then to what are we to restore the church to? I believe that this is an important question based upon the comments made by brethren from time to time. To what should the church be restored?

The church of the 1950’s and 60’s? I occasionally hear brethren, particularly older brethren who lived during those times, speaking of the church in those days wistfully. One brother spoke of those years as the golden age of debaters among the brotherhood. I own several debate books from those years and can see exactly what he means. So many men were set for the defense of the gospel and were able to defend it ably. There is much to commend in that as it follows the instruction of Jude 3.

     An older preacher of my acquaintance speaks of those days with great sadness. He refers to them as the decades of division, lamenting the fact that so many of the fights of those years were between brethren. He recalls the number of congregations that divided over disagreements concerning the use of the treasury and other issues. Tears fill his eyes as he speaks of those days.

     Those who were active during the 50’s and 60’s speak of the good that was done then. They also speak of much that was not good. Regardless, the church was not established in the 1950’s or 60’s in America. While there are lessons to be learned from those years, good and bad, why should we seek to restore the church to a period many centuries after its inception and partly remembered for division?

The church of the “restoration era” from the late 1700’s through the early 1900’s? One of my hobbies is studying this particular era. I firmly believe today’s church owes a debt of thanks to men like Thomas and Alexander Campbell, Walter Scott, Barton W. Stone, “Raccoon” John Smith, Jacob Creath, Moses Lard, Benjamin Franklin, David Lipscomb and many others. The courage these men demonstrated, particularly the first five mentioned, in casting aside denominational presuppositions to objectively examine Scripture is commendable. To take it a step further and break with the denominations to try and be the church they read about in Scripture is inspiring. I suggest you read about this period yourself and be strengthened and encouraged by their example.

     However, many of these men continued to cling to various denominational constructs. Some of them fought doggedly to incorporate “innovations” into the worship service and to add institutions unknown to Holy Scripture. The vitriol they occasionally spewed against their opponents, who were often their own brethren, is simply shocking.

     There was much good accomplished in those years and many fine examples to follow. There was also a great deal of error and anger to avoid. Besides that, the church was established long before the days of the men mentioned above. There must be no call to restore the church to a period several centuries after its birth.

The church of the first century? This is the correct answer, right? After all, many times when people speak of restoring the church they include “to the church of the first century” at the end of the statement. The church was established in the first century so the early church was certainly in the correct timeframe. But let me ask this question: were any of the congregations to whom Paul wrote (Corinth, Galatia, Ephesus, etc.) perfect? The church at Rome had a problem with hypocritical judgment (Romans 2:1-5, 17-24). The church at Corinth struggled with a myriad of problems (1 and 2 Corinthians). The church at Galatia was on the verge of open apostasy (Galatians 1:6-9; 3:1-3). The church at Ephesus seems to have struggled with relations between Jew and Gentile Christians as well as godly conduct (Ephesians 2:11-22; 4:1, 17-32). Eventually Jesus accused them of abandoning their first love (Revelation 2:4-5). The church in Philippi had two prominent members engaged in some sort of conflict with each other (Philippians 4:2). The church at Collosae seems to have struggled with the pagan philosophies of the day (Colossians 2:8). James saw all sorts of problems among first century Christians and hits them very hard in his letter. The Hebrew writer fought to prevent his brethren from going off into apostasy and scolded them for not being as mature as they should have been (Hebrews 5:11-14). If it is reasonable to assume that at least some of the instruction in righteous living found throughout the epistles is there to correct what was lacking then it is easy to see that first century Christians struggled with exactly the same things we struggle with now.

     The point is this: the aim of every saint who makes up every congregation ought to be perfection (complete maturity). The church of the first century fell short of that mark time and again. So much of what we know about the church and the Christian life we’ve learned from the writing of inspired men correcting the mistakes of the first century church. Might I suggest that we can, and should, aim even higher than trying to be like the first century congregations?

