Mon 20th July – 1 Kings 18:5-9

Mon 20^th July  –  Read 1 Kings 18:5-9

V5:  Ahab sends Obadiah to search for any remaining source of water – does his emphasis only on livestock here suggest he is more concerned about these animals and their economic benefit to him and his kingdom than about his people?

V6:  So Ahab himself will search in one direction, Obadiah in another. Ahab’s trust in Obadiah suggests he is a diligent and faithful steward, but again we may wonder how far he has kept his faith quiet, at the very least ” kept his head down” in Ahab’s court, unlike Daniel and Nehemiah in the foreign courts in which they served.

V7:  Elijah now meets Obadiah, not as men would say ” by chance”, but in God’s plan and purpose. He recognises and shows respect for Elijah, calling him ” my Lord”, though in human terms Obadiah is surely of higher rank than the rustic prophet – but he knows him to be God’s true servant. Do we show a proper regard for those who minister to us as God’s servants?

V8:  Elijah simply tells Obadiah to go to Ahab and tell him “Elijah is here”. In effect, he is summoning the king – surely at God’s direction, to show Ahab that the Lord is in command of the situation and humble his pride.

V9:  But Obadiah’s response is one of fear for his own safety. He believes that God will actually remove Elijah from Ahab’s wrath ( which he clearly anticipates ), which would then focus on Obadiah himself. Though a believer, he surely fails to see or anticipate God’s hand at work in day to day events, as he works His purpose out. Can this be true of us at times?