Reading: Obadiah v1-21
“The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rocks and make your home on the heights” Obadiah 1. 3
Titanic, the largest and most luxurious ship afloat then, sank on April 15, 1912 during its maiden voyage. It had a double-bottomed hull divided into 16 watertight compartments. It was considered unsinkable. The builders of Titanic claimed, no power on earth could sink the ship. They didn’t even bother to take enough lifeboats for its first voyage! However, shortly before midnight on April 14, it collided with an iceberg, and the ship sank. Over 1,500 of its 2,200 passengers lost their lives in the Atlantic.
What made the Titanic sink? Ice berg? No! I would to say, it was pride! “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” Prov 16:18
Edom was a hill city, situated in the clefts of rocks that acted as a natural fort. No enemy could normally defeat the city, as it was high on the rocky mountains. In addition, she had strong allies (v.7). Therefore, Edom said, “No one can bring me down to the ground!”(V.3)
Do you think you are living in the “high mountains,” holding positions in your office, organization, church? Do you think you live in the clefts of the rocks, like wealth, health, wisdom (craftiness)? May be you have strong allies, influence in the administrative body, with politicians. Although you show humility outside, may be you are proud in your heart. You cannot trick God! God says… “though your nest is set among the stars, thence I will bring you down” (v. 4.)
“The pride of your heart has deceived you”, says the Lord! Pride becomes a deception because the Proud will never listen to warnings! “The strong allies” also deceived Edom. Her destruction was inevitable!
When we have everything and everybody with us, we are confident in ourselves and we ignore warnings! But that’s a deception. Some one with a haughty heart can never please God.
‘All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.’ 1 Peter 5:5-6
Prayer: Lord, Let me not be deceived by possessions, positions or Allies. Let me know that I am just dust and ash. Amen!
Further readings: Acts 12. 19- 23; Daniel 4. 1-36
