You Shall Be Treated as You Have Treated Others

Text: Obadiah 15-21

Reflection and Question: Gods speaks through Obadiah to all the nations, but also directly to Israel, confirming with startling images that God is in charge of the rise and fall of all peoples. There is no mistaking the ethical principle set forth by God here: “You shall be treated as you have treated others.” At the same time, there is a promise of grace that ‘there shall be those that escape, and it shall be holy.” And Israel shall be driven by God to possess the land of Esau in accord with God’s dominion. If we are treated as we treat others, how will you fare at God’s judgment seat?

Prayer: God of all nations and peoples, we know that You see all. You know how we treat others, so You know how often we treat others harshly or badly. But You promise an escape that is called holy. Show us the way to such grace. Amen.

This meditation is based on the Daily Lectionary Year 1 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).