The name Obadiah means “Servant of the Lord.” Obadiah served the Lord in a very special way. In one little book (Obadiah is the shortest book in the Old Testament.), he proclaims a powerful message that warns some of God’s wrath; yet, also comforts others with His grace. He does it all by telling them about the Day of the Lord. This is the Day of Judgment, which is coming for Edom (Obad. 8) and for all the nations (Obad. 15). On that day the enemies of the Lord will experience His wrath and punishment. But His faithful children will find their fulfillment and vindication. Warning God’s enemies and comforting God’s people made Obadiah a valuable servant indeed.

Isaiah tells us of a greater servant to come—Jesus. “See, my servant will act wisely; He will be raised and lifted up and highly exalted . . . But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed” (Is. 52:13; 53:5).

Like Obadiah before Him, Jesus would have a twofold task. He would conquer God’s enemies while also comforting and vindicating God’s people. This too would take place on one special day—Good Friday. This could only happen by Jesus becoming a suffering servant. Jesus was flogged, stripped of His clothes, spit upon, and ridiculed. He was given a crown of thorns and then crucified (Matt. 27:26-31). Jesus willingly endured unspeakable torment because of His great love for us.

St. Paul explains the wonder of it all when he writes, that Jesus, “Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross!” (Phil. 2:6-8).

Then, after three days, He who was raised up on the cross to die in shame was raised up to life to manifest His glory. Then, “God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Phil. 2:9-11).

Jesus’ entire ministry from beginning to end was one of service, “This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: ‘Here is my servant whom I have chosen’ ” (Matt. 12:17-18). Like Obadiah before Him, Jesus was a true servant of the Lord.

Prayer: Dear Jesus, how can I ever repay You for all that You have done for me? Send your Holy Spirit into my heart and enable me to show my gratitude for Your service, by being a servant for others. Amen.

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Updated: Thursday February 21, 2008