To those who give out to serve and feed others:
God is renewing your strength—and highlighting your significance!
Generations to come will be impacted by your obedience and service.
And your sacrifice and even the risks you took may have been hidden from others, but they have been seen by God. And one day, the eternal nature of your legacy will be revealed.
“For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” (Heb 6:10, NKJV)
An Unexpected Meeting
It’s before Elijah’s victory on Mount Carmel, and the prophet has been hidden by God for several years, after announcing that God was sending a drought.
And in the meantime, King Ahab has been on a mission to hunt out Elijah. He has searched high and low—he’s even sent out messengers into every kingdom and nation. To no avail.
Until, in 1 Kings 18, we read about an unexpected meeting:
King Ahab and his palace administrator, Obadiah, have split up to look for the last remaining grass in the kingdom, so they can pasture the horses.
- The drought in Israel is so bad, the king has run out of food for his livestock
- He faces having to kill some off, so this is his last effort to save them
In the meantime, God has directed Elijah, “…go present yourself to Ahab, I’m going to send rain.” (1 Kings 18)
A Divine Appointment
And this is a reminder, that you will have Divine appointments in unusual moments.
For now, comes this moment when Obadiah and Elijah intersect paths!
“Now as Obadiah was on his way, suddenly Elijah met him; and he recognized him, and fell on his face, and said, “Is that you, my lord Elijah?”
And he answered him, “It is I. Go, tell your master, ‘Elijah is here.’” (1 Kings 18:7-8)
And Obadiah needs a lot of reassurance that Elijah is going to follow through and present himself to Ahab!
For he is risking his life—and much more is at stake than Elijah is even aware of.
Your Legacy is Powerful
So now, Obadiah reports to Elijah that when Jezebel was murdering God’s prophets, he secretly went behind the king’s back to rescue them.
And that he hid 100 prophets in two caves and supplied them with bread and water from the palace!
Obadiah’s story reminds us of this yet again:
That even while serving within an ungodly government or system, a servant of God can stand for righteousness.
If you identify with this, know that you are a valuable member of God’s Kingdom team!
You are Divinely positioned, and your legacy is powerful.
Instruments of Provision
Elijah assures Obadiah, as they part ways,
“As the Lord of hosts lives, before whom I stand, I will surely present myself to him today.” (1 Kings 18:15b)
And he does.
It was a fleeting encounter—and highlights an unusual Kingdom partnership!
Obadiah and Elijah.
- Elijah was a vessel of God’s judgment on Ahab, Jezebel, and their counterfeit prophets
- While Obadiah was a vessel of God‘s mercy to the true prophets. He sheltered, fed, and nurtured them!
And this is a reminder. God will always look after his own. And sometimes he will raise up people to be His instruments of provision. But if no one is available, your Father still has His ways to provide for you. For while God was using Obadiah to provide food for prophets, He was also sending bread and meat to the prophet Elijah, via a raven!
A Prophet Approached
In spite of Elijah being certain that he was alone as God’s prophet, there was Obadiah, unknown to him, rescuing and serving many prophets.
It’s like a song that Elijah continually sings—“I am alone”. [1]
We know Elijah’s perspective was distorted because God tells him, “Yet I have reserved seven thousand in Israel, all whose knees have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.” (1 Kings 19:18)
Even though we don’t see Obadiah again, his legacy is there, sitting in the background.
We read later, in 1 Kings 20:13
“A prophet approached Ahab…”
An unnamed prophet! Where did he come from?
They Lived to Declare God’s Word
We discover that a generation of prophets lived to declare God’s word.
Think about it—that a body of prophets existed when Elijah passed on…
“Now the sons of the prophets who were at Bethel came out to Elisha, and said to him, “Do you know that the LORD will take away your master from over you today?” And he said, “Yes, I know; keep silent!” (II Kings 2:3 NKJV)
Is it not possible—or likely—that some of these were there because a man named Obadiah worshiped God and loved His prophets?
Obadiah fed the prophets and later, Elisha led the prophets.
A Prophetic Revival
We see then in Elisha’s day, a School of Prophets, a company of prophets. They are out in the open and their group is growing. In 1 Kings chapter 6, they say, “We need more room!”
You could say there is a prophetic revival—one that was only made possible because of those who had faith in the previous generation.
Among them, was Elijah. And Obadiah.
We will see such a prophetic revival in our own day.
Obadiah’s story is a reminder, that you may have no idea of the fruit that exists because of your faithfulness and obedience.
But God sees, and Heaven rejoices.
And God is rewarding your hidden work.
Obadiah is an unsung hero of the Bible. And maybe today you feel unsung, or unseen.
But God is singing over you—and the fruit of your service will be eternal.
Notes
[1] 1 Kings 18:22, 1 Kings 19:10, 14
Leave a Comment
How does this prophetic teaching about Obadiah minister to you today? To me, this has been one of the most inspiring studies I’ve done and I relate to Obadiah in many ways as he ministers to God’s people! I’d love to hear from you, so leave a comment below for your response, testimony, or prayer request.
Related Posts:
How to Access Your Heavenly Supply Line (Elijah)
Marketplace and Fivefold Ministry
The story of Obadiah and Elijah speaks of this day—when administrators and marketplace leaders will partner with the fivefold ministry, and vice versa!
