Living With Confidence

Obadiah 1-9

On my multi-year task of reading through the Bible, I finally arrive at Obadiah. Trying to find relevance in the Prophets is not easy for me, without extrabiblical guides, without a Bible study, without knowing the historical context. However, I did try to see how this passage can relate in my life, and surprisingly (or not), it is relevant!

Thus says the Lord GOD concerning Edom.

Edom, the nation descended from Esau, jealous brother of Jacob/Israel.
Edom, representing the world who despises the body of Christ.

The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who live...in your lofty dwelling. Though you soar aloft like the eagle, though your nest is set among the stars, from there I will bring you down, declares the LORD.

Will I not on that day, declares the LORD, destroy the wise men out of Edom, and understanding out of Mount Esau? And your mighty men shall be dismayed, O Teman.

Lately, I've been feeling a bit down about my life's accomplishments. After all this training, after all this dedication, what do I amount to? A handful of students in my private studio. A hard to reach, uninspired youth group. Few, if any, friends on whom I can count on to always be there. Living at home after a brief taste of freedom. Comparing myself to my friends who are pursuing PhDs, MDs, and JDs. Living on their own in NYC, in Hong Kong, making a difference in the world.

But with this passage, I am comforted. My anxieties are put to rest. I don't need to compare myself with others. It doesn't matter how high I go, or how far my reach is. God will, sooner or later, bring down those who don't know him; humble those who take pride in their own accomplishments. If I am "successful," it is by the Grace of God that I have that responsibility. If I am where I am now, it is by the Grace of God that I can continue to work on myself, getting ready for the future, that I am given these lives to affect.