Go, Even if Alone
I Kings 18:1-19; 3 Kingdoms 18:1-19
Three years had passed since Elijah stood before Ahab and Jezebel as God’s messenger of judgement. As we have seen, those years were filled with solitude, challenges, testing, training and growth for this holy prophet.
Now, once again, Elijah heard that familiar word “Go”.
“Go and appear before Ahab, and I will send rain upon the earth” (vs. 1).
In what follows here, we find the differing experiences of two men intertwined. Their thoughts and feelings about the situation before them – danger, duty, decision – come into play in their conversation. Some of us may find ourselves there as well. We, who have been faced with such times, may also anticipate future occasions that loom ahead of us. Do we wonder how we will respond?
Obadiah (not the Old Testament prophet of the Lord) was in charge of Ahab’s house – perhaps like a chief of staff. He was obviously well trusted and considered dependable by the king. He also “feared the Lord greatly” (vs. 3). When Jezebel was viciously killing prophets of the Lord, Obadiah risked himself by finding a hundred prophets, hiding them in two caves and feeding them bread and water, thereby saving their lives.
Since the drought and resulting famine was choking the land, Ahab called upon Obadiah to help him find grass and water enough to keep his horses and mules alive. They each went their way in the desperate search.
On the way, Obadiah came upon Elijah; he fell on his face in awe of Elijah’s presence saying, “My lord, Elijah, is that you? (vs. 7). Then things got quite interesting. Elijah replied, “It is I, go tell your master, Behold, Elijah is here” (vs.8).
Obadiah’s response may be surprising to some – even to Elijah. Perhaps it was the expression on his face or the tone of his voice, but what came forth showed shock and fear. Paraphrasing, Obadiah asked “What have I done wrong to cause you to give me such a message? You know this will get me killed!” He went on to nervously remind Elijah that Ahab had been searching for him everywhere (to kill him) and wherever he could not be found, Ahab destroyed that place. To add on, Obadiah feared that if he did take the message and Ahab came, Elijah might have disappeared. That, too, would infuriate the king and he would turn on Obadiah.
Obadiah truly loved God and was willing to take some risks for Him as we have noted, but there seemed to be a line he couldn’t cross. As long as he could live a good life to please the Lord and yet maintain his good standing in Ahab’s world, he was content. But with the prospect of losing his position or even his life, Obadiah’s faith began to falter. “But now you say to me, Go, tell your master, “Behold Elijah is here”, but he will kill me” (vs. 14).
Thankfully, many Christians in our day have risen to prominent positions in business, government and other sectors of society. We need them there to exert as much godly and virtuous influence as possible. However, whether them or us, may we constantly strive for the faith, courage and strength to stand for God, even if it means potential loss of position, power, honor or life. May we all likewise support and stand with those Elijahs who are standing and speaking for Him.
Thanks be to God, the story does not end there. I have the feeling that Elijah stood there for a time – just as he stood facing the distraught widow. Then the trembling Obadiah received from the holy prophet what the widow of Zarephath had also received …. faith working through love …. and he was renewed. “As the Lord of hosts lives before whom I stand, today I will appear to him” (vs. 15). Then, without fear, Obadiah went and told Ahab.
Once again, God’s gifts of Cherith and Zarephath flowed through Elijah, imparting new life and hope to one in need.
Elijah’s exchange with Ahab was brief but powerful. Ahab’s accusation that all this was Elijah’s fault (“Are you the one who is troubling Israel?”) was immediatelyrepudiated by the prophet of truth. “I have not troubled Israel, but rather you and the house of your father, in that you forsook the Lord your God and followed after the Baals” (vs. 18).
The time had come to settle the matter. God had been exceedingly patient, but nothing had changed in the king’s household. The rulers remained stubborn; the people continued to suffer. So, under the Lord’s direction, Elijah called for the showdown at Mt. Carmel.
As we will see in the following episode, Elijah will, again, be standing alone. He will later learn that there are 7000 out there who have not bowed the knee to Baal. How much easier might it have been for Elijah if those would have come and joined him in the battle?
There are many God-fearing, Christ-loving Christians all around us today. But where are they? Will they (we) stand for our Lord, for the Faith, for the truth as all are under assault? By God’s grace, we will!
Fr. Andrew
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