“Even you were as one of them” (Obadiah 11)

Jacob and Esau knew about the covenant God made with their grandfather, Abraham. Nonetheless, the nation that came from Esau (Edom), sided with the enemies of Israel. God rebuked Edom for this. “When foreigners entered his gates And cast lots for Jerusalem - Even you were as one of them ... As you have done, it shall be done to you; Your reprisal shall return upon your own head.” (Obadiah 11-15).

When people sin in ignorance, it’s one thing, but for saints to knowingly sin, woe unto them! “These things ought not to be so.  Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening? Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? (James 3:10-12).

Christ said, “everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required” (Luke 12:48). Saints are given a new heart and the indwelling Holy Spirit, so they have the power to overcome temptation. “Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?” (Romans 6:1-2).

At a party, do you laugh at dirty jokes? When you’re given an opportunity to acknowledge Christ, are you silent? When they pursue ill-gotten gain, are you in the pack? Is there any difference between you and them? Be honest. Examine yourself. Make sure “the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His” (Romans 8:9).

Don’t walk in such a way, that someone can say of you, “even you were as one of them”. If you don’t want to share their place in Hell, don’t share in their sins. “And I heard another voice from heaven saying, "Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues” (Revelation 18:4).