THE BLESSING OF OBEDEDOM
2 Samuel 6:1-12
INTRODUCTION
To begin with, I will describe Obededom as a man who made room for God and got stupendously blessed- v.12
The Bible records that God blessed Obededom and all his household. This blessing was so visible, that it was reported to King David.
HOW WAS OBEDEDOM BLESSED BY GOD?
In three months, it became the talk of town that the house of Obededom is blessed. One can only imagine, visible, tangible prosperity, unusual favour, protection, incredible joy and celebrations, children doing well, perhaps his family business suddenly broke through. One can only imagine, but it was something people took notice of. But there are three blessings I see here in the scriptures about Obededom, because of the Ark.
1. God blessed his sons- One of the ways God blessed Obededom was in giving him many sons, eight to be exact. 1 Chronicle 26:4-8. Obededom’s sons were men of great ability and able men.
These men were exceptional men of great ability for the bible to recognize them in that capacity. They were “mighty men of valour”. They were men of incredible stature.
2. God blessed his grandsons. Apart from his eight sons, he had a total of 62 men in his family- sons and grandsons.
The bible described these 62 men as “able men with strength for the work”. It is obvious that this blessing was not confined to one generation, it became multi-generational.
Remember, the Ark was only in Obededom’s house for just three months, but the effect of the Ark lingered for possible eternity.
3. God blessed his lineage forever.
CONCLUSION
God’s blessing truly makes one rich and add no sorrow to it. This is in contrast to that of the house of Abinadab for many years with the ark and no visible impact. Also, the same Ark that killed Uzzah, the priest blessed Obededom, a none Jew considered to be an unbeliever or an infidel in Israel.
The little inconvenience we sometimes endure to serve God, may be working for us a far weightier glory that we can ever imagine.
The blessings of God are generational. What you do for God in one generation can keep yielding fruit of blessings in many generations to come.
Like God promised that He would bless up to a thousand generations of those who love and serve Him.
PRAYER
We really need to pray. “Father God, please do not let me miss my day or hour of visitation. Helping to always remember that a right act can lead to a generational blessing. Help me to be willing to be inconvenienced to serve you, so that I will not forfeit a blessing you had reserved for me, in Jesus name we have prayed- Amen!.
WHAT MAKES A WOMAN A GOOD WIFE
A SPEECH DELIVERED AT THE APOSTOLIC CHURCH, JOS DISTRICT HEADQUARTERS, FCT FIELD ABUJA ON SUNDAY, 25TH MAY, 2025 AT THE COMBINED/ COMMUNION SERVICE BY DEAC. BRYNE S. E. EKARA ON THE TOPIC: WHAT MAKES A WOMAN A GOOD WIFE.
WHAT MAKES A WOMAN A GOOD WIFE
Abstract:
“Perhaps more than at any other time in history, women today need a clear understanding of how they should relate to their husbands”. – Barbara Rainey.
One may ask why? The simple answer is that the world is now going crazy!
However, those who know the truth of Christ and His Word, this is the most exciting time in history. Our Lord is coming soon and this is our moment to confront darkness with Light!
Many women believe that setting up a home with biblical roles/ responsibilities promotes male dominance. That notion is a fallacy.
It is important for us at this juncture to look clearly at what the Bible says on this subject.
There are two 2 kinds of wife, a good wife and a bad wife. Here, we are going to concentrate on a good wife.
A good wife, according to the Bible, is a woman who embodies both inner and outer virtues, characterized by love, respect, trustworthiness, and a life dedicated to her husband and family.
She finds joy in her husband, provides support, and reflects God’s grace in her interactions.
Generally, there are some Biblical characters who lived virtuous life as women worthy of emulation, viz: Sarah, Miriam, Abigail, Hannah, Deborah, Rahab, Rachel, Esther, Ruth, Elizabeth, Mary (Mother of Jesus), Mary Magdalene, etc.
Biblical Qualities of a Good Wife:
- Love and Respect:
Ephesians 5:33 highlights the wife’s responsibility to respect her husband, while husbands are instructed to love their wives. This respect is a vital aspect of a healthy marital relationship.
When you respect your husband, you notice him, regard him, honor him, prefer him, and esteem him. It means valuing his opinion, admiring his wisdom and character, appreciating his commitment to you, and considering his needs and values.
According to Titus 2:4- for a wife to love her husband, a good description of the kind of love your husband needs is “unconditional acceptance”. In other words, accept your husband just as he is – an imperfect person.
Don’t allow your husband to feel any form of rejection from you as a wife.
- Trustworthiness:
Proverbs 31:11-12 emphasizes the husband’s trust in his wife and her faithfulness in all that she does. This trust is not just between the wife and the husband, but to everyone around them.
- Submission:
Ephesians 5:22-24 instructs wives to submit to their husbands in everything, recognizing their role as a “helpmeet” and a partner in God’s design for marriage.
Submit to the leadership of your husband- (Eph. 5:22-30)
Some women submit to their husbands irrespective of their positions in the society, example Professors, Doctors, Judges, other professionals.
- Inner Beauty:
1 Timothy 3:11 describes women as “temperate and trustworthy,” highlighting the importance of inner character and integrity.
- Kindness and Humility:
Titus 2:4 encourages wives to be “busy at home” and “kind” while Titus 2:5 speaks of being “self-controlled and pure”.
- Diligent and Hardworking:
Proverbs 31 paints a picture of a wife who is hard-working and diligent in her duties.
- Fear of the Lord:
Proverbs 31:30 praises a wife who fears the Lord, emphasizing the importance of a strong faith and devotion to God.
- Loyalty:
Proverbs 31:11 highlights the wife’s loyalty to her husband and their family.
- Encouragement and Support:
A good wife encourages her husband and family, providing support and a safe haven.
Examples in Scripture:
+ Proverbs 31: This chapter offers a detailed portrait of a virtuous woman, showcasing her many admirable qualities.
+ Genesis 2:18-24: This passage describes the creation of the first wife as a “helper” to her husband, establishing the complementary nature of their roles.
Be a helper to your husband- while all of us are called to be helpers to others, the Bible places a special emphasis on this responsibility for wives- particularly in Gen. 2:18.
+ Ephesians 5: This chapter provides guidelines for marital relationships, emphasizing love, respect, and submission within the context of Christian marriage.
Conclusion/ Key Takeaway:
A good wife, according to the Bible, is one who embodies a combination of inner virtues, a commitment to her husband and family, and a strong faith in God.
Her life is a reflection of God’s grace and a testament to the beauty of a biblical marriage. It only takes the grace of God, which God has already made it available for a woman to be a good wife to the husband and maintain a good marital relationship to the end because marriage is the only institution of learning (university) without graduation, also a sealed contract (…till death do us part).
….. An excellent wife is the crown of her husband!