By Toni Ford
Have you ever read Obadiah, the shortest book in the Old Testament? This minor prophet often gets overlooked and may not be the most popular book in the Bible. However, the end of Obadiah contains three incredible promises from God to the Jewish people. Obadiah serves as a reminder that, regardless of the circumstances on earth, God’s promises to His people will prevail. The good news is that, as we see in Romans 11:17-24, we Gentiles—people from the nations—have been grafted in, allowing us to be recipients of these promises as well.
Romans 11:17-24 tells us, “But if some of the branches were broken off and you—being a wild olive—were grafted in among them and became a partaker of the root of the olive tree with its richness, do not boast against the branches. But if you do boast, it is not you who support the root but the root supports you. You will say then, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.” True enough. They were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but fear— for if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will He spare you. Notice then the kindness and severity of God: severity toward those who fell; but God’s kindness toward you, if you continue in His kindness; otherwise you too will be cut off! And they also, if they do not continue in their unbelief, will be grafted in; for God is able to graft them in again. For if you were cut out of that which by nature is a wild olive tree, and grafted contrary to nature into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these natural branches be grafted into their own olive tree?”
This week alone, I have needed to be reminded of these promises in my own life. I pray they will serve as a reminder for you as well.
• God will deliver you – Obadiah 1: 17 “And the people of Israel will come back to reclaim their inheritance.” I love those words in verse 17 “will come back.” What do you need to be delivered or brought back from in your own life? Is it an unhealthy relationship, a sickness, an addiction, or a certain sin? Whatever it is, our God is big enough to deliver us from whatever is holding us back. Our part is to surrender to Him and trust Him to work in our lives. God can deliver you even today!
• God will protect you – When I think of the word protect, I also think of a covering, a shield, or someone who defends me. God wants to be all those things for you and in your life. He is your defender. He covers you and is your shield of protection! God is always going before us to protect us. He is both our front guard and our rear guard!
• God will establish you – v 21 “Those who have been rescued will go up to Mount Zion in Jerusalem to rule over the mountain of Edom. And the Lord Himself will be king!!” Webster defines the word “establish” as “to institute permanently,” or “to make firm or stable.” This promise stood out to me, maybe because recently in my life I have needed this one the most. There are times when I don’t feel very confident or secure and I need God to establish, stable, and make firm my ways both within my mind and the path ahead of me. I can walk more securely and with a greater confidence knowing God is my establisher!
Father, we thank You for being our deliverer from things that have held us down or that we have allowed to keep us from You. Please help us surrender those things to You today so that You can bring the freedom we need. Thank You for going before us and protecting us. We may never know this side of heaven how many times You have protected us but we want to stop today and say, “Thank-You.” We ask You today to “establish” us, set us on solid ground, giving us the stability and confidence we need in You. For all these things we look to You and say, we love You!
If you would like continued prayer, feel free to email me at tonif77@gmail.com.
