Theme: The Impact of Unsung Heroes in the Bible
Topic: Obadiah: A Willing Vessel in Perilous Times
Main Text: 1Kings 18:1-16
Key verse: 1 Kings 18:4 For so it was, while Jezebel massacred the prophets of the LORD, that Obadiah had taken one hundred prophets and hidden them, fifty to a cave, and had fed them with bread and water.
Introduction:
Perilous, dangerous, or risky times and circumstances can come upon us suddenly or develop gradually over time. Elijah had announced to King Ahab that there would be no rain except by his word (1Ki 1:1-2) and then promptly hid himself at God’s command. The drought was now in its third year. Ahab had been seeking Elijah everywhere, probably to kill him, while Jezebel, his queen, had gone about murdering God’s prophets. The people were desperate but Ahab was more concerned for his mules and horses. God told Elijah to come out of hiding and present himself before Ahab because He was about to intervene dramatically. Into this milieu steps our unsung hero, Obadiah (“Servant of God”), who could not have been more different from his evil master Ahab, or his violent, murderous, power-hungry immoral wife. Obadiah was a prophet who feared the Lord (1 Kings 18:3) and served him at great risk to his own life yet rose to prominence as Governor of Ahab’s household.
Q1. Read Gen 39:2-4; Dan 6:3,10 (1a) In what ways were the circumstances of Obadiah, Joseph, and Daniel alike? (1b) What character traits do the three of them share? What shaped their character? (1c) What is your view of believers who hold high office in governments or businesses that are led by ungodly people?
Paragraph 2:
Obadiah, and other unsung heroes in God’s word, were described with such attributes as: “feared God” (Psalm 111:10), “led by the spirit” (Rom 8:14), “loved their fellow man” (Mk 12:31). Obadiah feared God from his youth (v12); he saved the lives of 100 prophets who were raised to read and expound the law in private meetings or in families that retained their integrity after the priests and Levites had moved to Judah when Jeroboam forbad Israel to go to Jerusalem to worship. Obadiah feared God more than he feared Ahab and Jezebel yet proved himself an able, competent, trustworthy administrator in the court of a godless king, not unlike Daniel, Joseph, or Nehemiah, to name but three. God can mightily use those who trust him even if they be in an environment that is hostile to God. As Mathew Henry once wrote, “those who profess religion should study to recommend themselves to the esteem even of those that are without by their integrity, fidelity, and application to business”. We should use every opportunity presented to us in the forums that God has placed us to demonstrate Christlikeness. In doing so, we may, as Obadiah, preserve many lives even unto eternity.
Q2. Read: 1 Kings 18:7-16, Neh 1:11,2:1-3; Esth 4:15 (2a) Obadiah, Nehemiah, and Esther all served powerful heathen kings. Why did Obadiah hesitate to carry out Elijah’s instruction? What did he do in the end? (2b) How was Obadiah’s approach to serving God in difficult times different from Elijah’s? (2c) From the life of Obadiah, Nehemiah, Esther, and other unsung heroes we have studied, how do we progress from superficiality to true faith in God’s will?
Paragraph 3:
“Elijah is here!” The conversation between Obadiah and Elijah in 1 Kings 18:4-16, illustrates that God sometimes speaks powerfully to us through fellow Christians. It also shows that God uses different personalities and approaches to accomplish his task. Elijah was confrontational, Obadiah’s approach was one of quiet risk-taking. If Obadiah had been confrontational, he would not have been able to save the 100 prophets (or himself). If Elijah had been quiet, he would not have brought down the priests of Baal so dramatically. Each served God as He enabled them. But each took a stand when it mattered. We are all prone to human reasoning and response in times of danger. However, as Christians, the will of the spirit will ultimately prevail (vs.16) and we must obey.
Q3. Read: Jonah 1:3, 3:3; Mt 26:73-75, Acts 2:14, 22-24, 1 Kings 18:9,16 (3a) What contrasts do we see in Jonah’s, Peter’s, and Obadiah’s behaviour in these passages? (3b) What was responsible for these contrasts? (3c) How do these shifts in behaviour encourage us in our service for God?
Prayer: Lord, the current theme of unsung biblical heroes should help us to pray for a walk with You devoid of personal agendas. The cases considered already: Enoch, Jochebed, Rahab, Jonathan, and now Obadiah, did “unthinkable” things all because they believed God’s word and decided accordingly, not minding the risk and possible personal consequences. Lord help us to do likewise, in Jesus’ name we ask. Amen