September 9, 2013 (Lamentations 1-2; Obadiah; Revelation 14)
From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:
Scripture: “You have been deceived by your own pride because you live in a rock fortress and make your home high in the mountains.’Who can ever reach us way up here?’ you ask boastfully.” Obadiah 3 NLT
Observation: Edom was Judah’s southern neighbor, sharing a common boundary. But neighbors are not always friends, and Edom liked nothing about Judah. Edom’s capital at this time was Sela, a city considered safe and secure because it was cut into rock cliffs and set in a canyon that could be entered only through a narrow gap. What Edom perceived as its strengths would become its downfall. Trusting safely in the strength of their stone walls, God would send them plummeting from the heights; boasting proudly in their self-sufficiency, God would humble them; relying on their great wealth, God would allow thieves to steal all they had; partnering with their allies, yet God would cause them to turn against Edom; depending on the wisdom of wise men, the wise would be destroyed. All of this happened because God was not put first and trusted in the most. There is no lasting security apart from a right relationship with God.
Application: Selfish pride has been the downfall of many people and many nations. When people begin to trust in the created, rather than the Creator, they are wandering down a road that leads to many hardships. All of the gifts, talents and abilities we possess come from the Lord. The blessings we enjoy, the health we rest in, the power over others we’ve been trusted with are all given by the Master intended to be used in ways that glorify Him. We wander off the straight and narrow path when we focus our eyes on our own strength, riches and abilities. Christ is our only strength and provision. He alone lifts up, and He alone gives the order to bring down. No nation rises without His authority and no nation is brought down without his approval. We must be careful to walk in ways that are pleasing to Him because He alone has the power to lift us up, or humble us down.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for this day. Thank You for Your mercy and grace that provide and protect me every day. Thank You for being my strength and provision. Forgive me for acting as if You’re not enough. You know the battles I face and the heartache I suffer, may Your mercy and grace sustain me in these moments of weakness. Come to my aid Lord, You are my only hope. Nevertheless not my will but Yours be done, in Jesus name, Amen!