The ideal church described in the New Testament. Just here we find what should be at the heart of every call for restoration. Where the churches in the cities mentioned previously fell short we can resolve not to. We can look at the instruction given them and determine to follow it in ways they did not. When they did follow it and were commended for so doing we can learn from their example and do what they did, not because a congregation in the first century did it, but because they were approved for being the ideal church in their doing.

     Brethren, the wonderful thing about the ideal church described in the New Testament is that it is absolutely timeless. Where any one of the earliest congregations was commended for following the pattern we know we please God in doing the same thing in 2014. The teaching and activities of the ideal church never go out of style, nor do they lose their power. They are timeless in ever sense of that word and we only do well when we cling to them today.

A final word on restoring the church. I believe with all my heart that the forms of worship have been completely restored today. I believe our activities in worship are precisely those of the ideal church described in the New Testament. The heart is the thing that will forever require restoration. As long as sin continues in our lives, though rare it may be, it is a constant reminder that there is more work to be done. If the worship assembly occasionally becomes a “going through the motions” activity, we are reminded that restoration needs to occur. Let us guard our heart, brethren (Proverbs 4:23).

     The call to restore will always be valid. Let us ensure that the aim of such restoration is toward that which is timeless.       

The Humbling Of A Wicked Nation—7

     As we conclude our consideration of Obadiah’s prophecy concerning Edom, we come now to the final five verses. They read as follows: “But in Mount Zion there shall be those who escape, and it shall be holy, and the house of Jacob shall possess their own possessions. The house of Jacob shall be a fire, and the house of Joseph a flame, and the house of Esau stubble; they shall burn them and consume them, and there shall be no survivor to the house of Esau, for the Lord has spoken. Those of the Negeb shall possess Mount Esau, and those of the Shephelah shall possess the land of the Philistines; they shall possess the land of Ephraim and the land of Samaria, and Benjamin shall possess Gilead. The exiles of this host of the people of Israel shall possess the land of the Canaanites as far as Zerephath, and the exiles of Jerusalem who are in Sepharad shall possess the cities of the Negeb. Saviors shall go up to Mount Zion to rule Mount Esau, and the kingdom shall be the Lord’s.” (Obadiah 17-21)

     These verses have proven difficult to interpret. This is evidenced by the sheer amount of differing views concerning whether what is discussed is to be understood spiritually, physically, or a combination of both. Proceeding with John’s statement that “the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy” (Revelation 19:10b) at the forefront of my thinking, I believe that verses 17-21 are primarily messianic in nature and it is with that understanding that I continue.

     While Obadiah consistently predicted that Mount Esau would be utterly abased, escape would be found in Mount Zion. This escape was not for Jacob’s physical descendants only, but for all the redeemed of all the nations through Jesus Christ (Luke 1:31-33).

     Judas Maccabeus greatly wounded Edom when he led an attack that killed more than twenty thousand of them. Later, John Hyrcanus subjugated them and forced them to accept Judaism (134-104 BC), though they never did so more than nominally. However, Judah’s conquest against Edom was not the complete fulfillment of Obadiah’s prophecy. It is imperative that we consider the messianic conquest through our Lord (Numbers 24:15-24; Amos 9:11-12). Take a moment to read Acts 15:15-18 to see James specifically declare that the prophecy of Amos finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ.

      My understanding is that the inclusion of the Gentiles into the kingdom of our dear Lord equals the ultimate fulfillment of both the prophecies of Amos and Obadiah. This messianic fulfillment means that if anyone from Esau escaped they would only be able to do so at mount Zion under the rule and reign of the Messiah.

      Obadiah went on to say that the deliverance promised to the exiles was to come through “saviors” (Verse 12). Following the messianic understanding of these verses, such saviors would have come in the form of apostles, evangelists, and teachers who went about spreading the good news of the kingdom and offering salvation to “whosoever will.” 

