1 Kings 18 records a tremendous historical highlight of the prophet Elijah battling for God's name-sake against the pagan nation that served Baal wholeheartedly under King Ahab and his ruthless wife, Jezebel. A notable account not to be overlooked or taken lightly. But within the margins of this intense drama in Israel's history, lies some insight on a man named Obadiah. He was apparently a high-ranking servant to King Ahab, more specifically "in charge of his house." During a perilous time when it was deadly to be a prophet of the Lord because of Jezebel's quest to kill them, Obadiah risked all. He hid 100 prophets in two caves and provided bread and water to sustain them. Obadiah's next role was to go to King Ahab and announce Elijah's where abouts - a task that would most assuredly end in revelation of his personal commitment to the Lord and put his life at further risk. But I'll let you read what happened after that and return your attention back to two specific things...
1. For a season, Obadiah faithfully worked behind the scenes (literally!) by hiding 100 of the Lord's prophets from incessant danger. God used him to preserve a remnant in Israel that would have a spiritually rippling effect for centuries to come!
2. The prophets Obadiah protected were safely tucked away inside caves and sustained by Obadiah's faithful provision of bread and water even though the land was in a severe drought!
Consider the things we do by the unction of the Lord that will have long-term effects in the Kingdom of Christ. Obadiah was dependable to use his resources for God and God took over from there, increasing the results into His plan for the future. Finally, if we examine the living conditions of the prophets in the caves, we see a true picture of the Lord. They were hemmed in by the rocks, they drank of the water, and they were sustained by the bread.
The Holy Spirit is the cleansing water.
Jesus is the Bread of Life.
