As we come to the end of the church year, it is appropriate that we look back on the year that has passed with thanksgiving. In a season that has certainly presented challenges in our world and our culture, the Lord has nevertheless poured out blessings on us—bringing new faces, new lives, and new opportunities here at Parish. We respond in song, proclaiming that we are a “thankful people” because God has provided for all our needs (Come, Ye Thankful People, Come). Two different psalms call us to give thanks because the Lord is good and because “His gracious love endures” (Psalm 136; O Thank The Lord For He Is Good—Psalm 118). We acknowledge that we are forever blessed because He pardons our guilt (Blest Is The Man—Psalm 32). We thank Him for bearing our pain, for sustaining us with His arms of love, for giving us His Son, and for leaving His spirit to assist in all our endeavors (My Heart Is Filled With Thankfulness; There Is A Redeemer). We are sent out with a “grateful song,” in which we confess God’s providence towards our ancestors in the past and our hope that He will continue to be “ruler, guardian, guide, and stay” in our land for the days to come. I pray for all of us this morning that, even in the midst of our “toilsome ways,” we can find refreshment in the posture of gratefulness. —Henry C. Haffner
Key Words: Edom, Lord, Jacob, Day, Kingdom, Saviors, Pride, Rise, Vision, Nations, Mt. Esau, Mt. Zion, Drink, Boast, Gloat
Keystone Verse: Saviors shall go up to Mount Zion to rule Mount Esau, and the kingdom shall be the Lord’s. (Obadiah 21)
Obadiah 1-4, 8-10, 15, 21
1 The vision of Obadiah. Thus says the Lord God concerning Edom: We have heard a report from the Lord, and a messenger has been sent among the nations: “Rise up! Let us rise against her for battle!” 2 Behold, I will make you small among the nations; you shall be utterly despised. 3 The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rock, in your lofty dwelling, who say in your heart, “Who will bring me down to the ground?” 4 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.
8 Will I not on that day, declares the Lord, destroy the wise men out of Edom, and understanding out of Mount Esau? 9 And your mighty men shall be dismayed, O Teman, so that every man from Mount Esau will be cut off by slaughter. 10 Because of the violence done to your brother Jacob, shame shall cover you, and you shall be cut off forever.
15 For the day of the Lord is near upon all the nations. As you have done, it shall be done to you; your deeds shall return on your own head. 21 Saviors shall go up to Mount Zion to rule Mount Esau, and the kingdom shall be the Lord’s.