WEBVTT 00:00:00.660 --> 00:00:06.040 We today are finishing our two-part series in the book of Obadiah. 00:00:07.000 --> 00:00:11.000 So if you have a Bible, I'd invite you to follow along if you can find it. 00:00:11.439 --> 00:00:16.719 It's an Old Testament, it's a sliver of a book, the smallest book of the Old Testament, 00:00:16.899 --> 00:00:19.059 in fact, just 21 short verses. 00:00:20.059 --> 00:00:25.660 It's toward the very back end, I think it's 918 or so in the Pew Bibles, the big ESVs. 00:00:25.660 --> 00:00:32.320 And last week, just to kind of refresh for anybody who may not have been here last week, 00:00:32.439 --> 00:00:41.740 we heard this oracle of the Lord against Edom, pronouncing judgment and ruin upon this brother 00:00:41.740 --> 00:00:52.260 of the people of Israel who had both cheered, profited, and contributed to Israel's own destruction 00:00:52.260 --> 00:00:53.640 of judgment from God. 00:00:53.640 --> 00:01:00.859 So it was a heavy week last week and it was warm in here and if you're here today, there's 00:01:00.859 --> 00:01:08.019 good news that though it's still hot, this is the upswing of the book of Obadiah and there 00:01:08.019 --> 00:01:12.200 is really, really sweet news for us to benefit from together today. 00:01:12.200 --> 00:01:22.900 So maybe you've heard some of these types of statements, maybe you've uttered them yourself 00:01:22.900 --> 00:01:31.879 in the midst of difficult circumstances, things like, well, think positively or nothing's ever 00:01:31.879 --> 00:01:33.560 really as bad as it seems. 00:01:34.560 --> 00:01:35.920 Think on the bright side. 00:01:35.920 --> 00:01:41.099 Or one of my favorites, everything will work out in the end. 00:01:41.099 --> 00:01:49.560 We know that even our best efforts to cheer others up who are in the midst of hard situations 00:01:49.560 --> 00:01:53.339 and we know that when people have tried to cheer us up when we've been in the middle of 00:01:53.339 --> 00:01:57.699 hard situations, these kind of statements can leave this hollow feeling. 00:01:58.019 --> 00:02:04.359 We know like, well, it's the best I can offer and yet it doesn't really satisfy. 00:02:04.359 --> 00:02:11.039 People are in misery and suffering and this just seems like something kind of nice to soothe them 00:02:11.039 --> 00:02:12.960 for a moment, but it's not lasting. 00:02:15.240 --> 00:02:23.099 Imagine the people of Israel who have just been exiled, seen Jerusalem, walls torn down, 00:02:24.340 --> 00:02:29.360 their own temple of worship burned to the ground and now they're in exile in a foreign land 00:02:29.360 --> 00:02:35.420 with a foreign king being tasked with worshiping foreign gods. 00:02:37.000 --> 00:02:41.620 Imagine if we just came up to these Israelites and said, well, just don't worry, be happy. 00:02:42.960 --> 00:02:45.900 How unsatisfying that word would be. 00:02:49.320 --> 00:02:51.740 And in fact, proves kind of unkind, doesn't it? 00:02:51.740 --> 00:02:57.060 Because it ignores the realities of the situations that Israel is going through and that we ourselves 00:02:57.060 --> 00:03:03.319 know so well, a situation in which hope seems nowhere to be found. 00:03:05.539 --> 00:03:10.240 Where can we find any lasting comfort in the midst of such a perplexing world? 00:03:11.860 --> 00:03:14.560 In the midst of suffering and difficulty, 00:03:15.560 --> 00:03:18.840 when God seems silent, distant, 00:03:19.319 --> 00:03:22.020 or even the cause of our pain and suffering, 00:03:23.699 --> 00:03:24.800 where is hope? 00:03:24.800 --> 00:03:31.500 Well, we learn from Obadiah that God has an answer to these questions. 00:03:32.640 --> 00:03:34.060 And his answer is, 00:03:34.860 --> 00:03:36.020 hope is found with me. 00:03:37.920 --> 00:03:39.800 So let's read Obadiah, 00:03:40.100 --> 00:03:42.920 starting in verse 15 and going to the end. 00:03:44.960 --> 00:03:45.220 Don't, 00:03:45.360 --> 00:03:48.000 try not to get too caught up in all these place names 00:03:48.000 --> 00:03:50.680 and these confusing people and places and locations. 00:03:50.680 --> 00:03:54.620 We'll kind of explain the purpose of those things. 00:03:54.719 --> 00:03:59.520 But listen for the one speaking and the promises to his people 00:03:59.520 --> 00:04:02.219 and just how he's bringing all of this together 00:04:02.219 --> 00:04:07.020 in spite of a situation that appears hopeless. 00:04:08.760 --> 00:04:10.920 This is God's word to us today, friends. 00:04:10.919 --> 00:04:16.180 For the day of the Lord is near upon all the nations. 00:04:17.300 --> 00:04:20.360 As you have done, it shall be done to you. 00:04:21.399 --> 00:04:24.120 Your deeds shall return on your own head. 00:04:25.959 --> 00:04:28.459 For as you have drunk on my holy mountains, 00:04:28.579 --> 00:04:31.479 so all the nations shall drink continually. 00:04:31.480 --> 00:04:33.120 They shall drink and swallow 00:04:33.120 --> 00:04:35.900 and shall be as though they had never been. 00:04:37.160 --> 00:04:39.620 But in Mount Zion, 00:04:39.800 --> 00:04:41.120 there shall be those who escape 00:04:41.120 --> 00:04:42.879 and it shall be called holy. 00:04:43.600 --> 00:04:44.759 And the house of Jacob 00:04:44.759 --> 00:04:47.480 shall possess their own possessions. 00:04:48.620 --> 00:04:50.540 The house of Jacob shall be a fire 00:04:50.540 --> 00:04:52.400 and the house of Joseph a flame 00:04:52.400 --> 00:04:54.819 and the house of Esau stubble. 00:04:55.460 --> 00:04:57.400 They shall burn them and consume them 00:04:57.400 --> 00:04:58.740 and there shall be no survivor 00:04:58.740 --> 00:04:59.939 for the house of Esau. 00:04:59.939 --> 00:05:02.639 For the Lord has spoken. 00:05:04.459 --> 00:05:07.040 Those of the Negev shall possess Mount Esau 00:05:07.040 --> 00:05:08.300 and those of the Shephelah 00:05:08.300 --> 00:05:10.379 shall possess the land of the Philistines. 00:05:10.980 --> 00:05:12.740 They shall possess the land of Ephraim 00:05:12.740 --> 00:05:13.839 and the land of Samaria 00:05:13.839 --> 00:05:16.279 and Benjamin shall possess Gilead. 00:05:17.019 --> 00:05:19.639 The exiles of this host of the people of Israel 00:05:19.639 --> 00:05:21.899 shall possess the land of the Canaanites 00:05:21.899 --> 00:05:23.399 as far as the Zarephath. 00:05:24.100 --> 00:05:25.879 And the exiles of Jerusalem 00:05:25.879 --> 00:05:27.699 who are in Sepharad 00:05:27.699 --> 00:05:30.360 shall possess the cities of the Negev. 00:05:32.019 --> 00:05:34.800 Saviors shall go up to Mount Zion 00:05:34.800 --> 00:05:37.099 to rule Mount Esau 00:05:37.099 --> 00:05:41.699 and the kingdom shall be the Lord's. 00:05:41.699 --> 00:05:49.920 Friends, God's message to us today 00:05:49.920 --> 00:05:52.319 is very simple. 00:05:54.000 --> 00:05:56.740 In fact, we can summarize it 00:05:56.740 --> 00:05:58.060 in about five or six words. 00:05:59.740 --> 00:06:03.759 Hope in your sovereign king. 00:06:03.759 --> 00:06:08.819 Hope in your sovereign king. 00:06:11.599 --> 00:06:13.860 We're going to walk through this passage today 00:06:13.860 --> 00:06:17.620 looking at three truths about who God is 00:06:17.620 --> 00:06:21.740 that confirm and support this call 00:06:21.740 --> 00:06:23.199 for us, God's people, 00:06:23.599 --> 00:06:25.000 to hope in the Lord. 00:06:26.819 --> 00:06:27.740 So three truths. 