Obadiah just has one chapter. Its main lesson is pointed at Edom, who will be judged for how they treated Judah. Those who do evil against God’s children will be judged and punished for their actions, even though they were done against a rebellious nation. Israel’s sin doesn’t excuse the sin of others. Two wrongs don’t make a right.

God warns them, “As you have done, it shall be done to you; your deeds shall return on your own head.”

There is a list of things God points out. They shouldn’t rejoice over those coming to ruin and be happy over their distress. Nor are they to take advantage of their misfortune and suffering.

Our Biblical teaching and example is to love our enemies, to do good to those who mistreat you, to forgive those who sin against you, even if they haven’t asked for forgiveness. We’re to treat others how we want to be treated.

For all the dire warnings in Scripture that are carried out, God is not a God of doom and gloom. He’s not a God of death and destruction. He is a God of hope, life, and restoration.

Satan is the one who steals, kills, and destroys. Don’t confuse the two. Satan wants to be God. He wants to twist thinking. He wants you blaming God for death and destruction, for what’s been stolen from your life. He loves to shift blame. It’s the second sin he taught mankind. The first was how to be prideful and play God.

But for those who humble themselves and call on God to save them, there is always hope. God is not out to destroy, but to save. There will always be a remnant. “But in Mount Zion there shall be those who escape, and it shall be holy.”

Escape to the Lord. Separate yourself to Him. Hide in His holy hill, in the shadow of His wings.