Heavenly mandate  

1 Kings 18:3~4 And Ahab had summoned Obadiah, who was in charge of his palace; (Obadiah was a devout believer in the Lord. While Jezebel was killing off the Lord’s prophets, Obadiah had taken a hundred prophets and hidden them in two caves, fifty in each, and had supplied them with food and water.)

Hymn for scheduled worship: Korean/English Hymnal #309 My Soul Today is Thirsting (#409 in previous version)

What must we do in order to receive answers like the people in the Bible? Everyone desires to enjoy blessings, but many times, it proves difficult to do so. Obadiah in the Old Testament was a businessperson. However, he discovered his God-given commission and received a royal mandate in his service to King Ahab. In addition, he received a greater heavenly mandate from God. How did Obadiah realize his heavenly mandate? Moreover, how must we enjoy the heavenly mandate given to us from God?

1. The work affiliated with the heavenly mandate  

Though the work that we are doing now may seem small and trivial, the work given to the children of God are affiliated with God’s heavenly mandate. The heavenly mandate is a promise and command given to us by God. If we can hear the voice of God, we will come to receive unimaginable answers. Obadiah loved God, worked diligently, and was always an indispensable person wherever he went. When we hold onto the commission given to us by God and do our best in all the work that we do, the answers of God will be revealed through that work. 

2. The life of enjoying the heavenly mandate  

Obadiah was a man who truly feared God. Through Obadiah who embraced the heavenly mandate, the answers and works to save the age continued to arise. The power of the covenant was revealed on Mount Carmel and on Mount Horeb, God gave Elijah the covenant regarding the 7,000 disciples that He had prepared. Later, He even bestowed the answer of granting victory without a fight to Elisha in the city of Dothan. At the start of these works was Obadiah who was holding onto the God-given heavenly mandate. 

3. Obadiah who changed the age  

Obadiah helped 100 prophets and became a great strength to Elijah. Even the individuals of Romans 16 were like Obadiah: they were the protectors, fellow workers, hosts, and beloved friends of the evangelist, and devoted their service to the evangelist. They also staked their lives and prayed to God and believed that God would prepare for them a sure future. Through Obadiah who realized God’s heavenly mandate of world evangelization, the works of an entire nation being saved arose. 

-People’s lives are determined by what they hold in their hearts. Deeply meditate on the Word of God and heavenly mandate given to you. What is your God-given heavenly mandate?

World Businessperson’s Evangelism Conference Camp Training Lecture 1 / 2013.5.13