Godchaser Podcast
Join Evan Evans on The God Chaser Podcast, a weekly exploration of faith, spirituality, and personal growth centered on Jesus Christ. Evan, a devoted believer and captivating host guides listeners through engaging conversations and thought-provoking discussions that deepen their understanding of Christ and His teachings.
We delve into topics such as Christ's teachings, the power of prayer, the role of the Holy Spirit, and the importance of community in spiritual growth. The God Chaser Podcast aims to inspire and challenge listeners, equipping them with the tools and insights needed to live a more fulfilling, Christ-centered life.
Whether you're a seasoned believer or just beginning your faith journey, The God Chaser Podcast with Evan Evans supports and nourishes your spiritual growth. Subscribe to Apple Podcasts and join us each week as we chase after the heart of Jesus, embracing the transformative power of His love and grace.
Godchaser Podcast
Pride, Betrayal, and Restoration: Finding Jesus in Obadiah
Have you ever experienced the sting of betrayal from someone close—a family member, friend, or colleague who abandoned you when you needed them most? The book of Obadiah speaks directly to this painful human experience through an ancient family feud that erupted into national conflict.
Measuring just 21 verses, Obadiah may be the smallest book in the Old Testament, but it delivers profound insights about pride, betrayal, and restoration. The story centers on how the Edomites (descendants of Esau) betrayed their "brother nation" Israel (descendants of Jacob) during Jerusalem's darkest hour—actively participating in the city's destruction when Babylon attacked around 586 BC. This ancient family drama reveals timeless truths about the danger of pride, the reality of divine justice, and the promise of ultimate restoration.
The Edomites built their security on impenetrable mountain fortresses, believing nothing could touch them—a perfect picture of how pride blinds us to our true vulnerability. Jesus would later warn about this spiritual blindness, teaching repeatedly that "those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted." Through Obadiah, we discover how God notices when we mistreat others in their vulnerable moments, how generational wounds fester without reconciliation, and most importantly, how Jesus fulfills Obadiah's promises as our ultimate Deliverer who ascended to the heavenly Mount Zion.
Whether you're navigating family conflict, struggling with pride, or seeking hope after devastating loss, Obadiah's message speaks directly to your heart. Join us as we find Jesus in yet another unexpected place in Scripture and discover how even the smallest books contain life-changing wisdom for today. Subscribe to the God Chaser podcast and continue finding Jesus in every story of the Bible!
Keep chasing after God
Welcome to the God Chaser podcast, where we pursue the heart of God and explore the depths of His wisdom. I'm your host, evan Evans. Welcome to the God Chaser podcast, where we find Jesus in every story of the Bible. I'm your host, evan Evans. Have you ever felt betrayed by someone close to you, perhaps a family member, friend or colleague, who turned against you when you needed them most? Today's episode explores a tiny but powerful book that deals with exactly that kind of betrayal and shows us how God responds.
Speaker 1:Obadiah may be the shortest book in the Old Testament, but its message speaks directly to our hearts today. In just 21 verses, this prophet delivers a powerful warning about pride and a beautiful promise of restoration. We'll discover how an ancient family feud between twin brothers, jacob and Esau, erupted into national conflict centuries later, when Edom, esau's descendants betrayed Israel, jacob's descendants, during Babylon's attack on Jerusalem. But this isn't just ancient history on Jerusalem. But this isn't just ancient history. Obadiah's message reveals timeless truths about how God notices when we mistreat others in their vulnerable moments, the danger of pride and false security, the hope of restoration after devastating loss and, most importantly, how Jesus fulfills Obadiah's promises. Whether you're new to the Bible or have read it for years. This episode will help you see how even the smallest books point to our Savior in beautiful ways. So grab your Bible open to Obadiah it's right after Amos and before Jonah and join me as we chase after God's presence and be inspired to reignite your spiritual journey.
Speaker 2:Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts and get ready to embark on an adventure that will change your life forever. Welcome to the God Chaser podcast. Let the chase begin.
