What can we learn from Obadiah's fear of the Lord in our lives? Setting the Scene 1 Kings 18:3: “So Ahab summoned Obadiah, who was in charge of the palace. (Now Obadiah greatly feared the LORD).” Elijah will soon confront King Ahab and the prophets of Baal, but first the Spirit pauses to spotlight a palace official whose heart is already bowed before God. That single statement—“Obadiah greatly feared the LORD”—anchors everything he does in the chapter. What Scripture Says about Holy Fear • Proverbs 1:7 – “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge…” • Psalm 112:1 – “Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who greatly delights in His commandments.” • Acts 9:31 – “…walking in the fear of the LORD and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, [the church] multiplied.” Across both Testaments, fearing God is never terror that drives us away; it is reverent awe that draws us close and molds our choices. The Shape of Obadiah’s Fear 1. Integrity in a Compromised Environment • Serving inside Ahab’s corrupt court, Obadiah remains unswayed. • Proverbs 14:26 – “He who fears the LORD is secure in confidence…” 2. Courageous Compassion • He hides one hundred prophets, risking his position and life (1 Kings 18:4). • John 15:13 – “Greater love has no one than this: that he lay down his life for his friends.” 3. Quiet Faithfulness over Headlines • Obadiah’s story is small compared with Elijah’s fire from heaven, yet God records it. • Isaiah 66:2 – “…This is the one I will esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, who trembles at My word.” 4. Submission to God above Human Authority • He honors the king’s office (managing the palace) but obeys the higher King first. • 1 Peter 2:17 – “…fear God, honor the king.” 5. Willingness to Step Forward when God Calls • When Elijah asks him to announce the prophet’s return, Obadiah trembles yet obeys (1 Kings 18:7-16). • Philippians 2:12 – “…work out your salvation with fear and trembling.” Lessons for Daily Life • Stand Tall in Twisted Places – Jobs, classrooms, or communities may mirror Ahab’s court; holy fear anchors moral spine. • Protect the Vulnerable – “Hiding prophets” today may look like defending the unborn, supporting persecuted believers, or sheltering victims of injustice. • Choose Faithfulness over Fame – God notices unseen obedience as surely as public miracles. • Balance Honor and Obedience – Respect earthly authority yet refuse any order that contradicts Scripture. • Move from Fear to Action – Healthy reverence does not paralyze; it propels decisive obedience. Practical Steps to Cultivate Holy Fear 1. Daily Scripture Intake – Hearing God speak grows awe (Psalm 119:38). 2. Conscious Presence of God – Whisper, “The Lord is here,” before meetings, decisions, temptations. 3. Immediate Obedience – Act on promptings; delayed obedience erodes reverence. 4. Fellowship with God-fearing Believers – Acts 9:31 shows corporate fear and corporate growth. 5. Remember the Cross – Calvary displays God’s holiness and love, keeping fear from slipping into dread (Hebrews 12:28-29). Walking Forward in Reverent Confidence Obadiah’s brief cameo reminds us that a life anchored in the fear of the Lord can thrive in any setting, protect others at great cost, and cooperate with God’s larger purposes. Choose that holy fear today, and your story—no matter how hidden—will echo far beyond palace walls. |
    |