Who shall me down to the ground?
October 4, 2019 (Bible Devotional)
The pride of thine heart hath deceived thee, thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high; that saith in his heart, Who shall bring me down to the ground? — Obadiah 1:3
Pride of your heart
This verse is at the heart of a prophecy name against Esau. He foretells the destruction of all the enemies of God and his kingdom. Esau had rejected the blessings of God. As a consequence, he will be destroyed.
Both Esau and Jacob or children Isaac. As the firstborn, it was eligible for the gift of the birthright; however, he did not regard the birthright as a special gift. Instead, he sold it for a pot of soup. His brother Jacob tricked his father and get in the birthright that belonged to Esau. Even though afterward, he sought the blessing carefully with tears, he did not receive it.
We learn from the Bible that God is a forgiving God. Even though Esau had rejected him, God was willing to forgive. Instead of seeking after God, Esau followed his desires and became prideful in his ways. he rejected the instruction of God and that has his father Isaac.
Deceives you
Esau was deceived. He did not see his true position. Had he realized that he was lost, he should have sought the Lord for forgiveness and strength. But in his pride, Esau continued in his ways.
This is also the destiny of everyone who forsakes the law of God. When we place our desires and dictates above the requirements of God, we become deceived. We cannot trust a heart that is not surrendered to the Almighty. It is written, the heart is deceitful above all else who can know it.
Cleft of the Rock
Esau thought that he was safe because of his position. But that was not true. Even though he dwelt in the cleft of the rocks, Esau was be brought down.
Esau and Edomites represent the class of those who trust in themselves. The Bible counsels us to trust in God and not in ourselves. It is better to trust in the Lord than to trust and princes. Even though we are well guarded for a few years, a time will come when we need a rock that is higher than us.
Who shall bring me down?
There is no true safety apart from God. Pride always goes before destruction. Those who trust and themselves will be brought to nothing. Let us learn to put our trust in our hope and the Almighty.
If we are willing to learn from history, we find that many mighty nations were conquered. All the great empires of old are reduced. And if we are willing to say it, all the mighty nations of our time with also come to pass. For only one Kingdom stands forever. It is the kingdom of God. Everything else will be brought down at the appointed time.