00:06:27.879 --> 00:06:29.620 First truth is this, 00:06:29.620 --> 00:06:32.899 that our God is perfectly just. 00:06:34.240 --> 00:06:36.500 We see this in verses 15 and 16. 00:06:37.720 --> 00:06:39.939 If we remember that Edom's day 00:06:39.939 --> 00:06:42.740 serves as this signpost. 00:06:42.840 --> 00:06:46.060 The judgment that God said was near 00:06:46.060 --> 00:06:47.519 for the people of Edom 00:06:47.519 --> 00:06:49.780 is actually this sort of beacon 00:06:49.780 --> 00:06:51.780 and warning to all the nations 00:06:51.780 --> 00:06:53.040 because in verse 15, 00:06:53.160 --> 00:06:54.519 we see that the day of the Lord 00:06:54.519 --> 00:06:56.139 is near upon not just Edom, 00:06:56.139 --> 00:06:57.479 but all nations. 00:06:59.319 --> 00:07:00.300 Beyond a warning, 00:07:00.439 --> 00:07:02.759 this statement is also reinforcing hope 00:07:02.759 --> 00:07:03.779 for God's people. 00:07:05.479 --> 00:07:06.699 Our God is just, 00:07:07.039 --> 00:07:08.240 the prophet tells us. 00:07:09.779 --> 00:07:11.639 We see in verse 15 that 00:07:11.639 --> 00:07:13.680 as you have done, 00:07:14.399 --> 00:07:15.539 it shall be done to you. 00:07:15.639 --> 00:07:17.219 This eye for an eye 00:07:17.219 --> 00:07:21.039 retribution principle 00:07:21.039 --> 00:07:22.560 that governs the universe. 00:07:22.560 --> 00:07:24.959 not because karma 00:07:24.959 --> 00:07:26.439 is this thing that exists 00:07:26.439 --> 00:07:27.639 and what goes around 00:07:27.639 --> 00:07:28.139 comes around, 00:07:28.220 --> 00:07:29.360 but because the God 00:07:29.360 --> 00:07:31.379 of this universe 00:07:31.379 --> 00:07:34.079 is a just God. 00:07:35.120 --> 00:07:36.800 He will render judgment 00:07:36.800 --> 00:07:37.899 upon all people 00:07:37.899 --> 00:07:39.399 for what we have done. 00:07:41.300 --> 00:07:42.819 This is such good news 00:07:42.819 --> 00:07:43.959 to a bunch of exiles 00:07:43.959 --> 00:07:45.860 who are carted off from Israel, 00:07:47.000 --> 00:07:48.300 who would experience 00:07:48.300 --> 00:07:49.579 God's righteous anger 00:07:49.579 --> 00:07:50.439 at their own sin 00:07:50.439 --> 00:07:51.860 and rebellion and idolatry, 00:07:51.860 --> 00:07:52.720 and then, 00:07:53.000 --> 00:07:53.699 on top of that, 00:07:53.759 --> 00:07:54.600 been humiliated 00:07:54.600 --> 00:07:55.900 by their brother Edom 00:07:55.900 --> 00:07:57.240 from their high place 00:07:57.240 --> 00:07:58.439 mocking and laughing 00:07:58.439 --> 00:08:00.180 and looting the cities 00:08:00.180 --> 00:08:01.960 of rubble. 00:08:02.879 --> 00:08:04.319 And God sees it all. 00:08:06.319 --> 00:08:07.360 And it's promised 00:08:07.360 --> 00:08:07.939 that the guilty 00:08:07.939 --> 00:08:09.199 will not go unpunished. 00:08:10.840 --> 00:08:11.759 In verse 16, 00:08:12.360 --> 00:08:13.639 we see that there's 00:08:13.639 --> 00:08:14.699 this interesting shift 00:08:14.699 --> 00:08:15.540 that happens here. 00:08:15.860 --> 00:08:16.379 So far, 00:08:16.460 --> 00:08:17.580 every time the word you 00:08:17.580 --> 00:08:18.639 has been used, 00:08:19.580 --> 00:08:20.580 Obadiah has been speaking 00:08:20.579 --> 00:08:21.719 directly to Edom, 00:08:22.060 --> 00:08:22.919 the you is singular, 00:08:23.240 --> 00:08:24.039 and he's been talking, 00:08:24.579 --> 00:08:25.139 you, Edom, 00:08:25.240 --> 00:08:26.139 this is going to happen. 00:08:26.240 --> 00:08:26.939 You've done this. 00:08:27.039 --> 00:08:28.419 I'm going to do this to you, 00:08:28.859 --> 00:08:29.259 et cetera. 00:08:29.419 --> 00:08:30.419 But here in verse 16, 00:08:30.500 --> 00:08:31.699 the you becomes you all, 00:08:32.120 --> 00:08:33.519 all of you. 00:08:33.519 --> 00:08:36.679 And I think Obadiah 00:08:36.679 --> 00:08:38.539 peels back the curtain 00:08:38.539 --> 00:08:38.980 a little bit, 00:08:39.039 --> 00:08:39.919 and he's speaking now 00:08:39.919 --> 00:08:41.639 to the exiled people 00:08:41.639 --> 00:08:42.220 of God 00:08:42.220 --> 00:08:43.799 who are in a situation 00:08:43.799 --> 00:08:44.899 that is completely hopeless. 00:08:45.039 --> 00:08:45.279 And he says, 00:08:45.960 --> 00:08:47.639 just as you've drunk 00:08:47.639 --> 00:08:49.460 on my holy mountain, 00:08:50.319 --> 00:08:51.639 so all the nations 00:08:51.639 --> 00:08:53.500 will surely drink. 00:08:54.639 --> 00:08:56.500 So he speaks this message. 00:08:56.659 --> 00:08:57.759 You know my judgment, 00:08:57.919 --> 00:08:58.679 and you know how harsh 00:08:58.679 --> 00:09:00.039 and extreme it can be, 00:09:00.039 --> 00:09:01.299 and yet there is hope 00:09:01.299 --> 00:09:02.519 because I'm not done 00:09:02.519 --> 00:09:02.919 with you, 00:09:03.059 --> 00:09:03.679 and I'm not done 00:09:03.679 --> 00:09:04.360 with the nations 00:09:04.360 --> 00:09:05.759 who have become 00:09:05.759 --> 00:09:06.259 your enemies 00:09:06.259 --> 00:09:07.500 and harmed you. 00:09:10.319 --> 00:09:11.099 God says, 00:09:11.559 --> 00:09:12.719 surely I will bring judgment 00:09:12.719 --> 00:09:13.599 upon the nations. 00:09:13.939 --> 00:09:14.860 None of your enemies, 00:09:15.039 --> 00:09:15.779 including Edom, 00:09:16.259 --> 00:09:16.980 will miss out 00:09:16.980 --> 00:09:18.679 on this cup of retribution. 00:09:21.740 --> 00:09:22.759 See what he's doing? 00:09:22.839 --> 00:09:24.959 Israel still had hope 00:09:24.960 --> 00:09:27.360 because the Lord 00:09:27.360 --> 00:09:28.639 was still in charge 00:09:28.639 --> 00:09:29.560 of the situation. 00:09:29.800 --> 00:09:30.900 Justice was still 00:09:30.900 --> 00:09:32.420 his to bring. 00:09:34.700 --> 00:09:35.780 It's still good news 00:09:35.780 --> 00:09:36.420 for us today. 00:09:37.800 --> 00:09:39.060 God is just today 00:09:39.060 --> 00:09:40.160 and always forever. 00:09:42.019 --> 00:09:43.019 Now, of course, 00:09:43.139 --> 00:09:44.360 we know this, right? 00:09:44.379 --> 00:09:45.860 We know that God is just. 00:09:46.000 --> 00:09:47.860 We say this to ourselves 00:09:47.860 --> 00:09:48.800 and to each other. 00:09:51.360 --> 00:09:52.639 But if we're honest too, 00:09:52.700 --> 00:09:52.800 right, 00:09:52.799 --> 00:09:54.339 we can tend to live 00:09:54.339 --> 00:09:55.519 sort of untethered 00:09:55.519 --> 00:09:56.259 from this reality, 00:09:56.419 --> 00:09:58.379 sort of in our heads 00:09:58.379 --> 00:09:58.740 going, 00:09:58.879 --> 00:09:59.740 yes, God is just, 00:09:59.819 --> 00:10:00.799 but then with our lives 00:10:00.799 --> 00:10:01.479 we can say, 00:10:01.639 --> 00:10:02.659 maybe he's not. 00:10:02.879 --> 00:10:03.939 Maybe I need to 00:10:03.939 --> 00:10:05.159 kind of take action 00:10:05.159 --> 00:10:06.539 into my own hands. 