Thursday 26 September 2024

THE GOD OF OBEDEDOM

TITLE: THE GOD OF OBEDEDOM
 
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 2 Samuel 6:10-12 
Supporting Texts: 1 Chronicles 13:13-14, Psalm 24:7-10, Isaiah 55:9

INTRODUCTION 
The story of Obededom, a seemingly obscure figure in the Bible, is a powerful example of how God's presence can transform an ordinary life into one of extraordinary blessing. When the Ark of the Covenant was placed in Obededom's house, his life and household experienced an overflow of God's favour and blessings. This sermon explores the lessons we can learn from the God of Obededom, showing how God's presence brings divine transformation, favour, and breakthrough.

1. DIVINE OPPORTUNITY: GOD’S PRESENCE IN YOUR LIFE 

a) The Ark as a Symbol of God’s Presence
The Ark of the Covenant represented the presence of God among the people of Israel. When David attempted to bring the Ark back to Jerusalem and the journey was interrupted, the Ark was left in the house of Obededom (2 Samuel 6:10). This unexpected event became the turning point in Obededom's life.

b) Welcoming God’s Presence
Obededom welcomed the Ark of God into his home, and by doing so, he welcomed the presence of God. We learn from this that inviting God's presence into our lives and homes opens the door to divine transformation. God’s presence is what makes the difference between an ordinary life and an extraordinary one.

Biblical Example: The Blessing of Obededom’s House 
Within three months of the Ark staying in his house, Obededom’s entire household was blessed abundantly (2 Samuel 6:11). This shows that the presence of God brings supernatural favour and blessings wherever it is honoured.

2. THE POWER OF GOD’S PRESENCE TO TRANSFORM 

a) From Obscurity to Fame
Obededom was a man who lived in obscurity before the Ark came to his house. But the blessing that came upon him because of God's presence made him famous, to the point that King David heard about it (2 Samuel 6:12). This demonstrates that God can take anyone from the backseat of life and elevate them to a position of honour and recognition.

b) Transformation of Circumstances 
When God’s presence enters a life, circumstances are transformed. God brings healing, restoration, provision, and breakthrough. The story of Obededom reminds us that God’s blessings are not limited by human understanding; He is able to do exceedingly and abundantly beyond what we can imagine (Ephesians 3:20).

Biblical Example: The Widow of Zarephath 
Like Obededom, the widow of Zarephath welcomed God’s prophet Elijah into her home, and God’s presence brought miraculous provision during a famine (1 Kings 17:9-16). Her small jar of oil and flour did not run out, demonstrating how God’s presence brings transformation and provision.

3. MAKING ROOM FOR GOD’S PRESENCE 

a) Honouring God with What You Have
Obededom honoured God by allowing the Ark to stay in his home, even though it was a great responsibility. Similarly, when we honour God with our time, talents, and resources, He blesses us in return. The key is to make room for God in our lives, families, and work.

b) Hosting God’s Presence Requires Commitment
Hosting God’s presence requires a lifestyle of commitment to prayer, worship, and holiness. We cannot expect God’s blessings if we do not honour Him with our lives. Psalm 24:3-4 reminds us that only those with clean hands and a pure heart can ascend the hill of the Lord and dwell in His presence.

Biblical Example: The Shunammite Woman 
The Shunammite woman made room for the prophet Elisha in her home, and as a result, she was blessed with a child after years of barrenness (2 Kings 4:8-17). This story, like Obededom’s, shows how making room for God brings supernatural blessings.

4. GOD’S BLESSINGS ARE CONTAGIOUS 

a) God’s Blessings Affect Everyone Around You 
The blessings that came upon Obededom did not stop with him alone but extended to his entire household. When God blesses one person, His favour can extend to those around them. As we carry God’s presence in our lives, we become channels of blessings to others.

b) Impact Beyond the Household 
The blessing of Obededom’s house was so significant that it reached the ears of King David. This teaches us that when God blesses us, it goes beyond our personal lives and touches our community, workplace, and even our nation.

Biblical Example: Joseph in Potiphar’s House 
When Joseph was in Potiphar’s house, the presence of God in his life brought prosperity to Potiphar’s household (Genesis 39:5). Joseph’s life shows how one person, filled with the presence of God, can bring blessings to everyone around them.

CONCLUSION 
The God of Obededom is a God of transformation, favour, and blessings. When we make room for God in our lives and honour His presence, He turns our circumstances around. Like Obededom, we may feel insignificant, but with God’s presence, our lives can be completely transformed. The key is to welcome His presence, honour Him, and commit to living a life that pleases Him. As we do, we will experience the abundant blessings of God, and those around us will also be impacted by His grace.

PRAYER POINTS 
1. Father, I welcome Your presence into every area of my life. 

2. Lord, may Your presence bring transformation to my family and home like it did for Obededom. 

3. Father, let Your blessings overflow in my life and impact those around me. 

4. Lord, help me to honour You with everything I have, so that I may experience Your divine favour. 

5. Father, remove anything in my life that hinders Your presence from dwelling with me. 

6. Lord, just as You transformed Obededom’s life, transform every difficult situation in my life. 

7. Father, may I be a carrier of Your presence, bringing blessings to my community and family. 

8. Lord, elevate me from obscurity to a position of honour, just as You did for Obededom. 

9. Father, I commit to living a life that pleases You; help me to be faithful. 

10. Lord, let Your presence continually abide with me, bringing supernatural favour and breakthroughs.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS 
1. The presence of God in your life will bring supernatural transformation. 

2. Just as Obededom’s household was blessed, so shall your household experience the abundant blessings of God. 

3. Your life will be elevated from obscurity to a position of honour and recognition. 

4. Every difficult situation in your life is being turned around by the power of God’s presence. 

5. You are becoming a channel of blessings to your family, community, and nation. 

6. As you honour God, divine favour will overtake you, and you will experience extraordinary blessings. 

7. The blessings of God will extend beyond your life and impact everyone connected to you. 

8. No weapon formed against you will prosper because the presence of God surrounds you. 

9. The grace of God will make room for you, and your story will be a testimony of divine favour. 

10. You will carry the presence of God wherever you go, and you will walk in continual victory.

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