Boldness. . .Guts. . .God - Part 1

Yesterday morning I was led to read 1 Kings 18. It’s the story of Elijah and his showdown with the prophets of Baal. Then again, there’s another story here I have overlooked until yesterday. It’s the story of Obadiah, a servant of King Ahab.

A little background on Ahab.

• He had become king of Israel (1Kings 16:29-33).
• He was even more evil than any of those before him.
• He married Jezebel and began worshipping Baal and erected Asherah poles to be worshipped.
• He did more to provoke the LORD and his anger than all the kings before him.

THIS was not good king - get the picture?So what’s so great about Obadiah? Great question. Well. . .as the story goes on Jezebel is tired of the prophets of the LORD and begins to take it upon herself to rid the country of them. While Jezebel is out killing the prophets of the LORD, Obadiah is saving 100 of them by hiding them in two caves - fifty in each. Not only is he hiding them ,he’s also providing food and water - he’s keeping them alive.

Obadiah wasn’t just taking a risk by keeping them safe, he was taking an even greater risk by providing sustenance to a hundred men! Think about that for a moment. We usually go, “ahhhh, isn’t that nice?” right about here. But it was much more serious than that. He didn’t just put them away and forget about them. Whether he used his influence or he personally provided food and water we don’t know, but it took more guts to keep them alive than just hiding them. What if word had leaked out? What if word of Obadiah’s actions seeped into the ears of Jezebel? Not only would a 100 men of GOD had lost their lives, but so would have Obadiah!

Obadiah was a great man of GOD. And while he may have feared Jezebel, I get the sense he feared GOD even more. He stood for GOD when no one in the kingdom, except Elijah, would stand for Him. He exhibited boldness. . .guts. . .and a fear of GOD that goes beyond showing up for worship and Bible study on Sunday morning. He lived out his faith, risking everything for GOD.
Would you risk everything for GOD? Many men have over the years. What about you? Willing to risk the safety of your job? The status you enjoy in your community? The stability of your home or finances? The position you have in your church? What are you willing to risk for GOD?

This is a question I am wrestling with even now. I know what it’s like to wrestle with the commitment question. . .the risk question. I am right up there with you. Pray for me. Let me know what GOD is asking you to risk for him and I will pray for you.

Remember it takes boldness and guts to be a man of GOD.

Mike