00:10:08.139 --> 00:10:09.240 So to help us, 00:10:09.479 --> 00:10:11.740 let's run a little diagnostic 00:10:11.740 --> 00:10:13.519 and show that 00:10:13.519 --> 00:10:15.039 while we might be prone 00:10:15.039 --> 00:10:16.000 to retaliate 00:10:16.000 --> 00:10:17.599 and demand immediate 00:10:17.599 --> 00:10:19.000 response of payment 00:10:19.000 --> 00:10:19.939 for wrongs done, 00:10:20.059 --> 00:10:21.659 while we may hold grudges, 00:10:21.659 --> 00:10:22.699 we might try 00:10:22.699 --> 00:10:23.879 and self-justify, 00:10:23.980 --> 00:10:24.699 kind of minimizing 00:10:24.699 --> 00:10:25.639 our own sin 00:10:25.639 --> 00:10:27.559 and over-inflating 00:10:27.559 --> 00:10:28.339 other sin. 00:10:29.299 --> 00:10:30.740 Let's run this diagnostic 00:10:30.740 --> 00:10:32.139 asking the question, 00:10:32.639 --> 00:10:34.199 am I living in the good 00:10:34.199 --> 00:10:35.579 of the truth 00:10:35.579 --> 00:10:36.500 that God is just? 00:10:38.000 --> 00:10:39.379 Am I living in the goodness 00:10:39.379 --> 00:10:40.360 of the truth 00:10:40.360 --> 00:10:41.279 that God is just? 00:10:41.939 --> 00:10:43.279 Just three principles 00:10:43.279 --> 00:10:44.879 to keep in mind, 00:10:45.100 --> 00:10:46.000 to live in the good 00:10:46.000 --> 00:10:46.899 of this reality 00:10:46.899 --> 00:10:47.699 this morning 00:10:47.699 --> 00:10:48.419 and always. 00:10:48.419 --> 00:10:49.519 first, 00:10:50.519 --> 00:10:51.259 we're to value 00:10:51.259 --> 00:10:52.620 all people the same 00:10:52.620 --> 00:10:53.399 because they're 00:10:53.399 --> 00:10:54.659 God's image bearers. 00:10:56.459 --> 00:10:57.219 We're prone 00:10:57.219 --> 00:10:58.379 to favoritism, 00:10:59.379 --> 00:11:00.579 which is unjust. 00:11:01.919 --> 00:11:02.979 James chapter 2 00:11:02.979 --> 00:11:04.179 tells us of this example 00:11:04.179 --> 00:11:05.000 where two guys 00:11:05.000 --> 00:11:06.000 come into a house 00:11:06.000 --> 00:11:06.439 of worship 00:11:06.439 --> 00:11:07.000 and one guy 00:11:07.000 --> 00:11:07.959 has gold rings 00:11:07.959 --> 00:11:08.759 and he's got 00:11:08.759 --> 00:11:09.839 really fine clothing 00:11:09.839 --> 00:11:11.679 and has the latest 00:11:11.679 --> 00:11:13.439 Calvin Klein cologne on 00:11:13.439 --> 00:11:14.360 and he walks in 00:11:14.360 --> 00:11:15.840 and another guy 00:11:15.840 --> 00:11:16.259 comes in 00:11:16.259 --> 00:11:17.320 with tattered clothing 00:11:17.320 --> 00:11:19.639 and barely any shoes 00:11:19.639 --> 00:11:20.279 on his feet 00:11:20.279 --> 00:11:21.960 and maybe he smells bad 00:11:21.960 --> 00:11:22.600 because he hasn't 00:11:22.600 --> 00:11:23.240 had a chance 00:11:23.240 --> 00:11:24.379 to shower recently. 00:11:26.259 --> 00:11:27.139 And James points out 00:11:27.139 --> 00:11:27.659 how the people 00:11:27.659 --> 00:11:28.639 treated one man 00:11:28.639 --> 00:11:29.720 as royalty 00:11:29.720 --> 00:11:30.480 and brought him 00:11:30.480 --> 00:11:31.379 to a seat of honor 00:11:31.379 --> 00:11:32.360 and the other man 00:11:32.360 --> 00:11:32.580 said, 00:11:32.680 --> 00:11:32.740 well, 00:11:32.840 --> 00:11:33.720 can you get down here 00:11:33.720 --> 00:11:34.379 on the floor 00:11:34.379 --> 00:11:35.480 and I'd actually like 00:11:35.480 --> 00:11:36.580 to put my feet 00:11:36.580 --> 00:11:37.300 on top of you 00:11:37.300 --> 00:11:38.300 for my own comfort. 00:11:40.300 --> 00:11:41.039 James says, 00:11:41.200 --> 00:11:43.420 we're not to show 00:11:43.419 --> 00:11:44.759 that kind of partiality. 00:11:44.979 --> 00:11:45.979 We're not to be 00:11:45.979 --> 00:11:47.120 unjust like that 00:11:47.120 --> 00:11:47.879 because our God 00:11:47.879 --> 00:11:48.860 is a God of justice 00:11:48.860 --> 00:11:50.539 who values all human life 00:11:50.539 --> 00:11:51.179 the same. 00:11:53.240 --> 00:11:54.059 So likewise, 00:11:54.259 --> 00:11:55.059 we look to affirm 00:11:55.059 --> 00:11:56.179 and uphold the dignity 00:11:56.179 --> 00:11:57.519 and worth of all people. 00:12:01.259 --> 00:12:01.699 Second, 00:12:01.959 --> 00:12:02.599 diagnostic, 00:12:03.339 --> 00:12:04.120 see if we're living 00:12:04.120 --> 00:12:04.599 in the goodness 00:12:04.599 --> 00:12:05.579 of the truth 00:12:05.579 --> 00:12:06.500 that God is just. 00:12:07.439 --> 00:12:08.599 So we love our enemies. 00:12:09.519 --> 00:12:10.459 We pray for those 00:12:10.459 --> 00:12:11.620 who persecute us. 00:12:13.419 --> 00:12:14.759 We don't go around 00:12:14.759 --> 00:12:15.759 retaliating 00:12:15.759 --> 00:12:19.500 and sort of 00:12:19.500 --> 00:12:21.740 enacting our own retribution 00:12:21.740 --> 00:12:23.059 for wrongs committed 00:12:23.059 --> 00:12:23.939 against us. 00:12:24.879 --> 00:12:26.199 We love 00:12:26.199 --> 00:12:27.139 and we bless 00:12:27.139 --> 00:12:28.399 and we pray 00:12:28.399 --> 00:12:29.099 for those 00:12:29.099 --> 00:12:30.599 who persecute us. 00:12:31.240 --> 00:12:31.879 First Peter 00:12:31.879 --> 00:12:34.159 unpacks this so well 00:12:34.159 --> 00:12:34.659 for us 00:12:34.659 --> 00:12:35.839 in chapter 3, 00:12:35.899 --> 00:12:36.379 verse 9, 00:12:36.500 --> 00:12:37.199 he writes, 00:12:37.480 --> 00:12:38.679 do not repay evil 00:12:38.679 --> 00:12:39.439 for evil 00:12:39.439 --> 00:12:41.120 or reviling 00:12:41.120 --> 00:12:42.059 for reviling. 00:12:42.059 --> 00:12:44.079 but on the contrary, 00:12:44.339 --> 00:12:44.799 bless 00:12:44.799 --> 00:12:46.519 for to this 00:12:46.519 --> 00:12:47.339 you were called. 00:12:48.179 --> 00:12:48.939 In his reasoning, 00:12:49.059 --> 00:12:49.619 he goes on 00:12:49.619 --> 00:12:50.359 to kind of lay out 00:12:50.359 --> 00:12:51.039 is that 00:12:51.039 --> 00:12:52.419 both those 00:12:52.419 --> 00:12:54.279 who initiate 00:12:54.279 --> 00:12:55.519 the reviling, 00:12:55.759 --> 00:12:56.739 who begin 00:12:56.739 --> 00:12:57.399 the injustice 00:12:57.399 --> 00:12:58.319 and those who 00:12:58.319 --> 00:12:59.039 retaliate 00:12:59.039 --> 00:13:00.319 against that injustice, 00:13:00.799 --> 00:13:01.439 that's evil 00:13:01.439 --> 00:13:02.339 on both sides. 00:13:02.879 --> 00:13:03.579 So whether you're 00:13:03.579 --> 00:13:04.579 perpetrating it 00:13:04.579 --> 00:13:05.619 or you're being 00:13:05.619 --> 00:13:06.919 the victim initially 00:13:06.919 --> 00:13:08.319 and then lashing out 00:13:08.319 --> 00:13:09.159 in response, 00:13:09.719 --> 00:13:10.299 it's evil. 00:13:10.299 --> 00:13:11.620 He says, 00:13:11.699 --> 00:13:12.859 so don't do that, 00:13:13.199 --> 00:13:13.679 bless. 00:13:15.240 --> 00:13:16.639 Your holy nation, 00:13:17.479 --> 00:13:17.959 bless, 00:13:18.319 --> 00:13:18.879 always, 00:13:19.079 --> 00:13:19.539 regardless. 00:13:20.839 --> 00:13:21.339 And he says, 00:13:21.399 --> 00:13:21.740 ultimately, 00:13:21.859 --> 00:13:22.919 because God is just 00:13:22.919 --> 00:13:23.979 and God will bring 00:13:23.979 --> 00:13:26.219 judgment upon evil. 00:13:28.919 --> 00:13:29.439 Instead, 00:13:29.639 --> 00:13:30.319 be like Jesus 00:13:30.319 --> 00:13:31.339 who in chapter 2 00:13:31.339 --> 00:13:32.000 of 1 Peter, 00:13:32.339 --> 00:13:32.859 Peter says, 00:13:33.120 --> 00:13:34.000 when he was reviled, 00:13:34.120 --> 00:13:35.319 he did not revile 00:13:35.319 --> 00:13:36.199 in return. 00:13:36.200 --> 00:13:38.740 He didn't retaliate. 00:13:40.740 --> 00:13:41.780 He continued 00:13:41.780 --> 00:13:42.759 entrusting himself 00:13:42.759 --> 00:13:43.500 to the one 00:13:43.500 --> 00:13:44.759 who judges justly. 