Obadiah

Message: This is a prophecy against Edom for its treatment of Judah. These two nations rivalry began as a rivalry between two brothers--Jacob and Esau. Years later, their people are still dealing with the same tension.

The message here is also that God's people will always came back on top. And only because he calls them His people. He has set them apart. And many other people will be judged because of their bad behavior or their sin. The message here is not that obedience results in acceptance. It's that disobedience results in rejection. Acceptance is based on being chosen.

Time: The exile of Judah into Babylon. It is thought that this is similar to the time of Lamentations, that is 586 BC.

What the Lord is Saying:
Let's attack Edom.

Your pride has deceived you. The view you had of yourself let you down. You think you are strong because of where you live and the safety of your surroundings and your location, being high in the mountains. But, nothing is out of reach for the Lord.

When thieves come, though they still, they often still have a heart and leave behind something for the poor. But, not so when the Lord comes for you. Nothing will be salvaged. Everything will be taken. Those that you thought were on your side will turn against you. They may offer peace, but they will only plotting to deceive and destroy. Friends you trusted will trap you. There will be no wisdom left in Edom. All will be removed.

Why?

Because of the way you treatment Judah. As they were being attacked you stood by and did nothing. Before attackers came you were their friends, but as they were attacked, you became an enemy. But, you also gloated over them. You rejoiced in their misfortune. You stole from them when they were at their weakest. You acted as judge and jury.

But, don't think for a moment that God isn't always in control. God will judge all godless nations. Your evil deeds will fall back on you. Nations will disappear.

However, Jerusalem will be a refuge. And a place that will welcome escapee's. Edom will be no more (today this is southern Jordan). God's people will take over this land.

Problem: Sin always has a consequence.

Promise: God's people will be rescued by Him.

Psalm 2

Message: Nations and people may plot and devise plans against the Lord and take stands that God is not real or think that His ways are not real, but God is there. He is in control. The world exists because of God. He holds all things together. We don't serve our plans, but rather we serve the Lord and His plans for us.

Time: Not sure if this refers to a time period or is more in general speaking of Israel and how nations are instruments of the Lord, set up by Him, and controlled by Him.

What the Lord is Saying:
On the heals of reading Lamentations, where we see the sorrow of Jerusalem at the hands of being judged by Babylon. We must remember that God uses Babylon as the judge. Babylon does not act independent of God. God is always at work. So, it makes me think, anytime we see a nation at war or the people suffering, is their a judgment of this people occurring by God? Because in the Bible, this is what we see.

An outline by William Barrick, professor at the Masters Seminary:
I. The World Conspires against Their King (2:1-3)
  -- Rulers plot against the Lord. They have anger. They make plans, but those plans are futile. They think they can free themselves from the Lord.
II. The Father Confirms His King (2:4-6)
 -- But the Lord laughs at those that think they can make plans against Him and against His people and against His Chosen Nation, against the King of Jerusalem.
III. The Father Confirms the Son (2:7-9)
 -- This outline speaks of the Father confirming His Son. The Son is mentioned. Is this Jesus? In verse 6, someone is referenced as the King of Jerusalem. Is this Jesus? I'm reminded of the David and Giants song that Jesus is the King of the Jews and Jesus, when crucified, is charged with being the King of the Jews. So, that seems to confirm it. 
IV. The World Contemplates the Son (2:10-12)
 -- So, Nations, consider God's Son. He is the Ruler of you and you must submit to Him. 


Promise: This Psalm ends with a great promise. "What joy for all who take refuge in Him." The entire Psalm is people plotting against the Lord, the Lord, upholding His domininion and power, the Lord upholding His Son and nations must bow before the Lord. And then the encouragement to those that do follow the Son, here we have the promise. There is joy for all who take refuge in Him. We have joy when we hide ourselves in Him.

Lamentations 5

Message: A prayer to the Lord from the children of Jerusalem. God's relationship with Judah has been strained, but not snuffed out.

Time: Jerusalem, in mourning, after it's fall, in 586 BC at the hands of the Assyrians (Babylon).

What the Lord is Saying:

Lord, remember us
Disgraced
Strangers possess our inheritance
Orphans
Fatherless
Widowed
Must buy water
Must buy warmth
No rest
Our slaves are our masters
No one left to rescue us
Enemies rape our women
Princes hanged
Boys must work
Joy has left

We have sinned

Lord, you remain forever
Your throne continues
Restore us Lord
Bring us back to You
Bring back our joys

Don't be angry with us

Promise: Forgiveness is near. In the end, our trust must turn to the Lord. Always turn to prayer, even when things seem hopeless.

Lamentations 4

Message: A song of sorrow. This one begins from a different perspective. Each chapter seems to have a different perspective.

Time:  Jerusalem, in mourning, after it's fall, in 586 BC at the hands of the Assyrians (Babylon).

What the Lord is saying:

Possessions
Gold lost its shine. Dull.
Riches are scattered

People
The children of Jerusalem are treated like pots of clay.
The cries of people are ignored.
There is no food for the children.
Those with much now have nothing and are beggars.
Their guilt is greater than those of Sodom.
Princes once sparkled in appearance, now they are black, dry.
Those killed by the sword are better off than these beggars.
Women have cooked their own children to survive.

