B-11 Messages From Heaven - 1 (Amos, Obadiah, Jonah)

Theme: When Obadiah was alive, the nation of Edom lived in rocky cliffs and believed no one could defeat them.

Show the following video: Edomite Dwellings 

Main point: Pride makes us think we are safe and better than others.

Supplies: Something elevated that volunteers can stand on (chair, stools, etc); Paper signs that say the following: tall cliffs, wise men, strong armies, riches

Activity: 

1. Ask for several volunteers to stand on the chair (or slightly elevated place).
2. Tell the group the student represents the nation of Edom living high in the mountains.
3. Ask the class: 
1. “If you lived way up high like this, would you feel safe?”
2. “Would you think anyone could defeat you?”
4. Give the volunteer the paper signs one at a time and have the class read them as you hand them to the volunteers. 
5. Ask: “Did all these things protect the Edomites?"
6. Have the volunteers step down.
7. Why did God have to destroy the Edomites? Obadiah 10
8. What did Edom do to his brother, Jacob? Obadiah 11-14

Discussion Questions:

1. Why do people sometimes feel proud or better than others?
2. What happens when someone laughs when others get hurt or fail?
3. Why does God want us to help people instead of watching them struggle?
4. What does true strength look like?

Take away point: “God is not impressed by how high we stand, but by how willing we are to help others.”