Thus says the Lord GOD: While the whole earth rejoices, I will make you desolate. 15 As you rejoiced over the inheritance of the house of Israel, because it was desolate, so I will deal with you; you shall be desolate, Mount Seir, and all Edom, all of it. Then they will know that I am the LORD.
You may have had the experience of being bullied at school, only to hear that late in life, tragedy befell the bully. You may have wanted this to happen when you were mistreated but now, somehow, the feeling is different. Jacob and Esau had a falling out and Esau’s resulting nation was called Edom, with whom Israel fought constantly. Because Edom opposed God’s people, this calamity would befall them. Around the same time Babylon conquered Jerusalem, Edom also fell and by the time Rome took over, Edom was gone. The prophecy was fulfilled, yet I doubt Israel rejoiced in the same way as the rest of the world because they too were desolate. One thing became true of both kingdoms. They knew that God was the LORD.
The enemies of the church today are numerous and have us surrounded, like a group of bullies on the playground. It does not help us much to know that they will get theirs. This is because the Holy Spirit directs us to love our enemies as Jesus commanded in Matthew 5. When Jesus returns the whole earth will stand before the throne for judgment, but not all will rejoice. Jesus says, pray for them.
Dear Lord, we thank you that you promise a place for us in your kingdom. We pray for those who hate us, that you would help us love them for your sake. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Pastor Brad Boyer
Cape Community Church