Just north of Abilene, Texas, the enduring remains of Fort Phantom Hill whisper tales of resilience and time—only stone fireplaces and the stone jailhouse still stand, defying decay. Stone, by its very nature, holds firm through generations, much like the enduring truths found in God’s Word. When we build our lives upon the solid principles He offers—love, justice, grace, and truth—we lay foundations that will outlast the storms of life. The timeless lessons of scripture aren’t relics of history but living stones we can carry forward. And as those weathered ruins remind us, sometimes the best way to grasp the future is by honoring the strength that still rises from the past.

In a world tangled with conflict and shifting alliances, the prophets were the original visionaries. Instead of business plans developed for future earnings, their forecasting communicated God’s purpose. Take Obadiah, for example. His vision didn’t come with spreadsheets or marketing pitches, but it carried a strategy more enduring than any empire. During a time of relentless war with Edom—a nation born from Esau, who famously traded his birthright for a bowl of stew—Obadiah spoke with clarity and conviction. His words revealed God’s justice, long-range vision, and ultimate sovereignty. The prophets didn’t just forecast outcomes; they delivered eternal blueprints—calling people to invest in righteousness, and warning that shortcuts for fleeting satisfaction would never yield lasting returns.

In the vision of Obadiah, God casts a piercing light on Edom’s heart—one swollen with pride and overconfidence. Though they nestled high in the rocks and boasted of impenetrable defenses, their arrogance blinded them to the reality of divine justice. Edom’s trust in its own strength, alliances, and wisdom became its downfall. Through Obadiah, the message is clear: no human elevation can rival the sovereignty of God. Pride may build strongholds, but it cannot shield a nation from the humbling hand of heaven.

A stark contrast emerges between the destiny of God’s people and that of Edom. While Edom’s pride leads to its downfall—its future darkened by divine judgment—God’s people are shown walking a different path: one toward victory, clarity, and purpose. They reject worldly confusion and fill their minds with the wisdom and truth of God. What awaits them is not ruin but restoration, not obscurity but elevation. Their spiritual posture secures a future shaped by the favor of God, while Edom’s misplaced confidence ends in collapse. In this prophetic vision, we see that where pride falls, surrender rises—and in that rising is God’s plan fulfilled.

The vision of Obadiah reminds us that even in the face of injustice or opposition, God’s heart calls us to something higher. Rather than wishing disaster upon our enemies—as Edom once reveled in Judah’s downfall—we’re challenged to pray for transformation and renewal. Our hope should be that those who oppose us might one day become contributors to healing and justice, not recipients of ruin. Success isn’t about defeating others — it’s about building a society where even former enemies can be redeemed, restored, and used for the good of all. Obadiah’s warning against pride and gloating becomes a call to humility, compassion, and grace that rewrites futures.

The vision is more than a warning—it’s an invitation to pursue a higher path. When strife and pride threatened to sever the bonds between nations, God’s call to justice was also a call to peace. Striving for peace means stepping forward with courage, not waiting for others to move first. It means listening deeply, empathizing with their pain, and focusing on solutions over blame. Flexibility softens hardened hearts, and reconciliation rebuilds what pride has broken. Through Obadiah’s words, we’re reminded that peace is never passive — it’s a deliberate pursuit, rooted in humility and led by love.

🙏 Father God, we thank you for Your Truth that anchors and steadies us. In a world that shifts depending on popular thought, we can count on Your Word to lead us forward. Help us to follow Your Word with boldness because victory is promised when we follow Jesus. The Way, the Truth, and the Life – the One who sets us free. Lead us toward your values of love that heals, grace that covers, humility that honors, and with purpose that glorifies You. Today, we step ahead into Your Truth and with every step, may the Holy Spirit guide us further towards freedom by following Jesus. Amen.