00:13:47.660 --> 00:13:48.580 So we love 00:13:48.580 --> 00:13:49.320 our enemies, 00:13:50.080 --> 00:13:50.940 living in the good 00:13:50.940 --> 00:13:51.800 of God 00:13:51.800 --> 00:13:52.720 being so just. 00:13:54.000 --> 00:13:54.420 And 3, 00:13:54.660 --> 00:13:55.980 we are quick 00:13:55.980 --> 00:13:57.040 to forgive 00:13:57.040 --> 00:13:58.440 those who sin 00:13:58.440 --> 00:13:59.220 against us. 00:13:59.220 --> 00:14:01.899 we know 00:14:01.899 --> 00:14:03.019 that as recipients 00:14:03.019 --> 00:14:03.820 of the grace 00:14:03.820 --> 00:14:04.420 of God 00:14:04.420 --> 00:14:05.700 and the forgiveness 00:14:05.700 --> 00:14:06.700 that only God 00:14:06.700 --> 00:14:07.500 can provide, 00:14:08.820 --> 00:14:10.360 that no person 00:14:10.360 --> 00:14:12.000 could ever 00:14:12.000 --> 00:14:12.960 wrong us 00:14:12.960 --> 00:14:13.980 anywhere near 00:14:13.980 --> 00:14:14.560 the degree 00:14:14.560 --> 00:14:15.399 that we have 00:14:15.399 --> 00:14:15.800 wronged 00:14:15.800 --> 00:14:16.320 and offended 00:14:16.320 --> 00:14:17.220 our God. 00:14:19.420 --> 00:14:20.420 So we long 00:14:20.420 --> 00:14:21.279 for even the worst 00:14:21.279 --> 00:14:22.120 of our enemies 00:14:22.120 --> 00:14:23.500 to experience 00:14:23.500 --> 00:14:24.100 the grace 00:14:24.100 --> 00:14:24.720 and forgiveness 00:14:24.720 --> 00:14:25.460 of a loving 00:14:25.460 --> 00:14:26.000 father. 00:14:26.000 --> 00:14:27.779 we forgive 00:14:27.779 --> 00:14:28.559 so that we can 00:14:28.559 --> 00:14:29.480 shine his light 00:14:29.480 --> 00:14:30.100 and to show 00:14:30.100 --> 00:14:30.960 how grateful 00:14:30.960 --> 00:14:31.519 we are 00:14:31.519 --> 00:14:32.139 for the mercy 00:14:32.139 --> 00:14:32.679 that God 00:14:32.679 --> 00:14:33.360 has extended 00:14:33.360 --> 00:14:34.200 to us. 00:14:38.039 --> 00:14:38.940 From Jesus' 00:14:39.220 --> 00:14:40.360 lips himself, 00:14:40.539 --> 00:14:41.159 we realize 00:14:41.159 --> 00:14:42.000 that it is 00:14:42.000 --> 00:14:43.100 unjust 00:14:43.100 --> 00:14:44.759 to have received 00:14:44.759 --> 00:14:45.299 the grace 00:14:45.299 --> 00:14:45.899 of God 00:14:45.899 --> 00:14:46.860 for ourselves 00:14:46.860 --> 00:14:47.779 and then 00:14:47.779 --> 00:14:48.460 to demand 00:14:48.460 --> 00:14:49.000 justice 00:14:49.000 --> 00:14:49.799 from our brothers 00:14:49.799 --> 00:14:50.559 when they 00:14:50.559 --> 00:14:51.259 wrong us. 00:14:52.879 --> 00:14:53.659 Give what 00:14:53.659 --> 00:14:54.320 has been given. 00:14:54.440 --> 00:14:55.080 We've been given 00:14:55.080 --> 00:14:55.919 mercy so we 00:14:55.919 --> 00:14:56.599 give mercy 00:14:56.599 --> 00:14:57.240 freely 00:14:57.240 --> 00:14:59.059 without reservation. 00:14:59.779 --> 00:15:00.360 That's to live 00:15:00.360 --> 00:15:00.839 in the goodness 00:15:00.839 --> 00:15:01.500 of the reality 00:15:01.500 --> 00:15:02.299 that God 00:15:02.299 --> 00:15:03.259 is just. 00:15:03.639 --> 00:15:04.599 God will repay 00:15:04.599 --> 00:15:06.099 all people 00:15:06.099 --> 00:15:07.120 for what they 00:15:07.120 --> 00:15:07.620 have done. 00:15:07.979 --> 00:15:08.399 So God, 00:15:08.899 --> 00:15:09.839 let God, 00:15:10.019 --> 00:15:10.240 church, 00:15:10.419 --> 00:15:11.240 let God bring 00:15:11.240 --> 00:15:11.959 justice. 00:15:13.240 --> 00:15:14.099 He is just 00:15:14.099 --> 00:15:15.799 and he's faithful. 00:15:18.559 --> 00:15:19.159 Our reason 00:15:19.159 --> 00:15:20.000 to hope 00:15:20.000 --> 00:15:20.839 in our sovereign 00:15:20.839 --> 00:15:21.639 king this morning 00:15:21.639 --> 00:15:22.480 just keeps getting 00:15:22.480 --> 00:15:23.199 more clear now 00:15:23.199 --> 00:15:24.079 as we move back 00:15:24.079 --> 00:15:24.740 into the text 00:15:24.740 --> 00:15:25.639 and we start 00:15:25.639 --> 00:15:26.399 looking again 00:15:26.399 --> 00:15:28.560 at this second 00:15:28.560 --> 00:15:29.060 reason 00:15:29.060 --> 00:15:30.399 to hope 00:15:30.399 --> 00:15:31.100 in your sovereign 00:15:31.100 --> 00:15:31.840 king this morning. 00:15:32.000 --> 00:15:32.460 It's because 00:15:32.460 --> 00:15:33.340 God keeps 00:15:33.340 --> 00:15:34.159 his promises. 00:15:35.720 --> 00:15:36.519 God keeps 00:15:36.519 --> 00:15:37.279 his promises. 00:15:38.159 --> 00:15:38.759 We've already 00:15:38.759 --> 00:15:39.639 seen this promise 00:15:39.639 --> 00:15:40.480 that the day 00:15:40.480 --> 00:15:40.919 of Edom 00:15:40.919 --> 00:15:41.419 was near 00:15:41.419 --> 00:15:44.019 and that all 00:15:44.019 --> 00:15:44.639 the nations 00:15:44.639 --> 00:15:45.379 will be judged 00:15:45.379 --> 00:15:46.039 according to 00:15:46.039 --> 00:15:46.679 their deeds 00:15:46.679 --> 00:15:47.679 but now 00:15:47.679 --> 00:15:48.740 in verse 17 00:15:48.740 --> 00:15:49.740 it turns 00:15:49.740 --> 00:15:50.179 and we see 00:15:50.179 --> 00:15:50.579 this word 00:15:50.579 --> 00:15:51.259 but 00:15:51.259 --> 00:15:53.879 in Mount Zion 00:15:53.879 --> 00:15:54.819 there shall be 00:15:54.819 --> 00:15:55.860 those who escape. 00:15:55.860 --> 00:16:00.320 we have a God 00:16:00.320 --> 00:16:01.539 who has told us 00:16:01.539 --> 00:16:02.440 in 2 Timothy 00:16:02.440 --> 00:16:03.120 2.13 00:16:03.120 --> 00:16:04.120 that even 00:16:04.120 --> 00:16:04.639 if we are 00:16:04.639 --> 00:16:05.240 faithless 00:16:05.240 --> 00:16:05.879 he remains 00:16:05.879 --> 00:16:06.379 faithful 00:16:06.379 --> 00:16:07.840 for he cannot 00:16:07.840 --> 00:16:08.700 deny 00:16:08.700 --> 00:16:09.539 himself. 00:16:11.440 --> 00:16:12.000 It's a God 00:16:12.000 --> 00:16:12.539 who in 00:16:12.539 --> 00:16:13.600 Proverbs 30 00:16:13.600 --> 00:16:14.200 verse 5 00:16:14.200 --> 00:16:14.840 reveals that 00:16:14.840 --> 00:16:15.960 every word 00:16:15.960 --> 00:16:16.600 of God 00:16:16.600 --> 00:16:17.560 proves true. 00:16:18.560 --> 00:16:19.259 He is a shield 00:16:19.259 --> 00:16:19.920 to everyone 00:16:19.920 --> 00:16:20.379 who takes 00:16:20.379 --> 00:16:21.460 refuge in him. 00:16:21.460 --> 00:16:25.180 We know 00:16:25.180 --> 00:16:25.780 and worship 00:16:25.780 --> 00:16:26.519 and love 00:16:26.519 --> 00:16:26.920 a God 00:16:26.920 --> 00:16:27.360 who keeps 00:16:27.360 --> 00:16:28.100 his promises. 00:16:29.379 --> 00:16:30.379 So when we see 00:16:30.379 --> 00:16:30.879 promise 00:16:30.879 --> 00:16:31.660 after promise 00:16:31.660 --> 00:16:32.560 after promise 00:16:32.560 --> 00:16:33.740 in Obadiah 00:16:33.740 --> 00:16:36.460 our hearts 00:16:36.460 --> 00:16:36.920 should be filled 00:16:36.920 --> 00:16:37.580 with hope. 00:16:39.600 --> 00:16:40.340 Verse 17 00:16:40.340 --> 00:16:42.500 the phrase 00:16:42.500 --> 00:16:42.960 translated 00:16:42.960 --> 00:16:43.780 those who escape 00:16:43.780 --> 00:16:44.280 should really 00:16:44.280 --> 00:16:45.220 be seen 00:16:45.220 --> 00:16:46.340 as deliverance. 