2023_08_30 Insight Post- Rusty Coram
This week’s reading- 1 Kings 17-22, 2 Chronicles 33
We are introduced to Obadiah this week, “…Obadiah, who was in charge of the palace. (Obadiah was a devoted follower of the Lord. 4 Once when Jezebel had tried to kill all the Lord’s prophets, Obadiah had hidden 100 of them in two caves. He put fifty prophets in each cave and supplied them with food and water.)” 1 Kings 18:3–4 (NLT). Obadiah had risked his life to rescue God’s prophets, defying the King’s evil wife. Clearly, he is a person of courage. But he is also honest. When Elijah, whom Obadiah deeply respected as God’s representative, tells him to deliver a message to King Ahab, Obadiah is afraid of the repercussions. “Oh, sir,” Obadiah protested, “what harm have I done to you that you are sending me to my death at the hands of Ahab? 10 For I swear by the Lord your God that the king has searched every nation and kingdom on earth from end to end to find you.” 1 Kings 18:9–10 (NLT) The king and his wife detested Elijah and were on a mission to capture him. Obadiah believed that if he delivered Elijah’s message without also delivering Elijah, he would be a victim of the king’s wrath.
Obadiah could have said to Elijah, “Sure I’ll give your message to the king” to look brave and then not done it, or he could have simply refused, but his integrity wouldn’t allow either. Instead, he honestly explained the concerns he had to Elijah. Since Obadiah was intimately acquainted with the king and how he operated, it was appropriate to do so. Obadiah wanted Elijah to fully understand the situation and the potential cost. His fear was real, and so was his courage. Courage is not the absence of fear, but the willingness to do what is right while honestly admitting and addressing our fear.
Is there something you know God wants you to do where your fear has stopped you? If so, admit it to Him. Tell Him what you are afraid of and why. Then determine to step out in obedience, knowing that when you obey God, you are in the very best place you can be – right in His hands!
“Don’t panic. I’m with you.
There’s no need to fear for I’m your God.
I’ll give you strength. I’ll help you.
I’ll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you.”
Isaiah 41:10 (The Message)
Rusty Coram
Senior Pastor