August 21 A Prophet Arrives

1 Kings 18:5-8 Ahab had said to Obadiah, "Go through the land to all the springs and valleys. Maybe we can find some grass to keep the horses and mules alive so we will not have to kill any of our animals." 6 So they divided the land they were to cover, Ahab going in one direction and Obadiah in another. 7 As Obadiah was walking along, Elijah met him. Obadiah recognized him, bowed down to the ground, and said, "Is it really you, my lord Elijah?" 8 "Yes," he replied. "Go tell your master, 'Elijah is here.'"

OBADIAH was a godly man. Recall that yesterday's passage spoke of how he had protected 100 prophets of God from evil Jezebel's murderous intent. He was also King Ahab's right-hand man. I use "right-hand" deliberately to refer to Obadiah as a man of authority and power in Israel. To be at the king's right hand is a special seat of power. (That's why Jesus refers to this position, even as the Pharisees judge him. Matthew 26:64 "Yes, it is as you say," Jesus replied. "But I say to all of you: In the future you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.")

           Ahab and Obadiah are on a search for water and grass in the drought-stricken land to preserve their animals' lives. Ahab goes one way, Obadiah the other. Then Obadiah finds the one who represents Living Water. "Is it really you, my lord Elijah?"

           In this meeting, Obadiah has a decision to make. He knows how Ahab has hunted Elijah. He knows Elijah carries with him God's anointing to even speak drought into the land. Will he report Elijah's presence to Ahab? Or will he respond to the man of God? Secular comfort versus Kingdom living always creates a crisis in our souls. What will we do?

           We'll see Obadiah's conflict in more detail tomorrow. Learn from this godly man today this lesson: When we are faithful to care for God's Word, he will step into our lives to take us into a deeper relationship with him. He may send a pastor, a friend, a spouse or a child to encourage you into a new and challenging ministry. You may be confronted with opposition to God's Word within your job. Do you act to protect your job or even a family relationship by agreeing with the sin around you? Or do you act into God's commands?

           Always the testing comes to God's faithful. Expect it. Be attentive to the ways God is speaking to you. Encourage others who are speaking God's Word. Be willing to show God you are willing. He will empower you.

Prayer: Oh God of Heaven and earth, there is so much around me to challenge my faith. Grow me deeper into you that I will faithfully stand with you. In Jesus' name, amen.