1/17/2011 Standing at the CrossroadsScriptures: Obadiah 1:10-15, Hebrews 12:1
Every Christian has crossroad experiences: times when we come to intersections and we must choose which way we will go. What are intersections? They are when present events are mixed with unresolved issues of the past, such as: unresolved conflicts, sins of our ancestors, or the traits and dysfunctions we carry in our lives. These crossroads can ignite pain, bitterness, or hatred, but they could also inspire liberty and thanksgiving! We must remember that what we hold onto will be something we must deal with later. In these verses we read that the Edomites had a crossroads experience. The Israelites were descendents of Jacob, while the Edomites were descendents of Esau, who were brothers. They were brothers with unresolved conflicts and these conflicts were passed down through the generations to a point where the Edomites should have helped Israeland instead they rejoiced at their calamity. The Edomites were happy and prospered at Israel's misfortune. While the enemy invaded Israel they stood aloof and did not help, instead they acted like Israel's enemy. The Edomites rejoiced and spoke arrogantly in a terrible time; they even plundered the land and captured the survivors. God said: "Because of what you did you will be filled with shame and destroyed forever." We are in a time of spiritual warfare and we must set aside each weight. We are constantly coming to the crossroads: temptations, voices of our society, stress, relational issues, fears and uncertainty. Our faith is constantly being challenged, but we must let go of what we've held on to to resolve conflicts and dysfunctions. We do not want to become Edomites! Do not wait at the crossroads, for at the cross roads you will attack your own brother. An Edomite spirit will allow us to side with the enemy, plunder and rejoice at their misfortune, but in the end leave us filled with shame and cut-off from God. Today there are descendents of Israel and Babylon, but no descendents remain of Esau. Comments are closed.
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