Back in the OT this week with a look at some minor prophets. We begin with Obadiah. Obadiah is just one chapter. The prophet comforts us by saying all the wrongs will one day be made right. Have a read and be blessed.
Obadiah 1:
1 The vision of Obadiah.
Edom Will Be Humbled Thus says the Lord GOD concerning Edom: We have heard a report from the LORD, and a messenger has been sent among the nations: "Rise up! Let us rise against her for battle!"
2 Behold, I will make you small among the nations; you shall be utterly despised.
3 The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rock, in your lofty dwelling, who say in your heart, "Who will bring me down to the ground?"
4 Though you soar aloft like the eagle, though your nest is set among the stars, from there I will bring you down, declares the LORD.
5 If thieves came to you, if plunderers came by night--- how you have been destroyed!--- would they not steal only enough for themselves? If grape gatherers came to you, would they not leave gleanings?
6 How Esau has been pillaged, his treasures sought out!
7 All your allies have driven you to your border; those at peace with you have deceived you; they have prevailed against you; those who eat your bread have set a trap beneath you--- you have no understanding.
8 Will I not on that day, declares the LORD, destroy the wise men out of Edom, and understanding out of Mount Esau?
9 And your mighty men shall be dismayed, O Teman, so that every man from Mount Esau will be cut off by slaughter.
Edom's Violence Against Jacob
10 Because of the violence done to your brother Jacob, shame shall cover you, and you shall be cut off forever.
11 On the day that you stood aloof, on the day that strangers carried off his wealth and foreigners entered his gates and cast lots for Jerusalem, you were like one of them.
12 But do not gloat over the day of your brother in the day of his misfortune; do not rejoice over the people of Judah in the day of their ruin; do not boast in the day of distress.
13 Do not enter the gate of my people in the day of their calamity; do not gloat over his disaster in the day of his calamity; do not loot his wealth in the day of his calamity.
14 Do not stand at the crossroads to cut off his fugitives; do not hand over his survivors in the day of distress.
The Day of the LORD Is Near
15 For the day of the LORD is near upon all the nations. As you have done, it shall be done to you; your deeds shall return on your own head.
16 For as you have drunk on my holy mountain, so all the nations shall drink continually; they shall drink and swallow, and shall be as though they had never been.
17 But in Mount Zion there shall be those who escape, and it shall be holy, and the house of Jacob shall possess their own possessions.
18 The house of Jacob shall be a fire, and the house of Joseph a flame, and the house of Esau stubble; they shall burn them and consume them, and there shall be no survivor for the house of Esau, for the LORD has spoken.
The Kingdom of the LORD
19 Those of the Negeb shall possess Mount Esau, and those of the Shephelah shall possess the land of the Philistines; they shall possess the land of Ephraim and the land of Samaria, and Benjamin shall possess Gilead.
20 The exiles of this host of the people of Israel shall possess the land of the Canaanites as far as Zarephath, and the exiles of Jerusalem who are in Sepharad shall possess the cities of the Negeb.
21 Saviours shall go up to Mount Zion to rule Mount Esau, and the kingdom shall be the LORD's.
Things to think about…
1. Obadiah is the shortest book in the OT. It was written around 590BC when the Babylonians were in their campaign against Judah who refused to pay tribute. Edom, who represents Esau, Jacob (Israel’s) twin brother should have known better than to be on the side of the Babylonians. God would now judge the Edomites, vss 2-9. They were Judah’s blood relatives, yet they plundered Jerusalem after the Babylonians left. It’s terrible when there are family feuds, it’s even worse when neighbouring churches speak evil against one another. May we never be part of pulling other churches (our brothers in Christ) down, but promote unity, truth and grace.
2. Edom’s day of judgement would come, vss 10-14. They should not stand back and gloat against Judah’s misfortune. The Edomites did not obey vs 14. They actually handed over the people of Judah and tormented the remaining survivors who were left by raping and murdering. God’s judgement would eventually come to Edom in the form of the Romans who destroyed the Edomites between 66-70AD.
3. The Lord promises to bless and restore Israel, vss 15-18. There shall be a remnant who escape and from them the Lord will restore the fortunes of Jacob, vs 17. Israel will return to the land and there will be no survivor of Edom. This prophecy has come true. Israel are back in their land and there is no land called Edom, vs 18.
4. The Israelites would control the land of Edom which was in the south around the dead sea leading toward the gulf of Aqaba which is now controlled by Israel, vss 19-21 but surrounded by land controlled by Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Egypt. Where it says ‘Saviours’ in vs 21, this just means rulers or deliverers. They will be directed from Israel to rule over Edom. This fulfils the prophesy that Jacob would rule over Esau. This has come true of course. Much of the Arab Israeli conflict that goes on today of course is still the outworking of these judgements and prophesies. The only answer to true peace of course is by the One who is called the Prince of Peace whose government of peace will know no end, Is 9:6,7. Pray for the peace of Israel which can only be truly fulfilled if they acknowledge the true Messiah, Jesus Christ.
Vision statement for CBC
CBC’s Vision :- To be a growing biblical church community, significantly influencing our city and beyond, through intentional outreach, fulfilling our mission.
Sunday’s message – “Prayers of faith that work” – James 5
a. What do you think about the gift of healing and why the Lord heals sometimes and not at others?
b. James brings out a number of requirements when we ask for a prayer of healing. What are they and why are they important?
c. Discuss the mention of Elijah the prophet and his nature and the relevance of James mentioning this man.
d. The greatest healing needed is healing from sin through the sacrifice of Jesus. Pray for our outreach on Sunday and the family fun day as well as our Easter services.
Prayer Points
1. QB Conference at SeaWorld this week. Jarrod and Jay will be attending.
2. Pray the CBC reaches our into our community and we see many coming to Christ and added to the church. Please come along and invite others to the Palm Sunday outreach this Sunday and Easter services.
3. That our Kids@Church and Chuwar Youth group grow beyond anyone’s expectations.
4. Pray for Chuwar Youth and Jarrod for Friday’s. Pray as he meets with youth at Westside, Ipswich and Bundamba high schools.
5. How you can serve in ministry this year.
6. Growth, conversions, joy in the Word and Spirit to remain and increase.
7. Pray our internet streaming issues get sorted out.
Praise Points
1. Dan and Melinda’s wedding on Saturday. Pray for the Lord’s blessing over our dear friends.
2. A good number of visitors on Sunday. Pray this increases over time.
3. Kids@Church and Youth ministries are a great blessing. Keep praying for Rosie and Jarrod.
4. Turf laid in the café area – pray we can continue to finish off this area.
5. Thankyou Ashley, Brian and worship team. Thanks Bec, and Trent for looking after words and sound. Thankyou to all those who serve – you are appreciated and essential for Christ’s work at CBC.
6. Joy, peace and grace we see at CBC. Thankyou Lord
Announcements
1. Palm Sunday outreach on the 2nd April – please invite people over these next few days. Potjie and food, rises and fun for the kids.
2. Chuwar Youth Friday nights – 6:30-8:30pm. Grades 7 to 12. Chat to the Youth Pastor Jarrod for more details 0478 845 123.
3. Easter Sunday service – Good Friday 9am, Easter Sunday 9:30am as usual.
4. Remember to check your duty rosters.
5. Church bank details bsb:- 704 913 and Acc number:- 4000 4388 1
6. Tune in again this week on our youtube page. Subscribe to the CBC channel Chuwar Baptist YouTube channel.
Catechism questions for March...
Q. 7. In how many persons does this one God exist? A. In three persons.
