"In a Changing World, God is Consistent" - a sermon from Obadiah

"In a Changing World, God is Consistent" - a sermon from Obadiah
Have we accepted such a cheapened version of grace that it costs us nothing? We proclaim God’s love, yet we struggle to reflect it in such a way that people who are starved for love come into the church to experience it. We live in a world of isolation, pain, and struggle. Here we are carrying the message that God loves the world and wants us to reflect that love to the world.
Even though I agree with Heraclitus’ notion of constant change, there is also truth in the aphorism by the French novelist Alphonse Karr, “The more frequently things change, the more they continue to be the same.”
In essence, both are true. Change is constant, and there is consistency in the world. Everything is new, and we see certain things happen over and over again. Each day brings new opportunities, and we often know what to expect.
In our Old Testament lesson, Obadiah represents God as consistent and one who keeps promises. If we climb inside the ancient world and consider the context of the prophesy, Obadiah speaks to a world with a consistent story about God:
• God made the world (Genesis 1-2).
• God chose a people (Genesis 16).
• God’s people split up. Jacob’s Jacob descendants became Israel (Genesis 32.22-32) and his twin brother Esau’s became Edom (Genesis 36.7).
Obadiah’s prophecy addresses what the Edomites did when the Babylonians invaded Israel. Keep in mind that the Edomites and the Israelites have an ancient relationship. They’re part of a family.
So, what did the Edomites do when the Babylonians invaded Israel? Nothing. They stood by and watched. Two weeks ago, we addressed their sin of pride, and last week, we talked about God’s message of hope in the face of catastrophe. This prophecy is part of a repeating pattern within the story of the ancient Israelites. We can find similar prophecies against Edom in Isaiah (21.11-12), Jeremiah (49.7-22), Ezekiel (25.12-14), Amos (1.11-12), and Malachi (1.2-5).
Each time this story of destruction comes up, the prophets point to a bright future when God will put things right. Each time, when someone stands by on the sideline and does nothing, God judges the sin of omission. This is the contrast between sins of commission (things we do) and sins of omission (knowing the right thing and not doing it).
Throughout it all, God is present, loving creation and wanting the best for us. How we experience the world is ever-changing. Heraclitus is right, and change is constant. Yet, throughout it all, God is here. Therefore, Alphonse Karr is right, and the more things change, the more they stay the same.
Jesus often responds to this changing world by telling a story or resituating a problem. But when the question becomes, “Who are you?” He says, “Be consistent. Let your ‘yes’ be ‘yes’ and your ‘no’ be ‘no’” (Matthew 5.33-37).
Just as God is consistent, we are to be consistent. This is where this story of God’s love and consistency calls us to action. It’s not enough to simply believe in God. The Edomites believed in the God of the Israelites. They also believed in other gods. The gospel of Jesus Christ is a calling to move from where we are to where God wants us to be. It’s not a story of innocent bystanders.
God’s love, care, desire for justice, and inclusion-these are all attributes of God that remain the same. Likewise, God calls us to consistency. If we call ourselves Christ-followers, then our lives should reflect God’s love, care, desire for justice, and inclusion. This story of who God is not only calls us to action but requires it.
Today, churches are safe, pleasant places.
God doesn’t call us to create safe, little pleasant chapels. Like the powerful message of Obadiah, we are to be agents of radical love. We are to overcome differences, draw people together, get involved, and let transformation pour beyond these walls. The love of God can shine. Let all who come into this space, feel welcomed, and feel loved.
There’s nothing wrong with attending sporting events or concerts or giving time to a favorite hobby. Those are fine. Still, the family of faith doesn’t need to abdicate its place in sharing life-giving meaning and opportunities to belong.
Today, we can show the love of God to every person we encounter. Today, we can let people see the radical hospitality that leads to transformation and lives being changed. Today, we can live lives that would make a minor prophet proud. Amen.