One Believer Makes a Difference
Scripture Reading — 1 Kings 16:29-34; 18:1-6
Ahab had summoned Obadiah ... a devout believer in the LORD. 1 Kings 18:3
If Jeroboam was the first of the worst, Ahab was the worst of the worst. He "did more evil in the eyes of the LORD than any of those before him." He replayed Jeroboam's sins, and worse yet, he married Jezebel, whose father was a priest-king of Baal. She reintroduced Baal worship in Israel, and Ahab worshiped this fertility god with its shrine prostitutes and other perversions.
But in the midst of all this, there was Obadiah, a "devout believer," in charge of Ahab's palace. While Jezebel was killing prophets, Obadiah was hiding them in caves. While Ahab, king of a nation of people, worried about how to feed his animals, Obadiah was busy finding food for a hundred of the Lord's prophets.
As I write, both Iran and North Korea are racing to build something with nuclear power. China is amassing the world's largest army. World leaders, many of them enemies of God, are trying to muscle and bludgeon their way to more power. In our culture too, various Ahabs and Jezebels are busy with their empires, buying things and selling people.
At the same time though, devout believers in the Lord will keep on doing his work. Phil will speak about Jesus at a funeral. Ken will help an elderly couple with yardwork. Bonnie will mentor a student from an abusive home. In these troubled days, let's be like Obadiah.
Father, thank you for the Obadiahs at work in your world. As you hold all things in your hands, help us to use our hands to serve you well. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
About the author — Keith Mannes
Keith Mannes serves as pastor at Highland Christian Reformed Church in McBain, Michigan. Keith and his wife, Alicia, recently celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary,
and they are thankful for their three children—Eben, Charis, and Breanna.
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