Obadiah 10-16 On the Day that You Stood Aside

Observation: The prophet Obadiah is writing to the people of Edom, a country Southeast of Judah, after Jerusalem was occupied and destroyed by the Babylonians. The Edomites stood aside and did nothing. In fact, they gloated, even though Judah was their close relative. Therefore, says the Lord, no one will have compassion for Edom when it is in need. "As you have done, it shall be done to you."

Application: The poem of Pastor Martin Niemoeller, who spoke out against the Nazis in the 1930s, has been so widely quoted lately that it almost seems to be losing its meaning. Still, reading this Bible text I find it especially appropriate:



First they came for the communists, and I did not speak out—

Because I was not a communist.

Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—

Because I was not a trade unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—

Because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.


Niemoeller's poem is about standing aside when others are losing their freedom, their safety and their lives. It is as relevant today as it was in the twentieth century, as are Obadiah's words of the 6th century BC. Too often when we watch a neighbor being persecuted, rather than asking what is a right and faithful response, we ask, "how does their suffering affect me?". For people of faith, that question is utterly irrelevant. Just because a problem doesn't affect me directly doesn't mean it isn't a problem. And as Niemoeller points out, it's also short-sighted: from bitter experience he reminds us that a cruelty done to a neighbor today could be done to us tomorrow.


If I were to only use the power of my voice, my vote, whatever modicum of influence I have, to defend my own interests, you could call me a lot of things, but "Christian" isn't one of them. Jesus says any ordinary person off the street will generally love those who love them and be kind to those who are kind to them. His disciples are called to more. We are called to come to our neighbors' aid because of our shared humanity. Standing aside is not an option.


Prayer: God, show me how to speak out. Show me how to set fear and self-interest aside. Help me to be faithful in frightening times. In the name of our crucified and risen Lord, Jesus, I pray. Amen.