God's Way Of Humbling The Proud

The Edomites were descendants of Esau (Gen 36:8), who were also full of bitterness and pride (Heb 12:16). They lived in open rebellion against God and His people (Gen 27:40), by pursuing Israel “with the sword” (Amos 1:11). It appears that they were continually trying to win back the blessings and birthright that Esau lost to Jacob (Gen 25:33)! The Lord gave the word of command to His prophet Obadiah that “an ambassador is sent among the heathen” (v. 1) – a messenger from God to stir up the confederate forces of the Babylonians to go against Edom (Jer 49:14).

God will sometimes use His own enemies to fight against the enemies of His people (Isa 18:2). Edom shall surely be subdued, spoiled, and brought down. There will be no riches, military power, or prowess, that can secure anyone against the judgments of God! When a nation is lifted up with pride by putting its trust in these (Ps 49:6), instead of God (Prov 3:5), then they shall be made “small” and “greatly despised” before the eyes of all men.

In like manner, the enemies of God’s faithful servants will also be disappointed in those things that they have trusted (Lk 12:33). Because “our God shall fight for us” (Neh 4:20)! Just as the pride of Edom’s heart was the source of his deception (v. 3), we are also reminded that our hearts are “deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked” (Jer 17:9). Lucifer’s pride caused his downfall (Isa 14:12), and he is still trying to bring others down (1 Pet 5:8). We must always remember that “God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble” (Jms 4:6). We should never think highly of ourselves (Rom 12:3), but to “take heed lest we fall” (1 Cor 10:12). God can easily bring down those who have magnified and exalted themselves (v. 4). If we don’t humble ourselves “in the sight of the Lord” (Jms 4:10), then He will make a way to bring us down to our knees! God bless you!

- Pastor Melito Barrera