December 13

Today's Reading

Obadiah, in his little prophecy, declares God's judgment on the Edomites. Edom was the other name for Esau, the brother of Jacob (whose name became Israel and is the father of the Israeli people). Esau's descendants were usually aligned against their cousins because the Jews were God's chosen. Therefore, when Israel began to face judgment and were taken captive to Babylon and Assyria, the Edomites rejoiced. God said that he would judge them for they, too, were in rebellion to Him. Obadiah declared that the Israelis would occupy Edom's territory and that there would be no survivors in Edom. Indeed, what happened was that the small remnant of the Edomites who still lived by the second century after Christ had lost their identity as children of Edom, having intermarried with the Jews. They are now a part of the Jewish people.

Revelation. Today we read a passage that is hard to imagine. For now, here are a few things on the surface that I noticed: first, I'm sure that it is hard to fully describe the mystery and majesty of heaven to use who are bound to earth. Paul was caught up (2 Corinthians 12) and saw things he wasn't to describe. Second, the 24 Elders may have a correlation to the 12 tribes of Israel and 12 Apostles. Finally, the 7 spirits. Hold it! I thought there was ONE Holy Spirit. There is. Remember that 7 is the number that signifies completeness.

Psalms. The deep longing of all who genuinely seek God is for that day when Christ will be on His throne and we will be with Him.

Proverbs. People-pleasing and people-fearing are pretty much the same thing. They both will get you into trouble.

What have you noticed today?