00:16:46.600 --> 00:16:47.180 It's not talking 00:16:47.180 --> 00:16:47.940 about group of people 00:16:47.940 --> 00:16:48.480 it's talking 00:16:48.480 --> 00:16:49.600 about delivering 00:16:49.600 --> 00:16:51.759 but in Mount Zion 00:16:51.759 --> 00:16:52.279 there shall be 00:16:52.279 --> 00:16:53.240 deliverance 00:16:53.240 --> 00:16:54.620 and the mountain 00:16:54.620 --> 00:16:55.560 shall be holy. 00:16:57.580 --> 00:16:58.180 There's the first 00:16:58.180 --> 00:16:58.980 promise here 00:16:58.980 --> 00:16:59.519 we see that 00:16:59.519 --> 00:17:00.960 deliverance is coming 00:17:00.960 --> 00:17:02.159 in the very place 00:17:02.159 --> 00:17:03.080 that God established 00:17:03.080 --> 00:17:04.000 for his people 00:17:04.000 --> 00:17:04.700 to dwell 00:17:04.700 --> 00:17:05.819 with him 00:17:05.819 --> 00:17:06.519 forever. 00:17:07.319 --> 00:17:08.360 It's in rubble 00:17:08.360 --> 00:17:10.940 and yet he still 00:17:10.940 --> 00:17:12.039 makes this promise 00:17:12.039 --> 00:17:14.980 and we hear 00:17:14.980 --> 00:17:15.460 the whisper 00:17:15.460 --> 00:17:16.160 of covenant. 00:17:16.160 --> 00:17:16.360 covenant. 00:17:18.680 --> 00:17:19.720 We move on 00:17:19.720 --> 00:17:20.080 and we see 00:17:20.080 --> 00:17:20.380 at the end 00:17:20.380 --> 00:17:21.040 of verse 17 00:17:21.040 --> 00:17:21.980 that the house 00:17:21.980 --> 00:17:22.519 of Jacob 00:17:22.519 --> 00:17:23.340 shall possess 00:17:23.340 --> 00:17:23.940 their own 00:17:23.940 --> 00:17:24.640 possessions. 00:17:27.279 --> 00:17:27.980 It's talking 00:17:27.980 --> 00:17:29.120 promised land 00:17:29.120 --> 00:17:29.759 the land 00:17:29.759 --> 00:17:30.540 promised to 00:17:30.540 --> 00:17:31.320 the patriarchs 00:17:31.320 --> 00:17:31.600 Abraham, 00:17:31.880 --> 00:17:32.340 Isaac and 00:17:32.340 --> 00:17:32.759 Jacob 00:17:32.759 --> 00:17:33.800 the land 00:17:33.800 --> 00:17:34.440 of Canaan 00:17:34.440 --> 00:17:37.380 in this case 00:17:37.380 --> 00:17:38.940 God promises 00:17:38.940 --> 00:17:39.460 that they're 00:17:39.460 --> 00:17:40.340 going to retake 00:17:40.340 --> 00:17:41.660 what was lost 00:17:41.660 --> 00:17:42.100 to them 00:17:42.100 --> 00:17:43.400 after the 00:17:43.400 --> 00:17:43.740 backside 00:17:43.740 --> 00:17:44.140 of this 00:17:44.140 --> 00:17:44.580 judgment 00:17:44.580 --> 00:17:45.000 that they 00:17:45.000 --> 00:17:45.620 received. 00:17:47.160 --> 00:17:48.240 And we hear 00:17:48.240 --> 00:17:49.540 the sound 00:17:49.540 --> 00:17:50.060 of covenant 00:17:50.060 --> 00:17:50.640 again. 00:17:52.380 --> 00:17:53.460 Verse 18 00:17:53.460 --> 00:17:54.019 there's this 00:17:54.019 --> 00:17:54.800 promise of 00:17:54.800 --> 00:17:55.480 triumph and 00:17:55.480 --> 00:17:56.240 victory over 00:17:56.240 --> 00:17:56.980 all of the 00:17:56.980 --> 00:17:57.620 enemies of 00:17:57.620 --> 00:17:58.100 God and 00:17:58.100 --> 00:17:58.759 his people. 00:18:00.040 --> 00:18:00.400 The house 00:18:00.400 --> 00:18:00.940 of Jacob 00:18:00.940 --> 00:18:01.500 shall be a 00:18:01.500 --> 00:18:01.940 fire, 00:18:02.759 --> 00:18:03.040 the house 00:18:03.040 --> 00:18:03.500 of Joseph 00:18:03.500 --> 00:18:04.180 a flame, 00:18:05.400 --> 00:18:05.940 Esau 00:18:05.940 --> 00:18:06.279 will be 00:18:06.279 --> 00:18:06.740 stubble. 00:18:08.120 --> 00:18:08.420 It'll be 00:18:08.420 --> 00:18:09.000 the chaff 00:18:09.000 --> 00:18:09.400 that only 00:18:09.400 --> 00:18:10.140 serves to 00:18:10.140 --> 00:18:12.100 expand the 00:18:12.100 --> 00:18:12.580 flame. 00:18:13.940 --> 00:18:14.240 God's 00:18:14.240 --> 00:18:14.800 people will 00:18:14.800 --> 00:18:15.100 be the 00:18:15.100 --> 00:18:15.540 fire, 00:18:16.160 --> 00:18:16.640 and their 00:18:16.640 --> 00:18:17.320 enemies will 00:18:17.320 --> 00:18:18.360 be burned 00:18:18.360 --> 00:18:20.019 up and 00:18:20.019 --> 00:18:20.540 destroyed. 00:18:23.140 --> 00:18:23.940 The Lord 00:18:23.940 --> 00:18:24.700 has spoken, 00:18:25.700 --> 00:18:26.759 we see at 00:18:26.759 --> 00:18:27.120 the end of 00:18:27.120 --> 00:18:27.500 18. 00:18:28.320 --> 00:18:28.940 It's certain. 00:18:29.380 --> 00:18:30.060 God promises 00:18:30.060 --> 00:18:30.540 that his 00:18:30.540 --> 00:18:31.200 people will 00:18:31.200 --> 00:18:32.480 be victorious 00:18:32.480 --> 00:18:33.279 over all of 00:18:33.279 --> 00:18:33.860 their enemies. 00:18:38.200 --> 00:18:38.800 Covenant 00:18:38.800 --> 00:18:40.480 again. 00:18:40.480 --> 00:18:42.140 now we 00:18:42.140 --> 00:18:43.000 return in 00:18:43.000 --> 00:18:43.700 verses 19 00:18:43.700 --> 00:18:44.120 and 20 00:18:44.120 --> 00:18:44.539 to this 00:18:44.539 --> 00:18:45.019 idea of 00:18:45.019 --> 00:18:45.480 possession 00:18:45.480 --> 00:18:46.099 and taking 00:18:46.099 --> 00:18:46.880 possession of 00:18:46.880 --> 00:18:47.259 all this 00:18:47.259 --> 00:18:47.740 different 00:18:47.740 --> 00:18:48.519 territory. 00:18:49.220 --> 00:18:49.519 And here's 00:18:49.519 --> 00:18:49.920 where we get 00:18:49.920 --> 00:18:50.559 all these 00:18:50.559 --> 00:18:51.259 names that 00:18:51.259 --> 00:18:52.500 most of us 00:18:52.500 --> 00:18:53.039 probably have 00:18:53.039 --> 00:18:53.920 barely ever 00:18:53.920 --> 00:18:54.519 heard of. 00:18:55.019 --> 00:18:55.700 Some of 00:18:55.700 --> 00:18:56.319 which aren't 00:18:56.319 --> 00:18:57.299 even known 00:18:57.299 --> 00:18:57.860 locations. 00:18:58.200 --> 00:18:58.620 We don't 00:18:58.620 --> 00:18:59.079 even know 00:18:59.079 --> 00:18:59.819 where the 00:18:59.819 --> 00:19:00.599 likes of the 00:19:00.599 --> 00:19:01.880 Sephirad is. 00:19:01.880 --> 00:19:02.880 people are 00:19:02.880 --> 00:19:03.880 going to 00:19:03.880 --> 00:19:03.940 see. 00:19:03.940 --> 00:19:04.760 But what the 00:19:04.760 --> 00:19:05.600 prophet is doing 00:19:05.600 --> 00:19:06.500 here is sort 00:19:06.500 --> 00:19:07.140 of drawing this 00:19:07.140 --> 00:19:07.480 compass. 00:19:08.900 --> 00:19:09.760 In 19, he 00:19:09.760 --> 00:19:10.360 starts with the 00:19:10.360 --> 00:19:11.200 Negev, which is in 00:19:11.200 --> 00:19:12.100 the southern part 00:19:12.100 --> 00:19:13.300 of Judah, and 00:19:13.300 --> 00:19:13.920 then he goes 00:19:13.920 --> 00:19:15.480 east, north, 00:19:15.840 --> 00:19:16.720 west, full 00:19:16.720 --> 00:19:17.160 circle. 00:19:17.520 --> 00:19:18.260 You draw a 00:19:18.260 --> 00:19:18.940 compass and you 00:19:18.940 --> 00:19:19.900 hit all the four 00:19:19.900 --> 00:19:21.560 starred points on 00:19:21.560 --> 00:19:21.900 it, north, 00:19:21.980 --> 00:19:22.380 south, east, 00:19:22.480 --> 00:19:23.580 west, and you 00:19:23.580 --> 00:19:24.640 will see that each 00:19:24.640 --> 00:19:26.220 one of the 00:19:26.220 --> 00:19:27.920 directions of the 00:19:27.920 --> 00:19:28.660 compass will be 00:19:28.660 --> 00:19:29.800 occupied by God's 00:19:29.799 --> 00:19:30.519 people again. 00:19:32.119 --> 00:19:33.079 Verse 20, it's 00:19:33.079 --> 00:19:33.680 similar, but 00:19:33.680 --> 00:19:34.519 instead of the 00:19:34.519 --> 00:19:35.359 four points, it's 00:19:35.359 --> 00:19:36.680 the tippity-top 00:19:36.680 --> 00:19:38.119 recesses of 00:19:38.119 --> 00:19:39.680 Israel to the 00:19:39.680 --> 00:19:40.299 very, very 00:19:40.299 --> 00:19:41.779 bottom reaches of 00:19:41.779 --> 00:19:42.119 Judah. 