What can we learn from Obadiah about protecting God's prophets today? Setting the Scene in 1 Kings 18:4 “For when Jezebel had slaughtered the prophets of the LORD, Obadiah had taken a hundred prophets and hidden them in two caves, fifty men each, and had fed them with bread and water.” • Israel is under the tyranny of Ahab and Jezebel, who are murdering faithful prophets. • Obadiah, steward of Ahab’s palace yet a devout believer, quietly mounts a rescue operation. • He risks position, wealth, and life to safeguard God’s voice in a dark generation. What Obadiah Did Right • Courage under pressure—he feared the Lord more than a wicked king (cf. Acts 5:29). • Practical compassion—secured hiding places and daily provisions. • Strategic wisdom—split the prophets into two caves, reducing the risk of total loss. • Silent service—no fanfare, just steadfast obedience (cf. Matthew 6:4). Principles for Protecting God’s Messengers Today 1. Honor their calling – “He who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward.” (Matthew 10:41). 2. Provide material support – Food, shelter, finances, and tools so they can focus on the Word (Philippians 4:15-18). 3. Offer safe spaces – Homes, congregations, and networks that shield from hostility (Romans 16:3-4). 4. Intercede faithfully – “Pray… that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly.” (2 Thessalonians 3:1). 5. Stand in solidarity – Identify publicly with truth-tellers even when culture is opposed (Hebrews 13:13). 6. Employ godly wisdom – Security plans, digital safeguards, and discretion, as Jesus counseled: “Be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves.” (Matthew 10:16). Risks and Rewards • Risk: social rejection, financial loss, legal threats—Obadiah understood this (cf. 1 Kings 18:9-14). • Reward: partnership with God in preserving His revelation; heavenly commendation outweighs earthly cost (2 Timothy 4:8). How Do We Put This Into Practice? • Support local pastors and missionaries with regular, intentional giving. • Open homes for weary servants of the gospel traveling through. • Use influence—social media, workplace, civic roles—to defend biblical truth. • Create security teams and counseling resources for churches under threat. • Network with like-minded believers to relocate or hide endangered workers when necessary. Hope for the Future Just as Obadiah’s hidden caves kept the prophetic voice alive until fire fell on Mount Carmel, today’s quiet acts of protection sustain gospel proclamation until Christ’s ultimate victory (Revelation 11:3-12; 19:11-16). Integrity, courage, and faith-fueled action will ensure that God’s messengers continue to speak, and His Word will not be silenced. |
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