Bill Harkins: Obadiah, a Model of Average Guy Heroics

Have you ever heard of Obadiah?  If so, you might be thinking of the prophet who is credited with writing one of the smallest books in the Bible.  That’s not who I am talking about.  I am talking about another Old Testament figure, who only shows up for 20 short verses in 1 Kings 18:1-20.

This Obadiah was a faithful servant of God, who worked as Chief of Staff for an evil King named Ahab.  In this story, Elijah, the great prophet is returning from hiding in order to be God’s instrument to end the terrible drought and famine brought on by Ahab and his wicked wife, Jezebel.  Among multiple bad behaviors, the royal couple worshiped Ba’al and other false Gods.

Obadiah’s role is that he ensures Elijah and Ahab meet face to face, starting an episode that leads to a great showdown between the Prophet and hundreds of Ba’al priests, a large dose of fire from above and all the prophets being killed.  When the smoke clears and the blood is cleaned up, Elijah invites the King to a covenant meal with God.

A thing for us to think about is that God used a regular guy, Obadiah (maybe his friends called him Obi for short?) to link the two key men in this scenario together.  Our Lord could have accomplished this in all kinds of ways, but he chose Obadiah, who is not heard from again after this event is over.  By the way, the big O is also described as saving a hundred of God’s prophets, hiding them in a cave and ensuring they were fed and had water – this during a drought and famine.  Not an easy task.

Obi shows his humanity by arguing with Elijah about being sent to announce the prophet to Ahab.  Read the story.  Our man, really, really, does not want to do this.  He does though, and the rest is truly history.

What I am getting to is this: we are like the big O, just regular guys with heroic tasks in front of us from time to time.  When you are placed in a situation like this, think of Obi and how his faith pulled him through some tough situations.  God placed him there for a purpose, he places you where you are for a reason too.  I challenge you to read through the Bible, looking for some of the regular folks.  What can you learn from them?  Why are they in our Scriptures?  Through them, God to speaks to us.

I am now a fan of Obadiah, I pray that I have his strength, even when I am fearful.  God Bless!!

About Bill Harkins Bill Harkins is a husband and father, retired Marine, theology student, and candidate for the permanent deaconate for the Archdiocese of Mobile. He is an active member of St. Ignatius Parish, Mobile, Alabama.