Devotion based on Week 4 of “The Prophets” – Obadiah (WATCH HERE)
Obadiah’s prophecy closes with both sobering warning and glorious hope. After describing Edom’s pride and the destruction it would bring, Obadiah looks forward to a day when God’s people would be restored:
“People from the Negev will occupy the mountains of Esau, and people from the foothills will possess the land of the Philistines. They will occupy the fields of Ephraim and Samaria, and Benjamin will possess Gilead… Deliverers will go up on Mount Zion to govern the mountains of Esau. And the kingdom will be the Lord’s.” (Obadiah 19–21, NIV)
These verses remind us of two powerful truths: pride always leads to a fall, but God’s kingdom brings restoration and hope to the humble.
As we’ve seen this week, Edom’s downfall was rooted in pride. They trusted in their mountain strongholds, their alliances, and their wisdom. They gloated when Israel fell and even participated in their suffering. But pride blinded them to reality and made them callous to others. As Proverbs 16:18 says: “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”
Pride today is just as dangerous. It whispers that we can handle life on our own, that our accomplishments are enough, that our worth is found in comparison to others. Pride keeps us from seeing our need for God, blinds us to the traps of sin, and leads us to treat others with indifference, or worse, with disdain.
Think of how pride shows up: in the workplace, when we insist on being right rather than working for peace. In families, when grudges are held because saying “I was wrong” feels too costly. In our spiritual lives, when we depend on our routines or knowledge rather than the grace of Christ. Pride may look strong, but it is a fragile foundation that always crumbles.
Obadiah doesn’t leave the story in ruin. He points to restoration: the people of God would once again inherit the land, their enemies would no longer triumph, and deliverers would rise up from Zion. Most importantly, he closes with this phrase: “The kingdom will be the Lord’s.”
This is the key to hope. Restoration isn’t achieved by doubling down on pride, but by repentance. Repentance is laying down our self-sufficiency and turning to God’s mercy. When we confess our pride, our self-reliance, our stubbornness, our indifference toward others, God does not meet us with rejection. Instead, He meets us with grace.
Through Christ, we see the ultimate deliverer who rose not just on Mount Zion but from the grave itself. He humbled Himself to the point of death on a cross (Philippians 2:8) and was exalted as King of Kings. Where pride brings downfall, Jesus brings forgiveness and life. Where pride enslaves, He brings freedom. Where pride isolates, He restores us into God’s family.
The final words of Obadiah anchor us: “The kingdom will be the Lord’s.” That’s the antidote to pride. We don’t have to build our own little kingdoms, prop up our egos, or cling to control. God’s kingdom is unshakable. His reign gives us strength when we feel weak, wisdom when we are confused, and answers when pride tells us to trust only ourselves.
When pride says, “I can handle it,” the Lord says, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9).
When pride says, “I don’t need anyone,” the Lord says, “Carry each other’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2).
When pride says, “I deserve the glory,” the Lord reminds us, “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:31).
The good news of Obadiah is that the Lord reigns. His kingdom is eternal, His mercy is greater than our pride, and His forgiveness restores us. Align your heart to Him, and you will find strength, wisdom, and blessing far beyond what pride could ever offer.
Apply: Take time today to ask: where is pride hiding in my life? Am I trusting in my strength, my resources, or my wisdom more than God? Am I quick to judge others instead of showing compassion? Pride may feel natural, but it blinds us to God’s truth. Repentance opens our eyes and our hearts.
Prayer: Lord, forgive me for the pride that blinds me and makes me rely on myself instead of You. Humble my heart so I may see Your kingdom clearly and live under Your reign. Thank You for Jesus, who conquered sin and pride through His cross and resurrection. Help me live each day trusting not in my strength but in Yours. Amen.