OBED-EDOM SERIES- PART 3

OBED-EDOM SERIES- PART 3

OBED-EDOM: UNDENIABLE PROSPERITY IN ADVERSITY THROGH GOD’S SOVEREIGN GRACE

Psalm 112:1-9

And it was told king David, saying, The LORD hath blessed the house of Obed-edom , and all that pertaineth unto him, because of the ark of God. So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-edom into the city of David with gladness. 2 Sam 6:12

‘Wherefore… Let us have grace whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear…..’Heb.12:28. Obed-Edom’s prosperity was undeniable. It permeated everything he laid his hands upon and anything traceable to him, imaginably, his health, his house, his home, his family, his farm, his finance, his faith, his sons, his resources, his spouse, his soul (3John2). It leaked out as good news until it reached the king's ears.

The Lord blessed Obed-edom. And why? Because he had the ark of the Lord in his house. Whoever entertains God's messengers, or consecrates his house to the service of God, will infallibly receive God's blessing. Many want the Lord’s blessings but are unwilling to go an extra mile for him. They grumble and complain when the Lord is counting on them. Joanna, out of the little resources they had took care of the needs of Christ.

Obed-edom’s prosperity is undeniable, as it is obvious for everyone to see. The man became the talking point for everyone in the city. He became a testimony of God’s glory. Attending a session where those who have passed divine tests give their testimonies is usually exciting. But we must always remember that there is no testimony without a preceding test. God is no man’s debtor. He is not unrighteous to allow a labour of love to go unrewarded.

It was evidence that the ark was not such a burdensome stone as it was taken to be, but, on the contrary, happy was the man that had it near him.  Christ is indeed a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, to those that are disobedient; but to those who believe he is a corner-stone, elect, precious, 1Pet. 2:6-8. When David heard that Obed-edom had such joy of the ark, then he would have it in his own city. The experience others have had of the gains of godliness should encourage us to be righteous. Is the ark a blessing to others' houses? Let us bid it welcomes to ours; we may have it, possess it, and the blessing of it.

 Jesus Christ has also promised honour from above for those who serve him. We can prosper in adversity through God’s sovereign grace, with an attitude of submission, with a heart of service, trusting through the night of seeming adversity. 

Above all, the story of Obed-Edom reminds us to always remember that we are what we are and can only be what we will be by God’s sovereign, unquestionable  grace and favour, and that no man can glory in his presence. It is interesting that when the King came to take the ark away, Obed-Edom did not complain. God, who is the ultimate source of blessings, is certainly not limited by the placement of religious relics. On the part of David, he rectified his former error.

 He did not put the ark in a cart now, but ordered those whose business it was to carry it on their shoulders.  At their first setting out he offered sacrifices to God (2Sam. 6:13) by way of atonement for their former errors and in a thankful acknowledgment of the blessings bestowed on the house of Obed-edom. He himself attended the solemnity with the highest expressions of joy that could be (2Sam. 6:14): He danced before the Lord with all his might; he leaped for joy, as one transported with the occasion, and the more because of the disappointment he met with the last time. It is a pleasure to a good man to see his errors rectified and himself in the way of his duty.  His dancing,  was not artificial, by any certain rule or measure, nor do we find that any danced with him; but it was a natural expression of his great joy and exultation of mind. He did it with all his might; so we should perform all our religious services to God.

GOD BLESS YOU

DELE KELVIN

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