The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Obadiah 1:1-4, The vision of Obadiah. “Thus says the Lord GOD concerning Edom—
we have heard a report from the LORD, and an envoy has been sent among the nations saying, ‘Arise and let us go against her for battle‘ —
2 ‘Behold, I will make you small among the nations; you are greatly despised.
3 ‘The arrogance of your heart has deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rock,
in the loftiness of your dwelling place, who say in your heart, ‘Who will bring me down
to earth?”
4 “Though you build high like the eagle, though you set your nest among the stars,
from there I will bring you down,” declares the LORD.’”

The Book of Obadiah is the shortest book in the Old Testament. There are several
Obadiahs mentioned in the Scriptures, and we have no indication as to which of them
wrote this small book. In any event, according to Robert Lee, “it forms a sharp menifesto against the fierce Idumeans, who were ever and always the enemies of Israel.” They
were the descendants of Esau, the brother of Jacob.

Careful examination of this small book reveals it to be 1) “a warning against sinful pride
and godless defiance,” and 2) a solemn warning against the perils brought on by personal
pride and anti-semitic hatred, i.e., of the nation Israel.

It is sad to see hatred expressed toward anyone. Of course, as we journey through life,
we encounter various people, some of whom we find difficult. Remember that the word
“difficult” often relates to the word “different.” As a child, I asked about people I didn’t
know: “Why are they…?”; “Why do they…?” Yet, I soon learned that we are all different
in many ways, and for various and sundry reasons.

We ought, however, never to be judgmental. Have we all never thought about what
others think of us? What’s more, think of the pattern of behavior we are setting. Jacob
set his mind on the family birthright, and his actions have produced little but hatred down through the centuries.

To some degree, we are all like our parents. Our children are somewhat like us. Yet,
when we yield our hearts and lives to Jesus Christ, He enables us to change and be
more like Him! I sure want my progeny to be more like Christ than I am! Don’t you wish
that for your children and grandchildren down-the-line? Remember: “More is caught than taught.” Neverless, it all starts with yielding your life to Jesus! Have you done that?

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.
Springdale, Arkansas 72764
United States of America

“We never know that Christ is all we need until He becomes all that we have.” – Corrie ten Boom