March 28, 2021, 1 Kings 18:5-18 Post 3

Here is a link to this week’s Scripture in both the New Revised Standard Version and The Message –
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Kings%2018%3A5-18&version=NRSV;MSG

VII.
While the King or the Prophet could capture our attention in this passage, I have to admit Obadiah captures my interest.

What have we noticed about him?

  • He is in charge of the palace,
  • He accompanies the King on a “mission” to find water to keep the King’s livestock alive
  • While he is a high placed person in the palace, he “revered the Lord greatly…” and took followers of God, who were under threat of death from the Queen, hid them and feed them

And then…

  • while helping the King, he is confronted by Elijah who wants to send him on a “mission” to the King.

VIII.
And how does Obadiah respond?

Does he say, “Thanks for this opportunity Mr Prophet! I will run back to the King and take this up with him immediately!”

Not so much!

He is gripped by fear and it takes some persuasion by Elijah before he is able to take the message to the King.

IX.
It seems to me you could definitely say he is “caught in the middle.”

He has obligations by virtue of his role in King Ahab’s palace.

He worships God and finds means to protect God’s servants.

And now the prophet Elijah, no friend of the King, wants Obadiah to take part in arranging a meeting between Ahab and Elijah.

Do you think Obadiah is justified in his fears?

Do you think less of him for fearing for his life?

Should he have said, “Yes, Sir” to Elijah and ran back to Ahab with the message, without a second though?

Or, do you think he is not too far removed from how we need to be persuaded, at times, to accept a “mission” that comes our way?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}


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