I Kings 18:3-4 states, “And Ahab called Obadiah, which was the governor of his household. (Now Obadiah feared the Lord greatly: For it was so, when Jezebel cut off the prophets of the Lord, that Obadiah took an hundred prophets, and hid them by fifty in a cave, and fed them with bread and water.)”
The days of Hitler and Ahab, were both marked with much bloodshed by these two wicked men. Hitler killed six million Jews. Many people were trying to protect Jews from his evil intent, at the risk of their own lives. Even many German people were involved—right under Hitler’s nose.
Obadiah was the governor of Ahab’s house. Few people, if any, would have been closer to Ahab and his wicked wife, Jezebel. It was because Obadiah feared God greatly, that he had the courage to risk his life to save 100 prophets from the hand of Jezebel.
We live in troublesome times today. Many of the streets of America are not safe. There is a hatred of Christians that comes from people under the influence of Satan. Persecution in other countries is far greater than we can imagine.
If we fear God, is there a time and place for us to take action? Let’s see if there is anything that we can learn from Obadiah. First, we see that Obadiah was obedient to Ahab and to the Lord. The famine had caused King Ahab and his governor to go out in the land looking for any green grass to sustain life for the animals. Obadiah and Ahab split ways in their search.
Second, we see that when Obadiah came across Elijah, he knew him—he called him “my lord.” Wherever God may put us in society, we need to stay close to the people of God. There were many false prophets—prophets of Baal—that Obadiah could have listened to. We need to have discernment in who we listen to and bond with.
Third, we see that Obadiah had to deal with fear of Ahab. It is easy to fear those in power over us, especially when they are wicked. In his day, kings could have people killed simply by saying it. There is much injustice today in our government. It is enough to make us want to avoid any confrontation. While dining with my family in a California restaurant some years back, I made a conservative remark. I was quickly told to keep my voice down so people wouldn’t hear me. Obadiah was afraid to obey Elijah’s request to go and tell Ahab that he had found Elijah. If he did, and Elijah didn’t show up, Obadiah might be slain. Obadiah reflected back on his life, “…but I thy servant fear the Lord from my youth” (I Kings 18:12).
In Matthew 10, Jesus sent His disciples out to preach that the kingdom of Heaven was at hand. It was a fearful commission. “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him that is able to destroy both body and soul in hell” (V. 28). As Obadiah, let us be found faithful, even though it may require STANDING ALONE!