      The message of Obadiah ends as the Bible itself ends in the book of Revelation: God’s people are triumphant against all opposition through His strength and faithfulness. Finally, all enemies of righteousness will be destroyed and only the godly will remain.

     How wonderfully blessed we are to serve a God whose power and wisdom remain unmatched and unmatchable! How grateful we should be that this awesome God is on our side and will fight for us and with us provided we stay on His side. There is simply no outside force in existence that has the power to snatch us from the hands of God (John 10:29). Let this knowledge move us to greater and continued faithfulness.

       Edom was a terribly ungodly people. They were arrogant, prideful, hateful, and contemptible of both people and God. They were given years to repent and change their ways but never did. The time they were graciously granted by God served only to move them from bad to worse (2 Timothy 3:13). Finally that nation was destroyed because of their terrible sins. Individuals make up a nation. Let us do our part to ensure that as long as we still live there will be faithful saints in this country.          

The Humbling Of A Wicked Nation—6

     Thus far in our examination of the nation of Edom we have seen nothing to commend him. His arrogance, pride, contempt, and hatred are forever exhibited by God as what a people should not be. We have seen that everything he prided himself in would fail when God chose to contend against him. God inspires the prophet Obadiah to let Edom know that the time of his reckoning was terrifyingly near. All of his opportunities to repent and change his ways had been squandered. At last it was time for him to reap what he had sown.

“For the day of the Lord is near upon all the nations. As you have done, it shall be done to you; and your deeds shall return upon your own head. For as you have drunk on my hold mountain, so all the nations shall drink continually; they shall drink and swallow, and shall be as though they had never been” (Obadiah 15-16).

     The “day of the Lord” is often mentioned in the Old Testament Scriptures. It described a day(s) in which Jehovah manifests Himself mightily in the defeat of those who oppose Him. It is a day of terror to His enemies but deliverance to the righteous. However, even those who were once righteous but had decided to turn away from the Lord could find themselves on the wrong end of the day of the Lord (Amos 5:18-20). Through long practice and a set mind Edom had established himself as a nation characterized by continuous evil. In essence his “fullness of time” had come and it was his turn to face a “day of the Lord.”

     The immediate context continues cataloguing Edom’s crimes against his brother nation during their time of turmoil. Edom had treated Jacob horribly and God says that he had drunk on the Lord’s holy mountain. Whether Edom had literally desecrated God’s holy mountain through some drunken celebration gloating over his brother’s humiliation, or whether this is a figurative idea expressing his violent treatment of Jacob throughout the entire ordeal, the point remains the same—it was time for Edom to taste his own medicine.

     Multiple nations would take part in the destruction of Edom. Multiple nations would help themselves to all those sources of pride Edom boasted in. While Edom had drunk on the Lord’s holy mountain, the nations would come and partake of Edom. Edom would not only be drunk by the nations, he would be swallowed and consumed by them. By the time of Jesus Christ Edom had entirely lost his identity and had been absorbed by the nations. God’s judgments are certain.

     There have been so many “days of the Lord” throughout the history of man. There is still one to come in the future that will end them all. The consistent teaching of Scripture is that a great and terrible Day is coming in which all people of all nations of all times will stand before God to give an accounting of the things that they have done in their lives (Romans 14:10-12). The faithful Christian, the backslider, the scoffer, and the unbeliever will all be there on that Day. Denying it is pointless. Edom could not conceive a “day of the Lord” coming upon him, and yet it did. Before all is said and done every man and woman who has ever existed will experience the Day of the Lord.

