Daily Devotional

“Then saviours shall come to Mount Zion” (Obadiah 1:21). 

Hundreds of angry people wrote to the newspapers that published the now infamous picture of a starving baby being stalked by a vulture. They wanted to know what happened to the girl in the picture, and why the photographer had done nothing to save her. 

Kevin Carter, the man who shot the photo, later explained that he chased away the vulture after taking the picture. He also explained that the scene bothered him so much that he cried afterward. Yet the fact that he waited about 20 minutes before taking the shot bothered many. Carter was hoping that the vulture would spread its wings, making the picture even more dramatic. Although the scavenger never spread its wings for him, the photo still won him a Pulitzer Prize. 

Obadiah the prophet was sent to rebuke the Edomites for their callousness toward the destruction of Jerusalem. Although they were known for their wisdom (Obadiah 1:8) and military power (verse 9), the Edomites would be judged for their cold hearts. As the descendants of Jacob’s brother Esau, they should not have rejoiced when the Babylonians were attacking their distant relatives (verse 12). 

This minor prophet’s message reflects a major abhorrence toward indifference. Obadiah condemned the act of gazing at destruction without intervening. His prophecy makes up the shortest book of the Old Testament. Yet even in this small book, twice he repeats the phrase “you should not have gazed.” Aside from looting (verse 13) or helping to catch those who were trying to escape (verse 14), the primary fault of the Edomites was their refusal to save. 

Thankfully, Obadiah ended his brief oracle with positive advice. In contrast with the Edomites, he stated that “saviours” (or deliverers) will inherit the Promised Land. Those who have compassion toward people on the path to destruction—who do something to prevent loss—will become channels of salvation. 

Father, please give me compassion for those who are in danger of being lost.