Grace Notes // When We Were Kings Week 9
Encouragement for Obadiah
Written by Keli Miller
At this point in our story the drought has gone on for 3 years, so severe that the palace itself has been affected and now we find King Ahab and Obadiah scouring the land for any grass to feed their cattle. What we know about Obadiah, is that along with being in charge of King Ahab’s household, he was a man of God. When the drought first began and Jezebel was killing all of the Lord’s prophets, Obadiah boldy hid 100 of them.
As severe as the drought has been, we also find Obadiah in a bit of a spiritual drought of his own. While Elijah had been hiding and ministering with the widow, Obadiah had been surrounded by idolatry and without any fellowship of other believers.
The main story of 1 Kings 18 is the fire showdown on Mount Carmel where God proved that he was the one and only true God, and that no other gods could stand before him.
But woven into this story is the story of Obadiah. He is not the protagonist nor the villain, just a God-fearing man working in an incredibly secular environment. It’s here, when Obadiah is going about his work just like any other day, that God calls Obadiah with purpose and stretches his faith and obedience. On this ordinary day God was widening Obadiah’s ministry.
As Obadiah was walking along, Elijah met him. Obadiah recognized him, bowed down to the ground, and said, “Is it really you, my lord Elijah?” “Yes,” he replied. “Go tell your master, ‘Elijah is here.’” -1 Kings 18:7-8
Obadiah’s meeting with Elijah was a divine encounter, water to Obadiah’s droughted spirit. His first response when Elijah tells him the plan is one of fear and disbelief. Obadiah is quick to remind Elijah of the circumstances, and why this is a terrible idea. He’s also quick to remind Elijah of how he had hid 100 prophets in the Lord's name.
How many times do we tell God the same thing? “Listen, I have already been faithful, remember how I served you? I’ve already checked the ministry box.”
Obadiah was living off of yesterday’s stories and ministry. He was more focused on what he had done for God in the past than what God was wanting to do through him in the present.
Our ministry isn’t just one big moment. It’s not just the week long mission trip you take each summer, or the monthly meal you serve or even the years of past ministry. Our ministry is an accumulation of everyday faithfulness, both big and small moments.
While Obadiah had been serving King Ahab, Elijah had been witnessing God’s provision day in and day out during his time with the Widow. Elijah must have had an abundance of faith at this point after seeing God miraculously provide day in and day out. This is why his meeting with Obadiah is so important. God used Elijah’s faith to strengthen the weary Obadiah.
Elijah said, “As the Lord Almighty lives, whom I serve,
I will surely present myself to Ahab today.” - 1 Kings 18:15
Obadiah was rightfully so stricken with fear at these instructions and Elijah’s response spoke directly to this fear. Elijah was there to encourage Obadiah and remind him of God’s word and promises. Without reminders of God’s word or promises, it is easy for fear to control us.
I love that God chose this moment, to include and strengthen Obadiah’s faith. God could have ended the drought and won the showdown at Mount Carmel without Obadiah. But because God cares for and sees every person, he saw Obadiah’s faithfulness, and his spirit’s need for a fresh calling. God chose and invited Obadiah to be a part of this miraculous event.
God invites us to partner with him. Your story and obedience matter. Stay alert to what God is calling you to today. Your obedience could be someone else's breakthrough.
In The Word
1 Kings 18
1 Thessalonians 5:11
1 Peter 5:6-11
Processing
Fear often takes form in 3 different ways: Fear of loss, fear of rejection, fear of failure. Which form of fear tempts you the most? Has fear taken grip of any part of your heart?
Obadiah was faithful in his secular workplace. How can we be faithful to live out God’s calling in our everyday ordinary lives?
Take a moment to focus on God’s presence and provisions in this day and current season. What battles is he currently, fighting for you? If you can’t think of any, are there battles that you wish he was fighting for you? Process this with the Lord and your community.