     Galatians 6:7 says, “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.” We can point to the atheist and the skeptic and easily see how they attempt to mock God. However, let us not imagine that Christians cannot seek to do the same. Does not a Christian seek to outwit God in some way when he lives a life of sin and expects to die the death of the righteous? Is God deceived by mere words? If I spend my days awash in immorality and yet declare my faith in the Lord with a hearty ‘”praise God” on Sunday and Wednesday, have my words somehow screened God from seeing what I do the remainder of the week? Does it cause Him to ignore my behavior? Consider:

     “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.”        (Proverbs 15:3)

     “Many a man proclaims his own steadfast love, but a faithful man who can find?” (Proverbs 20:6)

        “I cannot endure iniquity and solemn assembly.” (Isaiah 1:13a)

     Passages like these could be easily multiplied. Edom sought to mock God through idolatry, pride, and hatred of his brother nation. We can seek to mock God through our behavior by claiming to be one thing and yet proving ourselves something else through our actions. The problem is that God is simply not mocked. Let’s not try!       

The Humbling Of A Wicked Nation—5

     Thus far in our consideration of Edom we have seen that one of his greatest sins was his overwhelming sense of pride in his location, his possessions, his wisdom, and his might. So proud was he of these things that he held other nations in contempt and lived in open rebellion against God. However, the prophet Obadiah indicates that Edom was guilty of two great sins, not just one. While his first terrible sin was pride, the second was his intense hatred of his brother nation. Consider God’s words to Edom from Obadiah 10-14.

     “Because of the violence done to your brother Jacob, shame shall cover you, and you shall be cut off forever. On the day that you stood aloof, on the day that strangers carried of his wealth and foreigners entered his gates and cast lots for Jerusalem, you were like one of them. But do not gloat over the day of your brother in the day of his misfortune; do not rejoice over the people of Judah in the day of their ruin; do not boast in the day of distress. Do not enter the gate of my people in the day of their calamity; do not gloat over his disaster in the day of his calamity; do not loot his wealth in the day of calamity. Do not stand at the crossroads to cut off his fugitives; do not hand over his survivors in the day of distress.”

     It would not have been possible for Edom to prevent the defeat of his brother nation (either by Babylon or the multiple nations of 2 Chronicles 21:8-18 depending on how one dates Obadiah’s prophecy) because it was designed to be a chastening from God. However, Edom could have been there to help pick up the pieces and show some sympathy for his brother after the disaster. Instead he chose to gleefully leap into the fray with both feet and become just like the nations routing his brother.

     God offered several prohibitions to Edom. He repeatedly told him not to gloat over the suffering of Judah. While Jerusalem suffered, Edom pointed and laughed at his devastation. God told Edom not to rejoice over Jacob’s misfortune. While the calamity engulfed his brother, Edom saw the event as a reason for rejoicing. God told Edom not to enter the gates of Jerusalem. Of course, Edom did not intend to enter as a brother but as a raider, looting whatever wealth he could find. God told Edom not to stand at the crossroads. It was bad enough that Edom was looting Jacob, but he compounded his sin by making sure his brother could not escape. Finally God told Edom not to deliver his brother over to the enemy as he rounded up whatever survivors managed to escape. Because Edom chose to do all of these things, his humiliation would be perpetual and permanent (Malachi 1:4).

     You and I must consider the lessons of Edom’s hatred in relation to how we should treat one another as brethren. David makes a very important statement in Psalm 133:1. “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!” When brethren unite upon their love for God, His will, and one another it is a marvelous and God pleasing thing. The love of brethren sharing the same precious faith and cherishing the same wonderful hope is a gift from God to His people. It is one of His greatest blessings to us and must be numbered close to the top every time we pause to count our blessings. It is something that must fill our hearts with a gratitude that manifests itself in regular expressions of praise and thankful prayer to God. At the same time it is something that must be worked at and improved upon with the passing of time. 

     An important point for us to remember comes from the pen of John, where he said,  “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love” (1 John 4:7-8). Our love for one another serves as proof that we love God (John 17:20-21).

      It is difficult for us to imagine doing violence to our brethren because we tend to think of violence as physically attacking them. However, let us not forget the violence of inactivity. I can wish you warmth and a hearty meal if you lack those things but if I do not offer them to you when I possess the means to do so I have wounded you and failed in love (James 2:15-16). Never forget that the great sin of our Lord’s judgment scene from Matthew 25:41-46 was not a failure in doctrine or false teaching, it was violence done to the brethren through unloving inactivity.