00:19:42.879 --> 00:19:43.399 Again, the 00:19:43.399 --> 00:19:44.299 exiles of the 00:19:44.299 --> 00:19:44.759 host of the 00:19:44.759 --> 00:19:45.500 people of Israel 00:19:45.500 --> 00:19:46.579 shall possess the 00:19:46.579 --> 00:19:46.940 land of the 00:19:46.940 --> 00:19:47.639 Canaanites as 00:19:47.639 --> 00:19:48.019 far as 00:19:48.019 --> 00:19:48.819 Arafat, as 00:19:48.819 --> 00:19:50.079 north as God 00:19:50.079 --> 00:19:50.779 ever promised 00:19:50.779 --> 00:19:51.839 his people, and 00:19:51.839 --> 00:19:52.680 likewise in the 00:19:52.680 --> 00:19:53.899 south to those 00:19:53.899 --> 00:19:54.700 exiles of 00:19:54.700 --> 00:19:55.220 Jerusalem. 00:19:59.799 --> 00:20:02.579 God's people are 00:20:02.579 --> 00:20:03.159 going to retake 00:20:03.159 --> 00:20:04.559 possession of what 00:20:04.559 --> 00:20:05.319 God had promised 00:20:05.319 --> 00:20:05.839 to them. 00:20:09.099 --> 00:20:10.119 Now God's kind of 00:20:10.119 --> 00:20:11.139 talking crazy, isn't 00:20:11.139 --> 00:20:11.299 he? 00:20:12.299 --> 00:20:13.639 I mean, north, 00:20:13.720 --> 00:20:14.480 south, east, west, 00:20:14.559 --> 00:20:15.700 God, from the far 00:20:15.700 --> 00:20:16.480 north to the far 00:20:16.480 --> 00:20:17.559 south, the fullness 00:20:17.559 --> 00:20:20.480 of restoration to a 00:20:20.480 --> 00:20:21.200 group of people 00:20:21.200 --> 00:20:22.519 carted off to a 00:20:22.519 --> 00:20:23.220 foreign land? 00:20:24.740 --> 00:20:26.059 It seems crazy. 00:20:26.059 --> 00:20:30.740 not to mention, we 00:20:30.740 --> 00:20:32.240 see that now he's 00:20:32.240 --> 00:20:33.359 even bringing the 00:20:33.359 --> 00:20:34.740 northern tribes of 00:20:34.740 --> 00:20:35.579 Israel back into 00:20:35.579 --> 00:20:36.200 the equation. 00:20:38.259 --> 00:20:39.299 That people who, 00:20:39.639 --> 00:20:40.379 when the Assyrians 00:20:40.379 --> 00:20:42.440 came in at 722 and 00:20:42.440 --> 00:20:43.519 exiled all the ten 00:20:43.519 --> 00:20:44.179 tribes, and then 00:20:44.179 --> 00:20:45.480 they drop out of the 00:20:45.480 --> 00:20:46.519 radar of our 00:20:46.519 --> 00:20:46.940 Bibles. 00:20:51.059 --> 00:20:52.179 In verse 20, it 00:20:52.179 --> 00:20:53.240 says the exiles of 00:20:53.240 --> 00:20:54.579 those people, of 00:20:54.579 --> 00:20:55.379 the people of 00:20:55.379 --> 00:20:55.859 Israel. 00:20:56.059 --> 00:20:57.099 Israel will 00:20:57.099 --> 00:20:58.099 repossess land. 00:20:58.980 --> 00:20:59.899 So God has to do 00:20:59.899 --> 00:21:02.059 this huge work to 00:21:02.059 --> 00:21:03.799 orchestrate this kind 00:21:03.799 --> 00:21:04.839 of promise keeping. 00:21:08.440 --> 00:21:09.500 But he keeps his 00:21:09.500 --> 00:21:09.819 promises. 00:21:09.980 --> 00:21:10.859 He's had this great 00:21:10.859 --> 00:21:12.480 track record, right, 00:21:12.659 --> 00:21:13.859 throughout the history 00:21:13.859 --> 00:21:14.639 of the Bible to 00:21:14.639 --> 00:21:15.899 Israel, to all the 00:21:15.899 --> 00:21:16.299 nations. 00:21:17.460 --> 00:21:18.019 And there's no 00:21:18.019 --> 00:21:18.799 Assyrians or 00:21:18.799 --> 00:21:19.879 Babylonians or even 00:21:19.879 --> 00:21:20.519 stiff-necked 00:21:20.519 --> 00:21:22.000 Israelites or any 00:21:22.000 --> 00:21:22.859 amount of wrongdoing 00:21:22.859 --> 00:21:23.399 that's going to 00:21:23.399 --> 00:21:24.559 prevent our God from 00:21:24.559 --> 00:21:25.960 following through for 00:21:25.960 --> 00:21:26.920 his people and 00:21:26.920 --> 00:21:27.799 keeping all of his 00:21:27.799 --> 00:21:28.319 promises. 00:21:31.360 --> 00:21:32.460 We see shortly 00:21:32.460 --> 00:21:33.700 after Obadiah was 00:21:33.700 --> 00:21:36.420 written, year 553 BC, 00:21:36.799 --> 00:21:40.079 Edom is besieged and 00:21:40.079 --> 00:21:40.840 ceases to be a 00:21:40.840 --> 00:21:41.140 nation. 00:21:43.079 --> 00:21:44.539 Then just 15 years 00:21:44.539 --> 00:21:46.460 later, we see it 00:21:46.460 --> 00:21:47.579 recorded in the book 00:21:47.579 --> 00:21:48.920 of Ezra, chapter 1, 00:21:49.620 --> 00:21:50.799 King Cyrus, this 00:21:50.799 --> 00:21:52.279 foreign king, allows the 00:21:52.279 --> 00:21:55.160 Jews to return home and 00:21:55.160 --> 00:21:56.259 to start rebuilding 00:21:56.259 --> 00:21:58.720 their temple, to 00:21:58.720 --> 00:21:59.839 re-fortify their 00:21:59.839 --> 00:22:00.399 cities. 00:22:00.960 --> 00:22:02.920 And we see God meant 00:22:02.920 --> 00:22:03.960 what he said. 00:22:04.960 --> 00:22:05.660 He keeps his 00:22:05.660 --> 00:22:06.299 promises. 00:22:08.819 --> 00:22:10.599 We rejoice today, too, 00:22:10.660 --> 00:22:11.940 because if he kept his 00:22:11.940 --> 00:22:13.599 promises beyond the 00:22:13.599 --> 00:22:14.700 destruction of Israel, 00:22:15.079 --> 00:22:16.539 beyond the exile of his 00:22:16.539 --> 00:22:21.539 people, he did so so 00:22:21.539 --> 00:22:23.220 that Christ would be 00:22:23.220 --> 00:22:26.059 born, that Jesus would 00:22:26.059 --> 00:22:27.299 be born into a world 00:22:27.299 --> 00:22:28.480 through the line of 00:22:28.480 --> 00:22:29.379 Abraham, through the 00:22:29.379 --> 00:22:30.619 line of David to rescue 00:22:30.619 --> 00:22:31.940 humanity from the grip 00:22:31.940 --> 00:22:32.460 of sin. 00:22:34.000 --> 00:22:36.279 So there is hope, real 00:22:36.279 --> 00:22:37.980 and lasting hope, because 00:22:37.980 --> 00:22:39.200 our God keeps his 00:22:39.200 --> 00:22:39.740 promises. 00:22:39.740 --> 00:22:40.019 promises. 00:22:44.920 --> 00:22:46.700 As people, we need to 00:22:46.700 --> 00:22:47.700 cling to this hope. 00:22:48.819 --> 00:22:51.380 Not a wishful thinking 00:22:51.380 --> 00:22:52.599 kind of hope, not just 00:22:52.599 --> 00:22:53.920 this pleasantries that 00:22:53.920 --> 00:22:55.640 kind of tides us over, 00:22:55.779 --> 00:22:57.460 not this hollow sort of 00:22:57.460 --> 00:22:59.720 isn't really true hope, 00:22:59.920 --> 00:23:01.539 but real hope, because 00:23:01.539 --> 00:23:02.819 Jesus is alive. 00:23:05.859 --> 00:23:07.220 So let me just encourage 00:23:07.220 --> 00:23:08.940 this morning that in 00:23:08.940 --> 00:23:09.880 light of the promises 00:23:09.880 --> 00:23:11.320 of God, that if you 00:23:11.320 --> 00:23:12.019 haven't done this 00:23:12.019 --> 00:23:12.820 already, that you 00:23:12.820 --> 00:23:13.820 start kind of making 00:23:13.820 --> 00:23:15.460 this mental Rolodex. 00:23:16.860 --> 00:23:18.279 Maybe you write them 00:23:18.279 --> 00:23:19.460 out on a three-by-five 00:23:19.460 --> 00:23:20.559 card, but you start 00:23:20.559 --> 00:23:21.740 writing out the 00:23:21.740 --> 00:23:22.799 promises of God, and 00:23:22.799 --> 00:23:23.840 you keep them near, 00:23:24.380 --> 00:23:25.420 because no doubt, 00:23:25.680 --> 00:23:26.799 there's coming times, 00:23:26.880 --> 00:23:27.799 and you've experienced 00:23:27.799 --> 00:23:28.799 them plenty already. 00:23:29.120 --> 00:23:30.200 There's day after day 00:23:30.200 --> 00:23:31.400 after day when we need 00:23:31.400 --> 00:23:32.220 God's promises. 