Built to Serveნიმუში

Limited Resources; Unlimited Blessing

Have you ever done something for someone but got no recognition for it?

I know a man with a huge heart for helping others. In fact, he carries a wallet full of cash to ensure he has resources ready should a need arise.

When he helps, he doesn’t want any credit whatsoever. He simply wants to bless someone in need.

In the Book of 1 Kings, the nation of Israel is in need. The Lord had spoken through the prophet Elijah and sent a famine over the land. With no rain, their resources dried up.

Then God tells Elijah to show himself to the evil King Ahab, and as he does, he meets a character who’s been working behind the scenes: Obadiah.

We don’t learn much about Obadiah, but we know he works for Ahab and is sent to find new resources for his animals. The whole time Scripture has been following Elijah’s story, Obadiah has been hiding 100 of God’s prophets in caves and taking care of them, protecting them from persecution.

That’s right. In a time where resources are limited, Obadiah has chosen to use what he has to care for others in need. And only Elijah knows about it.

In Jesus’ Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), the hero does more than bandage the man’s wounds. He takes him to a safe place, cares for and provides for him.

Interestingly, only one other person was there to witness this—the innkeeper. It wasn’t the priest or the Levite from earlier in the parable—just one person the Samaritan paid to look after the victim.

To live a life of putting others first, we have to be willing to put ourselves second. That means two things.

First, it will cost us. Both Obadiah and the Samaritan’s choices cost them their own time, money, and resources.

Second, there may be no reward this side of Heaven for it. Neither Obadiah nor the Samaritan received any applause, recognition, or community award for their efforts. But they did receive a place of honor in God’s eternal Word because He sees what others do not.

When we consider 1 Kings, men tend to want to be like Elijah. But maybe God wants more Obadiahs in this world—men who are willing to pay the price to help those in need so that God can do more behind the scenes than what we see.

Prayer: Jesus, thank You for providing for me in ways I don’t deserve. Help me see how You want me to use those resources to help others. Amen.

Reflection: What is one way you could give from your resources today to support someone in need?