“Are you rejoicing in the land of Uz, O people of Edom? But you, too, must drink from the cup of the Lord’s anger. You, too, will be stripped naked in your drunkenness.” Lamentations 4:21 NLT
“The Lord says to Edom, “I will cut you down to size among the nations; you will be greatly despised. You have been deceived by your own pride Because you live in a rock fortress and make your home high in the mountains.‘Who can ever reach us way up here? you ask boastfully.4 But even if you soar as high as eagles and build your nest among the stars, I will bring you crashing down,” says the Lord.” Obadiah 1:2-4 NLT
“Because of the violence you did to your close relatives in Israel, you will be filled with shame and destroyed forever. When they were invaded, you stood aloof, refusing to help them. Foreign invaders carried off their wealth and cast lots to divide up Jerusalem, but you acted like one of Israel’s enemies. You should not have gloated then they exiled your relatives to distant lands.You should not have rejoiced when the people of Judah suffered such misfortune.” Obadiah 1:10-12 NLT
God of all nations,
Edom. That was the land that Esau settled in. So they were related to those in Jerusalem. Isaac and Rebecca had 2 sons Esau and Jacob. Esau settled in Edom and Jacob we followed the story of his ancestors to this point. They do not escape Your judgement. The were not only neighbours but relations. They did nothing to help. Perhaps they thought it was nothing to do with them or they gloated a bit at Israel getting taken down a peg or two or three . . .
Jesus had to tell the story of the good samaritan to the Jews in his day. Because they hated the Samaritans and like wise the Samaritans hated the Jews. But they were distant relations and in neighbouring territories. It takes a brave person or a good Samaritan to go the extra mile and do good to someone not of their close family. But You God tell us no matter how safe we feel we are and how much we may not want to get involved, doing nothing when we see a neighbour in need is not acceptable to You. But we cannot help everyone all the time – show us where and when and what and how to do the best . . .
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Saturday 6th September 2025
Oh, I have days I lose the fight
Try my best but just don’t get it right
Where I talk a talk that I don’t walk
And miss the moments right before my eyes
Somebody with a hurt that I could have helped
Somebody with a hand that I could have held
When I just can’t see past myself
Lord, help me be
A little more like mercy, a little more like grace
A little more like kindness, goodness, love, and faith
A little more like patience, a little more like peace
A little more like Jesus, a little less like me
Yeah, there’s no denying I have changed
‘Cause I’ve been saved from who I used to be
But even at my best, I must confess
I still need help to see the way You see
Somebody with a hurt that I could have helped
Somebody with a hand that I could have held
When I just can’t see past myself
Lord, help me be
A little more like mercy, a little more like grace
A little more like kindness, goodness, love, and faith
A little more like patience, a little more like peace
A little more like Jesus, a little less like me
Oh, I wanna feed the beggar on the street
Learn to be Your hands and feet
Freely give what I receive
Lord, help me be
I want put You first above all else
Love my neighbor as myself
In the moments no one sees
Lord, help me be
A little more like mercy, a little more like grace
A little more like kindness, goodness, love, and faith
A little more like patience, a little more like peace
A little more like Jesus, oh, a little less like me
A little more of living everything I preach
A little more like Jesus, a little less like me
Oh, a little less like me
Lyrics: Zach Williams, Hank Bentley, Mia Fields