26th September 2024

26th September 2024


Pray (ACts)


Read (Obadiah 1v21)


Message (Scott Woodburn)


The final verse of Obadiah doesn’t say “they all lived happily every after” but it does pull every thread together in a hopeful conclusion. It states “Saviors shall go up to Mount Zion to rule Mount Esau, and the kingdom shall be the Lord’s.” (v21) What does this mean? Those who have been saved will dwell on Mount Zion, they will rule over their enemies and the entire Kingdom will belong to the Lord.


Some argue that this will take place during Christ’s earthly millennial reign when He will be joined in Jerusalem by “Saviours” who are given the task of ruling Mount Esau. This is not my theological viewpoint. I believe the one thousand year period in Revelation 20 is the time between Christ’s Ascension and His return. It is not a literal one thousand years but it will be brought to an end with the return of Jesus. It is at this point Mount Zion will be made holy (v17) and those saved will gather before Jesus. Indeed, Christ is currently reigning and will continue to do so until all His enemies are placed beneath His feet (1 Corinthians 15v25).


When these monumental events take place we will see the truth of the words “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21v3-4).


Let it be say that we do not believe in an impotent God who is currently unable to do anything of note in this world. By no means! Satan is not in control but a dog on a leash. Evil abounds but the light still shines. The Gospel is hated but it still continues to the farthest reaches of the world. The Lord is not defeated but He is working out His purposes and all will be brought to completion at the day of Christ. We call this the great consummation, when every piece will be put into place never to be undone.
The destruction of Edom is a small glimpse of the judgement Christ will pour out upon the nations. In fearful terms we are told “If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.” (Revelation 20v15). I suspect when people say “I don’t want any fire and brimstone preaching.” they mean verses like Revelation 20v15. I never deliberately preach to annoy people but if mere mention of God’s punishment of sin causes you to be angry then perhaps your spiritual condition is not good? Repent and believe the Gospel.


Christ is coming and those saved will take their place in the New Jerusalem which is symbolic of the church (Revelation 21v2). Evil will be done away with, Mount Esau will be reclaimed and every inch of the universe will know that the kingdom belongs to the Lord.  


Pray (acTS)


Sing


WSC


Q100 What doth the preface of the Lord’s Prayer teach us? The preface of the Lord’s Prayer, which is, Our Father which art in heaven,” teacheth us to draw near to God with all holy reverence and confidence, as children to a father, able and ready to help us; and that we should pray with and for others.
​