In this study we will focus on the Books of Obadiah, Jonah and Micah.
Obadiah
Obadiah highlights the outcome of the ultimate betrayal, sibling against sibling, which also applies to spouse against spouse. Edom (the descendants of Esau) watched and rejoice as Israel (Jacob) was taken into captivity. They willingly participated in their capture by blocking their way of escape and turning them over to their captors.
“For it was not an enemy that reproached me; then I could have borne it: neither was it he that hated me that did magnify himself against me; then I would have hid myself from him: But it was thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance. We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company.” (Psalm 55:12-14)
The book of Obadiah consists of only 1 Chapter with 21 verses. Obadiah invokes “the day of the LORD” for the heathen: “For the day of the LORD is near upon all the heathen: As thou hast done, it shall be done unto thee: Thy reward shall return upon thine own head.” (Obadiah 1:15)
Jonah
Jonah, on the other hand, thinks he knows God. So well, that he decides to do the opposite of what God has instructed him to do. He didn’t realizing that the instruction was a test of his obedience. Are you running from God, afraid of what he might ask of you? Jonah’s preconceived perception caused him to run away from the presence of God.
Jonah’s attempt to ignore his disobedience by closing his eyes and going to sleep only caused a huge tempest/disruption in the lives of others. When he asked them to throw him overboard to divorce them from the turmoil, he only wanted to continue his escape at the hands of another (with their permission). However, this action only led to a darker, deeper place apart from God’s presence. Left in the belly of darkness unable to see his way free Jonah did come to himself and call on the name of the Lord, but how many Jonah’s never do and remain in the belly of that which has consumed them.
Micah
Micah encompasses the prophetic heralding of the coming Messiah from His birth to His reign. This just judge gives hope and a promise to His remnant that isn’t running from God but remaining obedient and faithful in His Presence as the test and trials of life are encountered. Their desire is “to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly” with [thy] God.
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