Some who are in the fivefold ministry will also be found in government, education, and business.
If you can relate to this, be encouraged by this post which gives Bible references to prophecy and business:
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Classes include: How to hear God’s voice, How to Begin and Grow in Prophecy, The Character of the Prophet, The Seer Gift: How to Grow in Pictures and Visions, Prophetic Discernment, Discernment and Prophetic Warnings, and the Prophetic Guidance Master Class.
You can view and sign up for my self-paced video lecture series in the Enliven Prophetic School here. Choose between a small monthly subscription or a one-off payment (discounted) with no expiry date.
© 2022 Helen Calder, Enliven Blog
Enliven Ministries: Prophetic ministry for a revival generation
Good morning Helen. It’s Johannah from South Africa. I just want to thank you so much for this message. It is God speaking to me and wiping away my tears. This message blessed me so much. May the good Lord keep on increasing you.
Hi Johannah, you are significant, you are chosen, you are loved by God! Thank you for leaving this note, it means a lot to me that this message, which has been so meaningful to me, has touched you as well
Wow! Thank you so much for this. I am in the worst season of my life and I am chosing to give up everything worldly for the sake of my children and I am fighting for my entire families salvation. People tell me to fight, get what I can , I am crazy, but this is not about me. It is about obedience and the generations and amount of people that will be saved if I do not quit. This was a random look up on instagram tonight and it spoke to my situation. He is merciful and I believe. Thank you
Thank You woman of God for this powerful message. It really resonate with my life as I am doing a lot for my God’s people in secret and I am enjoying being unknown even though the Lord is up to something more like divine announcement.
His anointing is upon you, and your cup overflows Ndumi (Psalm 23)
I believe this word is also sent to prepare those who are being raised up as Obadiah’s currently. There is so much I want to say here, but will just leave it at “amen!” God will shine through us in the coming days, a great revival is coming and the Father is waiting with open arms 🙂
the darkness will just make the stars shine more brightly
oh yes, it is so “big” isn’t it Heather, what God is doing! and what is at work in the world around us
Thank you Helen, this is such a blessing to me today <3
Hi Tracey thank you!
(I’m sorry the hassle with all the ??’s! think WordPress should upgrade their software to recognize emojis I do know this one’s good 🙂
Hello Helen, it’s Carmel. J here.
I want to thank you Helen for this powerful and encouraging word, I so needed to hear this word today. The work I do for the Lord is hidden, known only by the Lord and those whom the Holy Spirit ministers to through me and the ministry team, but very much an isolated work!! So to be reminded that the Lord sees is so encouraging!! Thank you again and God bless you mightily in Jesus our Lord and Saviour, amen!
Hello.. Helen it’s Thandiwe from South Africa. I want to thank you so much for this message, is so encouraging and blessed me to hear that the work I do for the Lord is hidden and is also known and seen by God. Thanks Helen may the Lord bless you mightily and increases you.
Oh my God !!
This word today was for ME! So much Revelation! I remember about a year ago, this one particular night as I slept, I kept hearing Obadiah! I jumped up and grabbed my bible and began to read the book of Obadiah, but I couldn’t make sense of it. I didn’t understand what it had to do with me? And I’ve revisited it time after time but still not understand. And even after today, I don’t fully understand but I know this was for me?
oh wow Carrie, yes God is speaking when the Holy Spirit witnesses to us like that!
Yes there is actually more than one Obadiah in the Bible.
This one is not the prophet who wrote the book of Obadiah, but a different one, who was an administrator to King Ahab. Perhaps the Lord is speaking from this Obadiah’s story, I’d love to hear more!
Thanks Helen for another encouraging word!
Obadiah’s story is a reminder, that you may have no idea of the fruit that exists because of your faithfulness and obedience. But God sees, and Heaven rejoices. And God is rewarding your hidden work.
A few weeks ago, a prophetic team, unknown to me, visited church & they gave me a word. They said that whilst I might feel unseen and unheard, that it’s not true because God sees and He knows. They also said “Teacher – you have a lot to say so start by taking baby steps”
I’ve been weighing it up & asking God to reveal what He is saying… it may be that I pray regularly for lots of folks in secret place, longing for His kingdom to come in their lives. I don’t always see change but I try to remind myself that our prayers avail much – God sees & knows.
What a great word.
And those baby steps are so valuable and powerful! In the natural we can be taking small steps, but when we walk in intimacy with God, they resonate loudly and shake the spiritual realm! I pray you are encouraged
Dear Helen,
I was and am always encouraged with your prophetic word. At the right time you drop your teaching like rain from heaven which descends like dew into our thirsty and hungry hearts. It’s an awesome moment for me and the body of Christ.
Everyday I look forward to see your twitter posts and instagram along with the prophetic word in the enliven blog. They gave and give me HOPE if I should maximize and zoom it !
I thank God always in my prayers for “choosing you” for us in such a time as this.
I rejoice reading your prophetic word !
Thank you once again.
God bless you and your family and your ministry.
thank you Shula that’s so encouraging, and I pray you will increase and touch all around you and far beyond you!
You feed them from the abundance of your own house,
letting them drink from your river of delights.
For you are the fountain of life,
the light by which we see. (Psalm 36:8-9)
Thank You Helen
Thank you very much !!!