There are three scenes in this chapter. Today, we will focus on Scene 1: verses 1 - 16. Re-read these verses with your mind on Obadiah.
I am intrigued by this man. We don't know much about him except what we read here. What do you think of him? Do you see him as one of the "good guys" or do you see him as a "compromiser"? The commentators are split on him. The name, Obadiah, was a common one in the Old Testament days. In fact, there are no less than 11 personages by that name in Scripture. This one is not the prophet that wrote the little book "Obadiah" in the Old Testament. The name itself means "worshiper" or "loyal to Jehovah". Maybe that is why we see the name used often in scripture. I can see parents placing the desires of their hearts onto their little baby boy by the choice of the name. What did you name your children? Do any of the names reflect your hopes for them?
I am personally impressed by this man, Obadiah. I see him as one of the "good guys". If you do not, you have good company. Warren Wiersbe sees Obadiah as a picture of the compromising Christian. In his commentary, he states that we need fewer Obadiah's and more Elijah's in the contemporary church. However, I see Obadiah in a different light. I think he is shining in a dark place. Consider with me ...
1. Scripture itself describes him as one who revered the Lord. (verse 3) When you compare the translations in several versions, you get a very good picture of the Hebrew word yare that is used to describe Obadiah.
a devout believer in the LORD (NIV)
feared the LORD greatly (NASB)
revered the LORD greatly (New Revised Standard)
a true follower of the LORD (New Century)
a devoted follower of the LORD (New Living Testament)
What beautiful descriptions! I long for that word to be one to describe me. What about you? Are you devoted to God? What makes someone devoted, revering the LORD greatly? Does it have to do with busy-ness for the Lord? Does it have to do with how much time in meditation and prayer you clock each day? I think it has more to do with your mindset toward God. I think it has more to do with your surrendered heart to Him. The English word, devoted, means: "zealous or ardent in attachment, loyalty, or affection" (Random House Dictionary). Apply that definition to your heart toward God. This I know, my friends ... if we want to "shine" in the world in which we live ... it begins right here. It begins by being devoted, greatly, to the LORD.
2. The second thing that impresses me about Obadiah is the fact that he is doing what he can where he is. Did you notice that he hid 100 true prophets of God during Jezebel's holocaust? Was that all of them? We don't know but I doubt it. Not only did he hide them, he then made certain that they had bread and water for survival. I suspect he had access to that amount of supplies because he was in the palace. Where else? The entire country was immersed in a terrible drought. Obadiah did what he could where he was. Years ago a book and myriad of posters and cards trumpeted the phrase "Bloom where you are planted." It's still good advice. Have you ever decided that you just can't shine for the Lord because you are in the wrong place. Either the wrong job or the wrong city or the wrong circumstances. Obadiah might tell us to hush! Get on with it. You are where you are. Now - revere the Lord your God and shine for Him. Represent Him well.
3. I also love the interchange between Obadiah and Elijah when they met on the road. Obadiah showed his respect to this man of God. But he was also open and honest with Elijah about his own fears for his personal life. He then listened to Elijah's response, believed him to be a man of his word, and proceeded to do what he was asked to do. He did not let his fear paralyze him into inactivity. Fear does that, doesn't it? Fear of whatever - real or imagined. But Obadiah acknowledged his fear, verbalized it ... and they were diminished enough for him to move out and do what Elijah asked of him. I think there is wisdom there for us. What fears are stifling you? What are the ones that are keeping you from being a "light on a hill" for our Lord? I would suggest you verbalize them to a friend - someone you trust. Getting them out into the light helps diminish them. Don't let them paralyze or inhibit you from being what God has called you to be.
Want to shine?
Devote yourself to the Lord: He is the source of light
Do what you can where you are: Don't wait for the ideal place and time - there is no such thing!
Acknowledge your fears: Don't pretend they are nonexistent or assign them too much power. You are under the Lordship of the all-powerful One!
"This little light of mine ... I'm going to let it shine."
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