What does Obadiah's reaction reveal about trusting God's protection in difficult times? Facing the King’s Wrath: Setting the Scene • Israel has endured three drought-filled years (1 Kings 18:1). • Elijah suddenly reappears and tells Obadiah: “Go tell your master, ‘Elijah is here’” (v. 8). • Obadiah, palace administrator yet devoted believer, instantly foresees his own execution if Ahab arrives and Elijah is gone again. Obadiah’s First Response—A Flash of Fear 1 Kings 18:9: “But Obadiah replied, ‘What sin have I committed, that you are handing your servant over to Ahab to kill me?’” • He assumes the worst: Ahab’s violent temper will land on him. • His words reveal: – A keen awareness of the danger surrounding faithful service. – A struggle between past courage (he hid 100 prophets, v. 4) and fresh anxiety about the next step. • The moment exposes how even seasoned believers can wobble when circumstances escalate. What This Teaches About Trusting God’s Protection • Fear is natural, but it must not become final. • God’s protection is tied to obedience; Elijah’s promise, “I will surely present myself to Ahab today” (v. 15), anchors Obadiah’s decision. • Trust grows when we recall previous deliverances—Obadiah had already seen God preserve him while hiding prophets. • True trust faces risk head-on because God’s faithfulness outweighs human threats (cf. Proverbs 29:25). Scripture Echoes That Reinforce the Lesson • Psalm 56:3-4: “When I am afraid, I will trust in You… what can man do to me?” • Isaiah 41:10: “Do not fear, for I am with you.” • Daniel 3:17-18—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego face the furnace, trusting God whether He delivers or not. • Acts 5:29: “We must obey God rather than men.” • 2 Timothy 1:7: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.” How Obadiah Moved from Fear to Faith • He listened to the prophetic word. • He weighed God’s proven character against Ahab’s predictable rage. • He chose obedience—verse 16 records, “So Obadiah went to meet Ahab and told him.” • Result: God vindicated both Elijah and Obadiah; neither fell to Ahab’s wrath. Living the Principle Today • Remember past rescues; they forecast future faithfulness (Psalm 34:7). • Measure threats against God’s sovereignty, not against personal strength. • Act on God’s Word even while feelings lag behind; obedience often precedes settled peace. • Encourage one another with testimonies of protection—community fuels courage (Hebrews 10:24-25). |
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