For the Day of the Lord is near upon all the nations. As you have done, it shall be done to you; your deeds shall return on your own head. Obadiah 1:15 ESV

     The book of Obadiah points out how the Edomites (Esaus’s descendants) treated Israel (Jacob’s descendants). Esaus and Jacob were two brothers with a bad history between them that touched the generations which followed them. The book reveals the details of God’s judgments for the Edomites and the world who comes against His church. This book also reminds believers that God is faithful even when the odds are overwhelmingly against them. Because of their sin, Israel had been taken captive by the Babylonians, and the Edomites cheered and aided in the destruction and demise of Israel. Though the Edomites had much confidence in their geographical location as being impenetrable, God told them they were going to be brought down. God had made a promise to Israel, and God is always faithful to His word.

We have a New Testament verse that parallels somewhat with “As you have done, it shall be done to you; your deeds shall return on your own head.” Obadiah verse 15. It is found in Galatians 6: 7-8 ESV Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption , but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. 

     With this in mind let us look to Jesus as OUR RIGHTEOUS JUDGE . In doing so, think on these three facts.

 

Jesus did not come to condemn the world.

     For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. John 3:17 ESV Jesus, through all the Old Testament, is the promised Savior; and when He (God) came in the flesh, that promise was fulfilled. Yes, one day there will be a judgement, but when He came into the world, redemption was His plan.

 
If you plant in the soil of the flesh you reap corruption.

     For those who live according to the flesh set their mind on the things of the flesh. Romans 8:5a ESV 
     For to set the mind on the flesh is death. Romans 8:6a ESV
     For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. Romans 8:7-8 ESV

     The flesh tends to be proud of its accomplishments, attempting to bring glory to itself. It lives in a state of “I’m not that bad,” and tends to self justify things that are contrary to God’s teaching. This, in essence, is hostility toward God. This mindset leads to death, for it reasons that Jesus was unnecessary for the salvation of your soul. The flesh mindset is that of rules and regulations to accomplish Godliness rather than Grace. The flesh is quick to judge with no mercy, even though no flesh could produce the righteousness in itself for the pardon and forgiveness of sin. If you plant in this soil and think it will bring life, you will be looking at a garden that will never produce. This frustration of labor with little results will ultimately starve the soul to death in vain labors producing no harvest.

 
If you plant in the soil of the Spirit you reap eternal life.

     This is how you will be judged by the Righteous Judge if you plant in the soil of the Spirit.
     There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:1-2 ESV

     But those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. Romans 8:5b ESV
     But to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace Romans 8:6b ESV
     You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. Romans 8:9 ESV

 
     Are you producing a harvest resulting from the implanted Spirit of God in the soil of your life? It is important to always keep in the forefront of our Spiritual mind that we are saved by grace and not works. (Ephesians 2:8-9) It is also important that you remember the Spirit of God did not save you to leave you dormant in Spiritual growth. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10 ESV … Jesus is the Righteous Judge, the one before whom all will one day stand. He will on that day say, “Depart from me” or “Enter into my rest,” based upon the evidence that we have sown of the the Spirit of Life…. His.

 
Because of His grace ~Pastor David