Blood Is Thicker Than Water

At least that's how the saying goes.  But as the single-chapter book of Obadiah demonstrates, it doesn't always hold true.  Obadiah is one of just two minor prophets who spoke exclusively to a nation other than Israel or Judah.  In this case, it was Edom, the Jews' next door neighbor to the east and cousin through Jacob's brother Esau.

In 586 BC, Babylon completed its conquest of Judah and deportation of her citizens.  Edom, due to family ties, should have come to Judah's military aid or, at the very least, welcomed her refugees crossing the western border.  Instead, the Edomites allied with the enemy and handed over the fleeing Israelites to the invading Babylonians.

In response, God said to Edom, through Obadiah, "Because of the violence against your brother Jacob, you will be covered with shame; you will be destroyed forever" (v. 10)  Within about 100 years, Obadiah's prediction came true as the Edomites were driven from their homeland by the Nabataeans and never again occupied that territory.

The fulfillment of Obadiah's prophecy is just one example of how God's covenant promise with Abraham has held true throughout the centuries.  "I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.  I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you" (Genesis 12:2-3).  The Edomites responsibility and culpability were surely increased by their blood relation to Israel, but the words "whoever curses you I will curse" should be enough to cause all nations to carefully consider their own relationship with God's chosen people.

Therein lies yet another reason I fear for the future of our own great nation.  Since the reestablishment of the Jewish state in 1947, the US has been a great blessing to Israel, and I believe has received God's blessing in return.  However, as the years go by, it seems our support for Israel is waning.  I can't help but wonder at what point we go from blessing them to cursing them and, as a result, go from being blessed by God to being cursed by Him.

Furthermore, like the Edomites, those who have trusted in Christ have a special family relationship with Israel (see Romans 11 & Ephesians 2).  My prayer is that Americans in general, Christians in general, and American Christians in particular will rise up to bless Israel and, in turn, be blessed by the God of Israel.  After all, when He makes a promise, He keeps it.