What can we learn from Obadiah's fear of the Lord in our lives? The Setting: A Servant in Hostile Territory 1 Kings 18:13: “Was it not reported to my lord what I did when Jezebel slaughtered the prophets of the LORD? I hid a hundred of the LORD’s prophets, fifty to a cave, and I provided them with food and water.” Obadiah held high office under the wicked King Ahab yet feared the LORD more than any earthly power. His reverence shaped every choice, even at the risk of his life. What the Fear of the Lord Looks Like • Courage that overcomes intimidation. While Jezebel unleashed terror, Obadiah risked everything to protect God’s servants (compare Psalm 112:1, 7). • Compassion in action. Fear of the LORD is never passive; it moves us to care for others—food, shelter, water when it costs us dearly (Isaiah 58:10). • Integrity in public service. Obadiah managed Ahab’s palace yet served God first (Proverbs 10:9). • Steadfast loyalty in secret. Many never saw Obadiah’s hidden caves, but the LORD did (Matthew 6:4). The Root of His Actions: Reverence Over Risk • Proverbs 29:25: “The fear of man is a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is set securely on high.” • Psalm 34:9: “Fear the LORD, you His saints, for those who fear Him lack nothing.” • Luke 12:4–5: Jesus distinguishes temporary human threats from the eternal authority of God. Obadiah lived that distinction. Lessons for Everyday Life • Fear of the LORD fuels holy courage—saying “yes” to God when culture says “no.” • It redirects resources. Time, influence, possessions become tools to preserve life and truth. • It produces creative obedience. Caves, supply lines, quiet networks—God inspires means to protect His people. • It steadies us for long obedience under imperfect authorities (Romans 13:1; Acts 5:29). • It reminds us that no act done in reverent faith is wasted (1 Corinthians 15:58). Cultivating a Holy Fear Today • Immerse in Scripture daily—“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge” (Proverbs 1:7). • Pray for a tender conscience that responds quickly to conviction (Psalm 139:23–24). • Practice secret generosity; unseen obedience trains the heart (Matthew 6:1–4). • Keep company with those who revere God; fear grows in godly community (Acts 9:31). • Recall God’s deeds in history—His faithfulness then builds confidence now (Hebrews 13:8). Key Takeaways • Holy fear is not terror but affectionate reverence that makes God’s approval our highest aim. • Such fear produces bold, sacrificial love for others. • It enables integrity amid corruption. • It views risk through the lens of eternity, knowing God outweighs every threat. • Like Obadiah, we can thrive and shine even in dark places when the fear of the LORD rules our hearts. |
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