00:23:32.400 --> 00:23:33.220 We need to recall 00:23:33.220 --> 00:23:35.180 them to mind, so that 00:23:35.180 --> 00:23:36.340 we don't get discouraged, 00:23:36.500 --> 00:23:37.279 so that we don't lose 00:23:37.279 --> 00:23:38.880 hope in his promise 00:23:38.880 --> 00:23:39.880 and in his goodness. 00:23:42.500 --> 00:23:45.260 For example, is anybody 00:23:45.260 --> 00:23:46.400 feeling condemned and 00:23:46.400 --> 00:23:47.380 defeated by sin? 00:23:48.760 --> 00:23:50.360 Bring the promise of 00:23:50.360 --> 00:23:51.760 1 John 1, 9 to mind, 00:23:52.080 --> 00:23:53.220 that he who is faithful 00:23:53.220 --> 00:23:54.260 and just, when we 00:23:54.260 --> 00:23:55.920 confess our sins, he 00:23:55.920 --> 00:23:57.380 will forgive us and 00:23:57.380 --> 00:23:58.600 cleanse us from all 00:23:58.600 --> 00:23:59.540 unrighteousness. 00:24:00.000 --> 00:24:01.260 Put that promise in your 00:24:01.260 --> 00:24:01.900 Rolodex. 00:24:03.100 --> 00:24:04.360 Maybe you're overwhelmed, 00:24:04.520 --> 00:24:05.280 and you don't know how to 00:24:05.280 --> 00:24:06.660 pray, and you remember the 00:24:06.660 --> 00:24:08.040 promises of Romans 8 that 00:24:08.040 --> 00:24:09.160 says, the Holy Spirit 00:24:09.160 --> 00:24:10.100 helps us in our 00:24:10.100 --> 00:24:11.940 weaknesses, and when we 00:24:11.940 --> 00:24:12.759 don't know how to pray, 00:24:12.960 --> 00:24:14.180 he intercedes and prays 00:24:14.180 --> 00:24:14.779 for us. 00:24:14.920 --> 00:24:16.100 Anybody need that promise? 00:24:18.380 --> 00:24:19.140 Maybe you're feeling 00:24:19.140 --> 00:24:22.060 alone for God. 00:24:24.860 --> 00:24:26.080 You pull out the promise 00:24:26.080 --> 00:24:28.040 from Hebrews chapter 13 00:24:28.040 --> 00:24:29.000 verse 5 that says, 00:24:29.120 --> 00:24:30.279 behold, I will never leave 00:24:30.279 --> 00:24:31.340 you nor forsake you, and 00:24:31.340 --> 00:24:32.519 you say, that's my God. 00:24:32.519 --> 00:24:34.440 He keeps his promises to 00:24:34.440 --> 00:24:34.720 me. 00:24:37.740 --> 00:24:38.900 Maybe you're questioning 00:24:38.900 --> 00:24:40.099 salvation, or you've 00:24:40.099 --> 00:24:41.299 questioned in the past, 00:24:41.500 --> 00:24:42.539 and you pull out the 00:24:42.539 --> 00:24:43.279 promise that says, 00:24:43.720 --> 00:24:44.879 everyone, everyone, 00:24:45.220 --> 00:24:46.779 everyone who calls upon 00:24:46.779 --> 00:24:47.940 the name of the Lord will 00:24:47.940 --> 00:24:48.700 be saved. 00:24:48.960 --> 00:24:49.740 And you say, amen. 00:24:50.019 --> 00:24:51.400 I never have to wonder. 00:24:52.460 --> 00:24:53.299 God is faithful. 00:24:53.440 --> 00:24:54.519 He keeps his promises, 00:24:54.700 --> 00:24:55.779 and that one's for me. 00:24:57.619 --> 00:24:58.839 Cling to his promises, 00:24:59.059 --> 00:24:59.400 church. 00:24:59.400 --> 00:25:02.880 Not in wishful thinking, 00:25:03.060 --> 00:25:04.180 but by faith, knowing 00:25:04.180 --> 00:25:06.160 that Jesus is alive and 00:25:06.160 --> 00:25:06.780 on the throne. 00:25:07.660 --> 00:25:09.000 And every promise of God 00:25:09.000 --> 00:25:10.320 is yes and amen in him. 00:25:12.500 --> 00:25:13.519 Hope in your sovereign 00:25:13.519 --> 00:25:14.660 king, church, because he 00:25:14.660 --> 00:25:15.500 keeps his promises. 00:25:18.519 --> 00:25:19.640 Finally, as we move back 00:25:19.640 --> 00:25:20.720 to the text, we see a 00:25:20.720 --> 00:25:21.940 third truth about God. 00:25:23.320 --> 00:25:24.620 It stirs our hearts full 00:25:24.620 --> 00:25:25.040 of hope. 00:25:26.980 --> 00:25:28.140 It's found in this verse 00:25:28.140 --> 00:25:29.380 21, this kind of last 00:25:29.380 --> 00:25:31.260 phrase of Obadiah. 00:25:32.320 --> 00:25:34.320 It's his truth, that his 00:25:34.320 --> 00:25:35.240 kingdom is forever. 00:25:37.020 --> 00:25:38.440 His kingdom is forever. 00:25:41.640 --> 00:25:43.480 It seems like all along, 00:25:43.760 --> 00:25:45.000 the prophet Obadiah has 00:25:45.000 --> 00:25:45.820 been speaking to his 00:25:45.820 --> 00:25:47.200 people, hey, appearances 00:25:47.200 --> 00:25:48.300 can be deceiving. 00:25:49.840 --> 00:25:50.360 Right? 00:25:51.720 --> 00:25:53.100 In the ancient Near 00:25:53.100 --> 00:25:54.240 Eastern culture, the 00:25:54.240 --> 00:25:55.500 strength of a nation's 00:25:55.500 --> 00:25:56.920 deity, their God, was 00:25:56.920 --> 00:25:58.520 seen in military victory 00:25:58.519 --> 00:25:59.740 and in prosperity and 00:25:59.740 --> 00:26:00.099 wealth. 00:26:01.460 --> 00:26:02.980 And here God's speaking 00:26:02.980 --> 00:26:05.500 to Israel after they've 00:26:05.500 --> 00:26:06.220 been exiled. 00:26:07.660 --> 00:26:09.480 Saying, appearances can be 00:26:09.480 --> 00:26:09.980 deceiving. 00:26:09.980 --> 00:26:17.019 God ends this oracle saying, the 00:26:17.019 --> 00:26:19.299 kingdom shall be the Lord's. 00:26:22.440 --> 00:26:24.440 And again, he's not just 00:26:24.440 --> 00:26:25.640 talking crazy, but now he's 00:26:25.640 --> 00:26:26.960 got some explaining to do. 00:26:27.920 --> 00:26:29.160 It appears as though the 00:26:29.160 --> 00:26:30.680 Babylonian's deity is much 00:26:30.680 --> 00:26:32.559 stronger than Israel's. 00:26:33.480 --> 00:26:35.099 That Yahweh has finally met his 00:26:35.099 --> 00:26:36.759 match and he's defeated and his 00:26:36.759 --> 00:26:37.859 people are undone. 00:26:39.180 --> 00:26:40.960 But it's not so, God says. 00:26:41.440 --> 00:26:42.799 Dominion and authority have 00:26:42.799 --> 00:26:44.220 never changed hands. 00:26:45.259 --> 00:26:46.400 And they never will. 00:26:48.500 --> 00:26:50.339 Our God is in the heavens. 00:26:51.559 --> 00:26:52.940 He does all that he pleases. 00:26:54.079 --> 00:26:54.879 Psalm 115. 00:26:55.220 --> 00:26:55.819 Psalm 115. 00:26:57.900 --> 00:26:59.859 So we know that whether God is 00:26:59.859 --> 00:27:01.819 speaking to exiles who have been 00:27:01.819 --> 00:27:03.460 recently conquered and shipped off 00:27:03.460 --> 00:27:05.319 to Babylon, or if he's speaking to 00:27:05.319 --> 00:27:07.000 the 21st century church being 00:27:07.000 --> 00:27:08.759 persecuted in every corner of the 00:27:08.759 --> 00:27:11.679 world, or speaking to you in your 00:27:11.679 --> 00:27:14.119 personal battle with disease or 00:27:14.119 --> 00:27:17.980 conflict, God's kingdom is forever. 00:27:19.839 --> 00:27:21.200 He is on the throne. 00:27:21.700 --> 00:27:23.839 And all of history is moving toward 00:27:23.839 --> 00:27:25.960 the day when we will see him. 00:27:26.639 --> 00:27:29.740 When appearances align with reality. 00:27:31.059 --> 00:27:32.919 We never have to wonder again. 00:27:32.920 --> 00:27:37.940 Every eye will see him on that day. 00:27:40.279 --> 00:27:42.980 The book of Obadiah begins, if you 00:27:42.980 --> 00:27:44.539 remember from last week, it begins 00:27:44.539 --> 00:27:48.300 with this, thus says the Lord God. 00:27:49.880 --> 00:27:52.580 It begins with the one true living God 00:27:52.580 --> 00:27:55.140 who rules over all things as he wills. 00:27:55.960 --> 00:27:58.420 Who has no rival to his throne and will 00:27:58.420 --> 00:28:01.800 one day fully vindicate his name against 00:28:01.800 --> 00:28:03.200 all unrighteousness. 