Bright Future

Obadiah – How to Overcome the Past for a Bright Future. Obadiah 17

Intro;  Today, I am going to look at some very powerful lessons from Obadiah.  This is one of my most practical messages yet.

Background

-  Shortest book of O.T. 

-  Obadiah was a prophet to Israel, Edom and the nations.

-  Book centers on the feud between Israel, and Edom. 

But on Mount Zion will be deliverance.

1.  Edom was an ancient enemy of Israel.  The inhabitants of Edom allowed ancient

     Offences to make them enemies.  The first lesson we learn here is very practical.

     Never let the past or the offences of it determine you’re present or future.  Talk

     About Middle East.

2.  Never take up the offences of others even if they seem noble, righteous or

     Honourable.  You could be poisoned, manipulated, or be lied too. 

3.  Dwelling on old offences will create new ones.  Hurt, bitterness and unforgiveness

     Color everything we do, say, perceive, see, hear and think.  Edom allowed ancient

     Offences to make them enemies but they also made new offences.  They rejoiced

     In Israel’s destruction, they also participated in it which created new hatred and

     Animosity.  Unforgiveness, hatred and hurt is an endless cycle.  The only thing that

     Breaks it is true forgiveness.  Choosing to love, accept and forgive. 

4.  Obadiah says on Mt Zion will come deliverance.  God keeps the books, Obadiah is

     Saying. A valuable lesson to remember is that the way we react to hurt and offences

     Determine the consequences of our reactions and actions.  Paul says what we sow

     It what we reap. 

5.  This statement is a promise to Israel and a warning to Edom.  God fights for Israel and

     Against its enemies.

6. Obadiah warns Edom that God providentially cares for the Jews and there is a certainty

    Of judgment for those who persecute them. 

It will be holy.

1.  Obadiah talked about the rule of God,  He also talked about how Israel was a

     Showcase or example to the nations.  Israel was a nation that was suppose to show

     God’s mercy, goodness, love, justice was all about.  That is why God was so angry

     With Israel, they forgot they were chosen and the mission they had. 

2.  The church has that same mandate. We are to show the world what covenant means.

     We show the world God by our actions, words and attitudes.  What is the mandate?

      Of the church.

1.  To love God with everything we have and to love our neighbours (Great

     Commandment). Part 1

2.  To show all Jesus by the way we love one another. (Great commandment, Part 2)

3.  Go into all world and preach the gospel.  Matt 28:19  (Great Commission)

4.  Feed hungry, cloth strangers, visit sick and those in prison and give thirsty a drink.

    Matt 25:35-36

5.  Practice pure religion.  Take care of widows, orphans and keep yourself unpolluted

     By the world.  James 1:27

6.  Practice daily devotions of prayer and reading of the word.  Weekly attendance at

     Worship services.  Heb 10:25

7.  Be a reproducing believer.  Matt 28:19.

And the house of Jacob will possess its inheritance.

1.  Obadiah reminds Israel that the Lord will bring vindication and enjoyment again to

      His people.  Obadiah talks about the Day of the Lord where the remnant of Israel

      Will help in salvation and rulership over the nations. 

2.  Israel is the Lord’s arm.  Today the church is God’s arm of blessing.  Today in His

     Name if you need salvation, healing deliverance, restoration, strength, encouragement,

     Power, freedom or prayer for anything.