What can we learn about obedience from Obadiah's response to Elijah in 1 Kings 18:7? The Setting: When Obedience Could Cost Your Life Ahab and Jezebel were hunting down prophets; famine gripped the land; fear ruled the palace. Into this storm God sends Elijah, and He places faithful Obadiah—“who feared the LORD greatly” (1 Kings 18:3)—right in the middle. Scripture records the literal meeting: “As Obadiah was walking along, Elijah met him. Obadiah recognized him, fell facedown, and said, ‘Is it you, my lord Elijah?’” (1 Kings 18:7) Obadiah’s Immediate Response • Recognized Elijah—God’s proven messenger • Fell facedown—physical posture of humility and reverence • Spoke respectfully—“my lord Elijah” What Obedience Looks Like, Line by Line • Recognition of God’s Authority – Obadiah’s eyes were trained to discern the servant of the LORD even after years in Ahab’s corrupt court (cf. John 10:27). • Reverence Before Action – Falling facedown showed surrender first, service second (cf. Joshua 5:14). True obedience starts in the heart long before the task. • Readiness Despite Risk – Elijah’s appearance threatened Obadiah’s position and potentially his life, yet he did not hedge or hide (cf. Hebrews 13:17). • Respectful Speech – Calling Elijah “my lord” acknowledged delegated authority—an attitude God honors (Romans 13:1). • Relationship Backed by Previous Faithfulness – Obadiah had already hidden and fed a hundred prophets (1 Kings 18:4). Obedience here wasn’t sudden heroism; it was consistent practice (Luke 16:10). Supporting Snapshots from Scripture • Abraham: rose early to obey a hard command (Genesis 22:3). • Joshua: “Whatever you have commanded us we will do” (Joshua 1:16). • Mary: “May it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). All echo the same pattern God preserves in every age. Why Obedience Matters • It proves love for God (John 14:21). • It invites God’s protection and provision (Psalm 34:7). • It advances God’s purposes in dark times (Philippians 2:15-16). • It brings greater revelation; Elijah entrusted Obadiah with the next step only after he bowed (John 7:17). Putting Obadiah’s Example into Practice Today • Cultivate discernment—stay immersed in Scripture so you quickly recognize truth. • Start every task on your knees—literal or figurative—yielding your plans to God. • Choose reverent speech—honor those God places over you even when culture mocks authority. • Prepare through small, quiet obediences—so when a life-altering command comes, your reflex is faith, not fear (James 1:22). • Trust outcomes to God—Obadiah obeyed without guarantees; God likewise calls us to walk by faith, not sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). Obadiah shows that real obedience is quick, humble, and courageous—because the Word of the LORD is always worth trusting and following, no matter the cost. |
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