Speaker 1:Last week we explored the powerful message of Amos, with his call for justice that rolls like a river and righteousness like a never-failing stream. Today, we're turning to the smallest book in the Old Testament, obadiah. Don't let its size fool you. In just 21 verses, this little book packs a mighty punch and, as we'll discover together, points to Jesus in some remarkable ways. Obadiah doesn't tell us much about himself. Unlike Amos, who identified as a shepherd and fig grower, obadiah simply delivers his message without personal introduction. His name means Servant of the Lord, a fitting description for this faithful messenger. The book focuses on God's judgment against Edom, a nation descended from Esau, jacob's twin brother. To understand Obadiah, we need to remember this family history. Genesis, chapter 25, verses 21 to 26, tells us about the birth of these twin brothers. From the womb, they struggled against each other. Esau emerged first, but Jacob came out grasping his heel. Their relationship was tense from the start. Later, in Genesis, chapter 27, jacob deceived their father, isaac, to steal Esau's blessing. This created a bitter division that lasted for generations. Esau's descendants became the Edomites, while Jacob's became the Israelites.
Speaker 1:Fast forward several centuries to Obadiah's time. When Jerusalem was attacked and destroyed by Babylon around 586 BC, the Edomites didn't just stand by. They joined in helping the attackers and even blocking escape routes to capture fleeing Israelites. Chapter 1, verses 10 to 14, describes this betrayal. Because of the violence against your brother, jacob, you will be covered with shame. This wasn't just international politics, it was family betrayal. The descendants of Esau turned against the descendants of Jacob in their darkest hour.
Speaker 1:The central theme of Obadiah is how pride leads to downfall. Chapter 1, verses 3 to 4, says the pride of your heart has deceived you. You who live in the clefts of the rocks and make your home on the heights, you who say to yourself who can bring me down to the ground Though you soar like the eagle and make your nest? The Edomites lived in mountainous regions with natural rock fortresses making them feel invincible. They trusted in their geographic security and military strength rather than in God. This connects directly to Jesus' teachings about pride and humility. In Luke, chapter 14, verse 11, jesus says For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled and those who humble themselves will be exalted. And in Matthew, chapter 23, verse 12, jesus repeats this principle. Pride blinds us to our true condition. The Edomites thought they were untouchable, but God saw their vulnerability. Jesus would later warn about this spiritual blindness. In Revelation, chapter 3, verses 17 to 18, telling the church in Laodicea you say I am rich, I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing, but you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. Have you ever felt secure in something that later proved fragile? Maybe it was a relationship, a job, financial stability or health? Like Edom, we can build our security on things that won't last.
Speaker 1:Obadiah speaks about the day of the Lord, full a time when God intervenes in history to judge the nations. Obadiah, chapter 1, verse 15, warns the day of the Lord is near for all nations. As you have done, it will be done to you. Your deeds will return upon your own head. This theme appears throughout Scripture and finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus. When Jesus came the first time, he began the day of the Lord by calling people to repentance. In Mark 1, verse 15, jesus proclaimed the time has come, the kingdom of God has come near, repent and believe the good news. And Jesus will complete the day of the Lord when he returns to judge the nations. In Matthew 25, verses 31 to 32, jesus says when the Son of man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him. He will sit on his glorious throne, all the nations will be gathered before him and he will separate the people one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. Obadiah shows us that God's justice operates on the principle of reaping what we sow. Galatians, chapter 6, verse 7, confirms this. Do not be deceived. God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Edom rejoiced when Jerusalem fell. They helped capture fleeing survivors. They looted the city's wealth and in return they would experience the same treatment invaded, looted and left with nothing. But Obadiah doesn't end with judgment.
Speaker 1:The final verses promise restoration for God's people. Obadiah, chapter 1, verses 17 to 18, declares but on Mount Zion will be deliverance, it will be holy and Jacob will possess his inheritance. The house of Jacob will be a fire and the house of Joseph a flame. The house of Esau will be stubble and they will set it on fire and destroy it. This promise of restoration and victory finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He brings deliverance to Mount Zion, not a physical mountain, but the spiritual reality it represents. Hebrews, chapter 12, verses 22 to 24, tells us but you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, obadiah. Chapter 1, verse 21, concludes with this promise Deliverers will go up on Mount Zion to govern the mountains of Esau, and the kingdom will be the Lord's. Jesus is the ultimate deliverer who ascended to the heavenly Mount Zion. From there he rules over all nations, including those that once opposed God's people, as Philippians. Chapter 2, verses 9 to 11, proclaims God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord.
