How does Obadiah's character connect with other faithful servants in Scripture? Opening Text “Now Obadiah feared the LORD greatly.” – 1 Kings 18:3 Obadiah’s Snapshot • Court administrator under King Ahab, an idolatrous ruler • Deep personal reverence for Yahweh, unwavering even inside a hostile palace • Quietly sheltered one hundred prophets in two caves and supplied them with bread and water (1 Kings 18:4) Shared Marks of Faithfulness • Reverent Fear of God – Noah built the ark “in reverent fear” (Hebrews 11:7) – Job “feared God and shunned evil” (Job 1:1) – Obadiah “feared the LORD greatly,” anchoring every choice he made • Courageous Loyalty in Dangerous Settings – Joseph served Pharaoh while refusing pagan immorality (Genesis 39:9) – Daniel remained loyal to God in Babylon, praying openly despite the lions’ den threat (Daniel 6:10) – Obadiah hid prophets at the risk of his own life, stewarding God’s servants inside Jezebel’s court • Steadfast Service Behind the Scenes – Mordecai sat at the gate, uncovering plots and guiding Esther (Esther 2:21-22; 4:14) – Nehemiah held the cupbearer post yet interceded for Jerusalem (Nehemiah 1:11) – Obadiah used his administrative role to preserve the prophetic witness during a national apostasy • Provision for God’s People – The widow of Zarephath fed Elijah with her last meal (1 Kings 17:15) – The Shunammite woman prepared a room for Elisha (2 Kings 4:10) – Obadiah supplied bread and water to a hidden remnant of prophets (1 Kings 18:4) • Humble Submission to Prophetic Authority – The centurion in Luke 7 acknowledged Jesus’ authority, recognizing the chain of command – Cornelius in Acts 10 immediately obeyed angelic instruction and sent for Peter – Obadiah bowed to Elijah, calling him “my lord,” and carried Elijah’s message to Ahab without delay (1 Kings 18:7-16) Echoes of Obadiah in the New Testament • Joseph of Arimathea, a respected council member, secretly followed Jesus and provided His tomb (Mark 15:43-46) • Ananias in Damascus obeyed the Lord to seek out Saul, despite danger (Acts 9:10-17) Both men, like Obadiah, blended prudence with bold obedience at pivotal moments in salvation history. Practical Takeaways for Today • God embeds courageous believers in influential yet challenging places to preserve truth and protect His people. • Genuine fear of the Lord produces steadfast actions, even when such actions remain largely unseen. • Hidden obedience carries weight in God’s kingdom equal to public miracles performed by prophets like Elijah. |
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