       Edom hated his brother and proved it through his actions. Let us love one another and prove it in every way.                              

The Humbling Of A Wicked Nation—4

      Obadiah has had much to say about the spiritual shortcomings of the ungodly nation of Edom. Jacob’s brother nation was so filled with pride that it consumed his every thought and action. His pride was the seed at the heart of each sin Edom was guilty of committing. Ultimately it caused him to disregard God altogether. In this article we will examine two more sources of his pride. 

     “Will I not on that day, declares the Lord, destroy the wise men of out of Edom, and understanding out of Mount Esau? And your mighty men shall be dismayed, O Teman, so that every man from Mount Esau will be cut off by slaughter” (Obadiah 8-9).

     As one considers the testimony of Scripture, it is clear that Edom had gained the reputation for great wisdom and understanding. In Jeremiah 49:7 we read, “Concerning Edom. Thus says the Lord of hosts: Is wisdom no more in Teman? Has council perished from the prudent? Has their wisdom vanished?” Many suggest that Teman may have been the capital city of Edom. If it was not the capital it was at least a very influential and reputable city. Both Obadiah and Jeremiah specifically connect wisdom and might with Teman, indicating that it was a city noted for prudence, council, and military might. You may recall that Eliphaz, one of Job’s “comforters”, was a Temanite (Job 2:11).

     Keep in the mind that Obadiah shows us God removing every source of Edom’s pride. Clearly he gloried in his own wisdom, confident that nothing could possibly arise that he could not overcome through his own council and planning. Scripture informs us that there are only two types of wisdom. There is heavenly wisdom (wisdom from above), and there is demonic wisdom (wisdom from below). Considering the vileness of Edom, it is clear which brand of wisdom he possessed (James 3:13-18). 

     As we’ve hinted at already, Edom had gained quite a fearsome reputation in battle. Obadiah connects “mighty men” to Teman just as Jeremiah had connected wisdom. There is no question that Edom presented a very formidable, intimidating adversary to anyone brave enough to take him on. Remember that something as fundamental as simply reaching him was very difficult because of his mountain stronghold (Obadiah 2-4). Should an adversary manage to reach his cities they would need to contend with Edom’s allies coming to aid him. If his allies were not enough Edom could easily dip into his wealth to hire mercenaries to fight on his side (Obadiah 5-7). Add to all of this his own wisdom and warriors (Obadiah 8-9). Edom was truly a nation to reckon with.  

     Unfortunately for him, Jehovah was doing the reckoning! His foolish trust in himself caused Edom to forget that the mightiest of men stand helpless before the Lord God Almighty (2 Kings 6:15-18). Edom could gather all of his military men and wise councilors against God and not even begin to frustrate His purposes or overcome His strength (Psalm 68:1-3). Truly it was his trust in his own might and wisdom that helped doom him to an eventual final destruction.

      It is imperative that we understand that everything about man, every source of his pride, is incredibly tenuous at best. We sometimes boast in things like our wealth, our health, our possessions, our strength, and our wisdom. Edom possessed each of these in spades. However, there came a time when God simply had enough of his proud arrogance and acted against him. What good did Edom’s wealth, health, possessions, strength, or wisdom do him then? If there is one lesson we must take from Edom it is that placing our complete trust in anything but God is the height of foolishness. Wealth, possessions, health, strength, and the mind all eventually fail. God does not.

     A favorite passage of mine is Isaiah 49:14-15. “But Zion says, ‘The Lord has forsaken me; my Lord has forgotten me.’ Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you.” The bond between a mother and her brand new nursing infant is so strong! Having witnessed it for myself three times now I cannot but marvel at the beauty and devotion of a mothers love for her baby. God’s love for His people far excels even that. Let us never forget the Father up above looking down in tender love. Let us make Him our boast and nothing else.        

