Willing to Serve

1 Kings 18: 5-6

“5 Then Ahab said to Obadiah, “Go through the land to all the springs of water and to all the wadis; perhaps we may find grass to keep the horses and mules alive, and not lose some of the animals.” 6 So they divided the land between them to pass through it; Ahab went in one direction by himself, and Obadiah went in another direction by himself.”

Obadiah, a good man, a man of God, served God in secret and served Ahab, an evil king and ruler, each day.  Reading about Obadiah today, we may think that Obadiah should have chosen God and distanced himself from Ahab; that Obadiah should not have helped Ahab find good pastures for his animals or managed his palace.

But Obadiah saw his position as Ahab’s palace manager as an opportunity to serve God.  He used his wealth and influence to keep the prophets of God alive.

We may think that we can serve God only in the company of godly people.  The examples of Obadiah, Moses, Abraham, Paul, Philip, show us that it is possible to serve God in all places and in all situations. 

All we have to do is listen to God’s Holy Spirit, be open to the possibilities,… and be willing to serve.

May the love of Christ be with you,

Rev. Eric Lanier (Retired)