Why all of this? Sin. [We should see in this that God makes a big deal out of sin.]

They couldn't flee. Their enemies were always waiting for them. God did not shield them. People were caught in the snare they set up for themselves.

Promise: May these words remind us of the importance of the sin in our lives. We must surrender to the Lord. We must accept His provision in our life.

Lamentations 3

Message: A song of sorrow, from the 3rd person perspective.

Time:  Jerusalem, in mourning, after it's fall, in 586 BC at the hands of the Assyrians (Babylon).

What the Lord is Saying: From the perspective of this individual, the Lord's anger is being manifested in this person's life.

My condition
Led into darkness and shutting out light
Turned his hand against me
Made my skin and flesh age
My bones feel broken
I'm surrounded with anguish and distress
I feel like I'm in the darkness that the dead occupy
I am walled in and cannot escape
I pray, but nothing is heard
I can't leap forward, I am blocked
My path is not straight
I feel like prey, waiting to be attacked
I am in pieces, helpless, devastated
I am a target for a bow and arrow
I am laughed at
I am bitter
I have no peace
I can't remember anything well done to me
My hope is over; I am lost
I grieve over my loss

My hope
Yet I hope
God's love never ends.
His love is faithful
His mercies never cease
Great is His faithfulness
His mercies are new
My greatest inheritance is from the Lord
My hope is only in Him
He is good to me
He is there for me
I can wait
Salvation is from the Lord
His discipline is right for me

My response because of His doing
I can be silent in what the Lord demands
We can turn the other cheek when insults come from our enemies
God does not abandon us
Grief may come from Him, but He shows kindness
His unfailing love is great
God does not enjoy hurting people or causing them sorrow
God is there for those who receive the injustice of other men
God's justice is correct
Our sins need to be punished

I will look to Him
So I will examine my ways
I will turn to the Lord
I will lift my hearts and hands to God in heaven
For I have sinned
I have rebelled
Your anger has engulfed us

Though I doubt
We don't feel Your mercy
We feel out of sight
Our prayers seem like they go nowhere
We feel discarded
Because of our enemies, we feel fear
Trapped
Devastated
Ruined
Tearful, endlessly
Until the Lord looks down
Enemies hunt me down
I am thrown in a pit
Water is over me

You are there God
But I call on the Lord
From the deep pit and hear hears my cry
He comes when I call
and tells me to not fear

You are in charge of all
You are the lawyer that pleads my case
You have redeemed my life
You see the wrong done to me
You are my judge
Prove me right
You see the vengeful plans of my enemies
You have heard the vile names at me
You know all their plans
Pay them back Lord for their evil
Give them hard and stubborn hearts
Let your curse fall on them
Chase them down
Destroy them

Promise: God is there, always. His judgment is necessary. His way is right. Ours is not always. He loves to bless us. He does not like to judge us or chastise us. But He is Holy and therefore hates sin. And when sin enters, wrath must result.

Lamentations 2

Message: A song of sorrow.

Time: Jerusalem, in mourning, after it's fall, in 586 BC at the hands of the Assyrians (Babylon).

What the Lord is Saying: In His anger, in His wrath, with no mercy, like an enemy. The Lord has done what He purposed. He has carried out His word.

If once strong, Jerusalem is now weak. Jerusalem is under a cloud. The kingdom and its rulers are now in dishonor. He has cut down their might. His fury has been poured out like fire. He has laid in ruins its defenses (borders) and destroyed the palaces. Mourning and lamentation have been multiplied by order from the Lord. The Lord has caused them to forget Sabbath and festival are forgotten. Prophets no longer receive visions from the Lord. They are no longer effective. Young/old women, infants, babies are all affected.

Promise:  The Lord keeps His promises, even when those promises mean suffering for His people. His scripture should always be taken seriously.

Lamentations 1

Message: A song of sorrow. Key: We need to mourn when the wicked fall even when their punishment is deserved. When people go astray, our response should be one of sadness.

Time: Jerusalem, in mourning, after it's fall, in 586 BC at the hands of the Assyrians (Babylon).

What the Lord is Saying:
The city was full of people, but now it is empty, like a widow. She was great. A once princess has become a slave. She has no one to comfort her as she weeps. Past friends are present enemies. She is pursued and cannot rest. The roads to the City (to Zion) mourn. No festivals. Her enemies prosper. Her majesty has departed. Her foes had their way with her. It is a filthy place to be. She is uncovered. And no one to comfort her. In the past, many were forbidden to come to the City. Now, all are there. The people search for food. They are waiting for compassion from others as they believe their sorrow is great.

I am put in the path of those that are stronger than me. The enemy has prevailed. My idols (lovers) can't save me now. My stomach churns. My enemies rejoice over my condition.

So be it. Let them deal with me. My heart is faint.

Problem:
She has sinned. Grievously. Only thought of the now, never the future. She has rebelled against His Word. She has lovers (false Gods). She has been rebellious. All my transgressions.