Speaker 1:What can we learn from this tiny book with its massive message? First, god notices how we treat others, especially in their moments of vulnerability. The Edomites' cruelty toward their brother Israel didn't escape God's attention. Jesus emphasized this same principle in the parable of the sheep and goats Matthew, chapter 25, where the key question was how people treated the least of these. Think about someone you know who's going through a tough time. How can you stand with them rather than against them? Maybe it's a phone call, a meal or just being present when others have walked away. Second, pride is dangerous. The Edomites felt secure in their mountain fortresses, but their pride led to their downfall. Jesus warned about pride repeatedly, saying in Luke, chapter 18, verse 14, for all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. Where might pride be creating blind spots in your life? Are there areas where you feel invincible, thinking nothing bad could happen to me? Take some time this week to pray for humility and clear vision about your vulnerabilities.
Speaker 1:Third, family reconciliation matters to God. The Edom-Israel conflict began with the Jacob-Esau rivalry. Generational wounds had festered for centuries. Jesus came to break these cycles of hurt and division. In Ephesians 2, verse 14, paul writes that Jesus has broken down the dividing wall of hostility. Is there a family relationship you need to address A wound that's been passed down, a conflict that's gone unresolved? Jesus specializes in healing these deep divisions.
Speaker 1:Fourth, god's justice is real, but so is his restoration. Obadiah pronounces judgment on Edom, but promises restoration for God's people. Jesus embodies both God's justice and his mercy At the cross. Jesus took the judgment we deserved so we could receive the restoration we needed. In Romans, chapter 5, verse 8, paul writes but God demonstrates his own love for us in this. While we were still sinners, christ died for us. Like Israel and Obadiah's prophecy, we can experience God's deliverance even after failure and loss.
Speaker 1:Let me highlight four specific ways Obadiah points to Jesus. First, through the title of deliverer. Obadiah, chapter 1, verse 21, says Deliverers will go up on Mount Zion. Jesus is our ultimate deliverer, who ascended to the heavenly Zion after his resurrection. Acts, chapter 5, verse 31, calls him prince and savior exalted to God's right hand. Second, through the promise of the kingdom. The final line of Obadiah declares and the kingdom will be the Lord's. Jesus came proclaiming this very kingdom.
Speaker 1:In Mark, chapter 1, verse 15,. His first message was the time has come, the kingdom of God has come near. Third, through the contrast with Edom's pride. Where Edom was proud, jesus showed perfect humility. Jesus showed perfect humility. Philippians 2, verses 6-8, describes how Jesus, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage. Rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross. Fourth, through the theme of brotherly love. Edom failed to love their brother Israel. Jesus, however, loved us enough to call us brothers and sisters. Hebrews, chapter 2, verse 11, says Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters. And he commanded us in John, chapter 13, verse 34, love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
Speaker 1:Friends, obadiah may be the smallest book in the Old Testament, but its message looms large. It reminds us that God notices how we treat others, especially the vulnerable. It warns us about the danger of pride, it promises restoration after judgment and it points us to Jesus, our deliverer, who established God's kingdom. When pride tempts you to build your security on anything other than God, remember Jesus' words in Matthew, chapter 16, verse 25. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. This has been the God Chaser podcast. Join us next week as we continue finding Jesus in every story of the Bible. This episode of the God Chaser podcast is proudly sponsored by God Chaser Apparel, the clothing line designed to empower and inspire your spiritual journey.
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Speaker 1:May you not just chase God but find him in the blessings, big and small, that he has in store for you. And there we have it, folks, another episode of God Chaser wrapped up. We hope you've been blessed by today's discussion and we look forward to diving into more life transforming topics with you in the future. Stay blessed and keep chasing after God.