Bullies Aren't So Big

I really dislike bullies.  As a child, if you've ever experienced the pain of being bullied, as an adult, you want to make sure you positively influence every child in your care to be loving and kind.  

I was bullied in the 6th grade.  I remember it well.  A girl in my class disliked me and tried often to do mean things to me.  As much as possible, I tried to fly under her radar.  Most of that year, I endeavored to have minimal interaction with her.  But, all the while, I was well aware that she meant me harm.

The book of Obadiah is known for being the shortest book in the Bible.  This Old Testament book has one chapter compiled of 21 verses.  This brief prophecy tells of the Edomites' who were bullies that mistreated the Israelites (God’s people).  

These bullies found out by the end of the 21 verses what would be their fate.  They discovered that the kingdom shall be the Lord’s and while we all know that suffering does exist in the world, God takes care of His people and His Kingdom will advance. Spoiler alert:  WE WIN.

This book is an encouraging word to a suffering people.  The prophetic word that Obadiah gave, basically told God's people;  “Don’t worry about those who turn a blind eye to your physical needs, those who rejoice when you are weighed down with problems, those who couldn't care less about your pain, those who join hands with others to plot against you."  God says,  "I see.  I know.  I will take care of them and you."

In Obadiah 1:17 & 21 God gives the Israelites these encouraging words.

17 “But Jerusalem will become a refuge for those who escape; it will be a holy place.  And the people of Israel will come back to reclaim their inheritance.

21 "Those who have been rescued will go up to Mount Zion in Jerusalem to rule over the mountains of Edom. And the Lord himself will be king!”

After the 6th grade, my bully moved away and so did I.  I never saw her again until I was 16.  When we were reacquainted in a driver's training class, I saw that her life was already spiraling out of control, and mine was blessed by the Lord.  

She was still a bully and tried to once again bully me, but this time I shared the love of the Lord with her.  She refused the Lord and walked away from me.  Following that class, I never saw her again.   
Whatever difficult situation you may be going through,  remember, you are a child of God, blessed of the Lord.  He will provide for you a refuge, a holy place, and you will reclaim what the Lord has promised you.  You have been rescued, and given a place of authority where the Lord himself is King!

Bullies aren't so big!