And the kingdom will be the Lord’s. (Obad. 21)
Life is full of crossroads. For young children, they must decide which lunch table they sit at during school, what activities they will participate in, and what style of clothes they want to wear. For young college students, crossroads include decisions on where to go to school, what to major in, whether to marry, and if so, who? Adults may question starting a family, changing jobs, and making a big financial purchase, like a house.
Throughout Obadiah and the Prophets, we are reminded that the reason God sends a prophet to a group of people is to call them to a life of covenant relationship with himself. Humanity, just like the Edomites in Obadiah, is given a choice—to continue our sinful ways and be judged accordingly, or repent and receive God’s mercy and grace.
Throughout this journey called life, God has given us a choice. While choosing what style of clothes to wear in school feels like a life-altering choice at the time, the Bible makes it clear that the most important choice one can make is to be in relationship with God. Choosing God and his will is not always the easiest path. However, it is the path that leads to internal peace and hope, not just for today, but also for the future, as the heavenly kingdom is and will be the Lord’s.
Resolve to trust in Lord—your future depends upon it!
Brian T. Bernius is an ordained minister and professor of Old Testament and Near Eastern Studies at Indiana Wesleyan University.
© 2022 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
