It's here: Part 9 of the 9 part series - how to get prayers answered
The Rhythm of The Prophets Part II -D11
DAILY DEVOTIONAL
10/11/20262 min read
You Should Not Have Stood By
“In the day that you stood on the other side...even you were as one of them.” — Obadiah 11, NKJV
Imagine watching someone you love suffer, knowing you could do something to help, yet choosing to stand at a distance. That's the picture Obadiah places before us. When Jerusalem was attacked, Edom stood by and watched. These were not strangers. The Edomites were descendants of Esau, and the people of Judah were descendants of Jacob. They shared a family history, yet when trouble came, Edom chose indifference over compassion. God saw their silence, and He held them accountable for it.
It's easy to read this account and wonder how Edom could have been so heartless. But before we judge them too quickly, perhaps we should consider how often we have stood on the other side ourselves. We see people hurting, families struggling, someone being mistreated or a person quietly carrying a burden, and we convince ourselves that it isn't our responsibility. Sometimes we even find reasons why they deserve what they're experiencing. Yet when Jesus walked this earth, He repeatedly crossed the boundaries that others used to keep suffering people at a distance. He saw the person behind the circumstance, and compassion moved Him to act. And when humanity was helpless in sin, He did far more than watch from heaven. He came down to rescue us.
Obadiah leaves us with a question worth thinking about. Have we become so comfortable receiving the compassion of Christ that we've forgotten what it looks like to extend it? The same Savior who refused to leave us in our helpless condition now calls us to reflect His heart toward others. There may be someone within your reach today who is praying for God to send help, never imagining that God has already placed you close enough to answer that prayer. When we belong to Jesus, standing on the other side should never become a comfortable place to remain.
Ask Jesus to show you where you've been standing at a distance from someone's suffering. Then take one intentional step toward that person with the compassion Christ has shown you.
Scripture Promise:
“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.” — Matthew 5:7, NKJV
Prayer:
Father, give me a heart of compassion, so that I may help other in their time of need. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
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