Obadiah

Obadiah. In charge of Ahab’s palace. Up close and personal to the evil taking place there. 

But Obadiah “greatly feared God.” And saved 100 prophets from the slaughter his king’s wife—Jezebel—instigated.

Hiding them in caves. Providing for their needs. At great personal risk.

Courageous servant of the Lord God.

Courage and anxiety

Then, after a long time of no rain and great famine, Obadiah was out searching for grass to keep livestock alive. At the order of King Ahab. 

Elijah met him on the road. And told him, “Go tell your master, ‘Elijah is here.’” 

But Obadiah was concerned. What if the prophet didn’t show up as promised? He’d disappeared before. What if he disappeared again?

“When I leave you the Spirit of God may carry you off to some place I don’t know.”

And that would mean certain death for Obadiah.

Uncertainty and anxiety seep into the courageous too. 

Halls of power

Today His people walk in the halls of power. Serving governments and kingdoms. In various countries around the world. 

Working behind the scenes in places where evil people often rule or hold sway over those who do. 

Some of these pray and exert influence in offices and assemblies where most believers have no access. Some find ways of escape or provision for the oppressed, the persecuted. 

And who can they trust? In the mix of courage and fear, how do they know what to do? 

By abiding in Christ through prayer and the Word. Day by day by day.

The Lord, He is God

By the way, Elijah did show up. As promised. And the Lord revealed His power in a big way to the evil king.

I wonder. Was Obadiah at Mt. Carmel that day? Watching how it all went down?

Or did he have to be back at the palace. Fulfilling daily mundane duties?

Could he hear the uproar? See the fire come down from heaven?

Was his faith strengthened and encouraged? As the people acknowledged. Repeated. Shouted. 

“The Lord, He is God! The Lord, He is God!”

Obadiahs today

Lord, encourage the Obadiahs in our world today as they faithfully serve You in the halls of power. Sometimes in the presence of evil. 

Remind them of Your plan and Your purpose as they abide in Christ. Walking by faith. Speaking the Truth. Making disciples.

Strengthen their hearts to persevere. Sustain them in the spiritual battle. 

And may they see Your glory. Even one person turning to follow, in repentance and belief. Declaring, “The Lord, He is God!”

What about you?

Have you ever met an Obadiah? How do you pray for His people serving in places of power?

Related posts

When I am afraid – Disregard for Truth – Healing hurts and counting stars – Shoeless – Sanctuary: Psalm 73 – Dare to hope – Sharing hope in the dark – Paths and prophets – True sanctuary –

1 Kings 16:29-33 – 1 Kings 18 –