HARDING COUNTY - OBADIAH

66 Books of the Bible Release to 66 Counties of South Dakota

Our 31st county to pray for in South Dakota is Harding County, with the city of Buffalo being the county seat.  We release the book of Obadiah to Harding County. Obadiah means "a worshiper of Jehovah."  This book is the shortest book of the Old Testament with 21 verses. This prophet was sent by God to declare a judgment of doom on Edom, the descendants of Esau, because of its arrogance and cruelty toward Judah.  This shows a vivid example of the Golden Rule in negative operation: ". . . as you have done, it shall be done to you" (Obadiah 15).  A root of bitterness had developed in Esau which defiled him and also his descendants - most tragic.    They had refused God's grace to forgive, and as a result became bitter and hard.  Bitterness is a luxury none of us can afford - it is too expensive.  To embrace God's grace in forgiveness is our only answer to live in true freedom. 

Jesus Christ can be seen as the Judge of the nations (Obadiah 15, 16), the Savior of Israel (Obadiah 17-20) and the Possessor of the kingdom (Obadiah 21).  The last verses 19-21, shows the restoration of Israel as God once again is faithful to them. 

Father, in the mighty name of Jesus, we declare in Harding County, that brotherly love for one another would flow through the people and land.  That Your people in Harding County would keep covenant with You and one another, and a covenant-breaking spirit would not have its way.  That the 2 most important commandments would be embraced, to love You 1st God, and then our neighbor as ourselves (Duet. 6:5, Mat. 22:37-39).  That Your love and forgiveness for one another would flow in Harding County, honoring others before ourselves.  We declare the Holy Fear of God to flow through Harding County and out of that close relationship with You, Jesus, total restoration, freedom, and prosperity would be theirs in Christ.  Let the land and the people of Harding County flourish in Jesus name!