The Humbling Of A Wicked Nation—3

     As we begin this third post considering the humbling of Edom, please remember that pride was at the heart of so many of his problems. Pride made him arrogantly self sufficient, boastful of his possessions, and contemptuous of God. Jehovah noted his increasing pride and his unwillingness to repent of it. His judgments against Edom are found spread throughout the writings of many prophets. Obadiah dedicates his entire prophecy to the eventual humbling of that sinful nation. As we consider Obadiah’s prophecy, we continue to note how the pride of Edom would lead to his destruction.

     “If thieves came to you, if plunderers came by night—how you have been destroyed!—would they not steal only enough for themselves? If grape gatherers came to you, would they not leave gleanings? How Esau has been pillaged, his treasures sought out! All your allies have driven you to your border; those at peace with you have deceived you; they have prevailed against you; those who eat your bread have set a trap beneath you—you have no understanding.” (Obadiah 5-7)

     Scripture indicates who some of Edom’s allies would have likely been. Moab and Ammon were his neighbors so it would have behooved him to make treaties with them. In Amos 1:6, 9 we see that Edom was involved in the slave trade with Gaza and Tyre. Doing such business would require certain understandings and agreements that likely came in the form of treaties and alliances. Doubtless some of the Arabian tribes living near Edom would have seen the benefit in an alliance with such a powerful neighbor. As we will see in a later article, Edom’s hatred of his brother nation seems limitless. He truly appears to have adopted “the enemy of my enemy is my friend” mentality toward Jacob as evidenced by Asaph’s cry to God in Psalm 83:1-8. If a nation wanted to damage Jacob in some way, they could count on Edom supporting their decision and perhaps even lending his own warriors to the endeavor.

     Edom’s lofty dwelling in the mountains had him gazing imperiously and contemptuously at the nations dwelling below. Even without any support from any outside source he felt secure and utterly untouchable (Obadiah 3-4). However, he did have outside support. Edom had made alliances. So confident was Edom in his alliances that Obadiah’s prophecy indicates utter shock on his part when his allies turn on him, pillage him, and force him from his mountain strongholds. Dismayed, he would watch as his “friends” so thoroughly searched out his treasures that not a single valuable remained. The godless nations Edom placed so much hope and trust in would deceive him, attack him, and plunder him. 

     As I consider this step in Edom’s humiliation, I see some practical lessons for today. First, ungodly people behave in an ungodly manner. This truly is a “dog eat dog” world. More often than not the ungodly are faithful to their promises only up to the point where they see that remaining faithful benefits them in some material, physical, or social way. This is true of nations, businesses, and individuals. Edom’s allies knew of his wealth for Edom’s arrogance likely moved him to flaunt it often. Clearly those allies were biding their time, waiting for the perfect opportunity to break whatever agreements were in place and utterly ruin their “friend.” Nothing has changed over the years. Ungodly nations/people will behave in an ungodly manner. It is never a question of if, but only of when (Isaiah 30:1-5; 2 Corinthians 6:14-18).

     So what does this mean for us? It means that before we ever seek an alliance with any nation, business, people, or person we need to ensure that we have made an alliance with God. If Edom had been a God fearing nation, if he had humbled himself before Jehovah and praised him as the source of blessings and goodness, then there is no reason to imagine that he would have been destroyed the way he was. Edom would not have been proud, hateful, or wicked. When wind came that enemies were approaching his borders with cruel intentions he would have been able to appeal to God just as Asaph did in Psalm 83. He would not have been forced to rely upon his own strength or wisdom (another area of pride which will be discussed in the next article) but upon wisdom and might from God. Sadly, his wicked pride ensured that such an avenue for aid did not exist to him.

     In James 4:10 we read, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.” What might have become of Edom had an alliance with God meant more to him than his alliance with ungodly nations? We’ll never know. Let us make God our Ally by humbling ourselves before Him. He promises exaltation if we will.    