00:28:05.039 --> 00:28:06.960 And the book ends the same way. 00:28:07.900 --> 00:28:10.300 The kingdom, the dominion, the rule, the 00:28:10.300 --> 00:28:14.259 authority, the power will be the Lord's. 00:28:15.700 --> 00:28:17.460 And in the middle of the book, you guessed 00:28:17.460 --> 00:28:18.480 it, it's the same. 00:28:18.980 --> 00:28:21.100 Over and over and over again. 00:28:21.220 --> 00:28:23.580 In verse 2, Almighty God promises to 00:28:23.580 --> 00:28:26.660 bring this proud and arrogant nation of 00:28:26.660 --> 00:28:28.720 Edom down from his mountainous pride. 00:28:30.060 --> 00:28:32.620 Verse 7, Yahweh says, I'll turn 00:28:32.620 --> 00:28:34.600 Edom's allies into his enemies. 00:28:34.800 --> 00:28:36.259 He won't know where it's coming from, 00:28:36.340 --> 00:28:38.279 but his armies will be dismayed and 00:28:38.279 --> 00:28:39.380 they will be crushed. 00:28:41.279 --> 00:28:43.259 God says, surely on that day, in verses 00:28:43.259 --> 00:28:45.540 8 and 9, I will cut off the nation of 00:28:45.540 --> 00:28:45.800 Edom. 00:28:45.960 --> 00:28:46.680 And he did. 00:28:48.060 --> 00:28:48.800 He did. 00:28:50.080 --> 00:28:51.740 Because his kingdom is forever and he 00:28:51.740 --> 00:28:58.039 will not, he will not abide any sort of 00:28:58.039 --> 00:28:58.940 enemies to that. 00:29:00.180 --> 00:29:02.220 Verses 10 to 14, it just goes on and the 00:29:02.220 --> 00:29:03.880 Lord says, I know, Edom, I know all of 00:29:03.880 --> 00:29:05.660 your transgressions against your brother 00:29:05.660 --> 00:29:06.519 Israel. 00:29:06.880 --> 00:29:08.599 And he names them one after the other, 00:29:08.660 --> 00:29:09.839 after the other, after the other. 00:29:10.259 --> 00:29:12.299 It started in your heart and it just is 00:29:12.299 --> 00:29:14.339 displayed and even turning God's own 00:29:14.339 --> 00:29:16.240 people back toward their captors. 00:29:17.140 --> 00:29:18.579 Rejoicing over their suffering. 00:29:18.579 --> 00:29:22.839 And so he says in verses 15 and 16 that 00:29:22.839 --> 00:29:25.759 justice is coming, not just upon Edom, 00:29:25.819 --> 00:29:28.740 but upon all the nations because God 00:29:28.740 --> 00:29:31.480 knows all things and is above all things 00:29:31.480 --> 00:29:32.759 and he alone is judge. 00:29:34.599 --> 00:29:36.659 He then promises deliverance and 00:29:36.659 --> 00:29:39.619 restoration and victory and he means it. 00:29:41.879 --> 00:29:44.819 And he's able to do even far more 00:29:44.819 --> 00:29:46.839 abundantly than all that we ask or think 00:29:46.839 --> 00:29:49.500 because he's God and he has no equal. 00:29:51.259 --> 00:29:53.279 So he says to Israel and he says to us 00:29:53.279 --> 00:29:55.359 today that appearances may be deceiving, 00:29:55.559 --> 00:29:57.639 friends, but God's word is always true. 00:29:58.539 --> 00:30:00.099 He is in control. 00:30:00.819 --> 00:30:02.659 His kingdom is forever. 00:30:05.819 --> 00:30:07.720 What appeared to be the end of the nation 00:30:07.720 --> 00:30:10.299 of Israel was actually God ensuring that 00:30:10.299 --> 00:30:12.539 his will would be done for Israel and for 00:30:12.539 --> 00:30:13.759 all the nations. 00:30:15.839 --> 00:30:18.799 Little less than 600 years after Obadiah 00:30:18.799 --> 00:30:23.139 wrote this oracle, our Jesus was born. 00:30:25.039 --> 00:30:27.200 He was the son of Abraham, son of David. 00:30:29.879 --> 00:30:32.639 God promised over and over and over again 00:30:32.639 --> 00:30:34.159 that his Messiah would come. 00:30:35.480 --> 00:30:38.940 He would come from Judah in the line of 00:30:38.940 --> 00:30:39.539 King David. 00:30:40.320 --> 00:30:42.460 He would sit on David's throne forever. 00:30:44.059 --> 00:30:46.539 He would be given dominion over all things. 00:30:49.240 --> 00:30:50.299 His name is Jesus. 00:30:52.940 --> 00:30:55.279 He is right now seated at the right hand of 00:30:55.279 --> 00:30:56.500 majesty on high. 00:30:57.660 --> 00:31:00.200 He right now is upholding the universe by the 00:31:00.200 --> 00:31:01.140 word of his power. 00:31:02.880 --> 00:31:05.299 He has promised to come again to judge all 00:31:05.299 --> 00:31:07.360 people in all nations according to what they 00:31:07.359 --> 00:31:07.839 have done. 00:31:09.379 --> 00:31:12.519 And when he comes, the victory that he brings, 00:31:12.599 --> 00:31:15.079 he will gather people from all the four 00:31:15.079 --> 00:31:17.719 compass directions, from the four corners 00:31:17.719 --> 00:31:19.479 of the world, he will gather his people to 00:31:19.479 --> 00:31:20.359 himself forever. 00:31:22.500 --> 00:31:25.579 Deliverance will come for the people of God. 00:31:27.039 --> 00:31:28.399 Jesus will bring it. 00:31:32.000 --> 00:31:35.399 Listen to Revelation 5 and this scene of 00:31:35.400 --> 00:31:39.060 worship after Jesus has come back. 00:31:39.060 --> 00:31:42.860 And John writes this. 00:31:43.180 --> 00:31:46.000 Then I looked and I heard around the throne and 00:31:46.000 --> 00:31:48.220 the living creatures and the elders, the voice of 00:31:48.220 --> 00:31:52.300 many angels numbering myriads of myriads and 00:31:52.300 --> 00:31:54.900 thousands of thousands saying with a loud voice, 00:31:56.340 --> 00:32:01.080 worthy is the lamb who was slain to receive power and 00:32:01.079 --> 00:32:05.019 wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and 00:32:05.019 --> 00:32:05.519 blessing. 00:32:07.139 --> 00:32:10.819 And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and 00:32:10.819 --> 00:32:13.299 under the earth and in the sea and all that is in them 00:32:13.299 --> 00:32:18.720 saying to him who sits on the throne and to the lamb be 00:32:18.720 --> 00:32:24.220 blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever. 00:32:24.220 --> 00:32:29.579 And the four living creatures said amen and the elders fell 00:32:29.579 --> 00:32:31.220 down and worshiped. 00:32:36.680 --> 00:32:39.940 Through and through in our Bibles we see that our God's 00:32:39.940 --> 00:32:41.000 kingdom is forever. 00:32:43.000 --> 00:32:47.299 Should give us great hope in the midst of adversity and 00:32:47.299 --> 00:32:49.680 suffering and the perplexities of life. 00:32:49.680 --> 00:32:56.960 God's kingdom is forever and Jesus is king forever. 00:32:59.279 --> 00:33:06.279 Christ the king today, store this word in your heart. 00:33:08.220 --> 00:33:12.440 Abide in this goodness that we are to hope together in our 00:33:12.440 --> 00:33:13.519 sovereign king. 00:33:13.519 --> 00:33:20.180 We are to hope in him because he is just, because he keeps his 00:33:20.180 --> 00:33:23.920 promises, and because his kingdom is forever. 00:33:25.220 --> 00:33:25.940 Let's pray. 00:33:31.799 --> 00:33:37.740 Father, would you impart faith by your spirit that we might go 00:33:37.740 --> 00:33:39.579 away satisfied in Christ. 00:33:39.579 --> 00:33:43.720 Help us to hope in you despite appearances. 00:33:45.980 --> 00:33:47.939 Give us grace for everything we need. 00:33:50.199 --> 00:33:51.899 We worship and adore you, God. 00:33:52.939 --> 00:33:54.259 Pray in Jesus' name. 00:33:54.779 --> 00:33:55.039 Amen.