Daily Devotional for Tuesday, April 29

The House of Jacob Restored by God

“But upon mount Zion shall be deliverance, and there shall be holiness; and the house of Jacob shall possess their possessions. And the house of Jacob shall be a fire, and the house of Joseph a flame, and the house of Esau for stubble, and they shall kindle in them, and devour them; and there shall not be any remaining of the house of Esau; for the Lord hath spoken it,” Obadiah 17, 18.

In the book of Obadiah, in the middle of the declarations of judgment against Edom, there shone a ray of hope for the house of Jacob. Verses 17-21 portray a vision of restoration, a promise of redemption and a glimpse of God’s unwavering faithfulness. The restoration prophesied by Obadiah is twofold: physical and spiritual. God promised that His people, the descendants of Jacob, would possess their rightful inheritance. Despite the trials and tribulations they faced, they would emerge victorious, reclaiming the land that was once theirs. This promise reflected God’s commitment to fulfill His covenant with His chosen people, ensuring that they would not be forgotten or forsaken.

Moreover, the restoration extended beyond mere land possession. It encompassed spiritual renewal and divine intervention. The house of Jacob would be a place of holiness, and God Himself would reign as King. This signified a restoration of divine order in which God’s sovereignty would be acknowledged and His people would live in harmony with His will.

The fulfillment of this prophecy finds its ultimate expression in Jesus Christ. Through His life, death and resurrection, Jesus restored not only the physical descendants of Jacob but all who believe in Him to a right relationship with God. He established a New Covenant, whereby His followers would inherit the blessings of salvation and eternal life. 

HOPE FOR TODAY

As believers, we are beneficiaries of this restoration. Through Jesus Christ, we are reconciled to God, brought into His family, and granted an eternal inheritance. Let us cling to the promise of restoration, trusting in God’s faithfulness to bring about His purposes in our lives and in the world.

Steven Ridings