The Humbling Of A Wicked Nation--2

     In our last post we began discussing the nation of Edom. We concluded by mentioning that one particular prophet was given an entire prophecy about the things that would happen to that nation in their future. The prophet’s name was Obadiah and his entire book, though short, is all about Edom. Eventually they were to be entirely destroyed as a people. Obadiah tells us the reasons why and in the process provides several practical warnings.

     Obadiah 1-4 says, “The vision of Obadiah. Thus says the Lord God concerning Edom: We have heard a report from the Lord, and a messenger has been sent among the nations: ‘Rise up! Let us rise against her for battle!’ The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rock, in your lofty dwelling, who say in your heart, ‘Who will bring me down to the ground?” Though you soar aloft like the eagle, though your nest is set among the stars, from there I will bring you down, declares the Lord.”

     The judgment against Edom was in large part due to his godless arrogance and pride. The first specific object of his arrogance mentioned by Obadiah was his location. Dwelling in the mountains southeast of Judah, Edom occupied very formidable territory. The fabled city of Petra, carved right into the rock, was in the midst of the land held by Edom, though it was carved out later by the Nabateans, an incredibly advanced tribe of Arabs who forced Edom from his home. Edom dwelled in towering mountains and narrow passes where we’re told that twenty trained warriors could hold off hundreds. He thought himself impregnable and thus his pride knew no bounds.

     It is interesting that God began His judgment against Edom by summoning the nations to rise up in battle against him (Obadiah 1). Edom was contemptuous of other nations, holding them in derision. He could not fathom that they could ever breach his fortifications. While these nations would be the tool of God’s wrath, God Himself was going to see Edom brought down to the ground. He was going to be the One to do this (Obadiah 2-4). Edom’s pride was a direct insult to God for God determines the “allotted periods and boundaries” of all nations (Acts 17:26), not presumptuous man.

     Pride has ever been one of the terrible killers of nations. For your own benefit take the time to read of the role pride played in the downfall of the following nations and cities: Assyria (Zechariah 10:11), Babylon (Jeremiah 50:29, 31-32), Egypt (Ezekiel 30:6), Tyre (Isaiah 23:8-9), Sodom (Ezekiel 16:49), Moab (Isaiah 16:6), Ammon (Zephaniah 2:10), and Philistia (Zechariah 9:6). You and I should especially note that God’s own people did not escape the punishment for their pride: Israel (Hosea 5:5), and Judah (Jeremiah 13:9, 17).

     Let us take from these examples that pride always begins with an inflated view of one’s own importance, safety, possessions, intelligence, and abilities. In Edom’s case we will find pride in each of these areas but possessing it in even one is sinful and judgment worthy. Whether it be in this life or in the next the end result of pride will always be the same—destruction. It becomes even more deadly when we consider that its deceptive qualities (Obadiah 3a) nearly always lead to missing its necessary outcome. The Proverb writer said, “pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” (16:18) Though the proud may be knocked from their pedestal in this life, they will most definitely be knocked from it when they stand before the Judgment Seat to answer for their life’s activities (Romans 14:10-12).

     I am convinced that the greatest deterrent to pride is the practice of constantly chronicling evidences of our dependence upon God for everything good we enjoy or achieve in this life. From a business and financial perspective one could achieve nothing were it not for God’s blessings of health and mental acumen. As it pertains to our families we are reliant upon God’s granting us love and the blessing of procreation (Psalm 127:3-5). As it pertains to talents and abilities within the church we must remember that they are gifts from God to be used to further His purposes (Romans 12:3-8). As it relates to salvation, God took every step necessary to make salvation possible and revealed to us what we must do to achieve it by His grace and mercy (Romans 5). What place does pride have in the life of the saint? Absolutely none. “So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty’” (Luke 17:10).

     Without his pride, I wonder what would have happened to Edom? With it, I know what will happen to us (Proverbs 16:18).