Courage that could confronted by the prophet Elijah to King Ahab, in the name of the living God of Israel, that there would be no rain or dew for the next few years, except at his word. Therefore God commanded him to hide near the brook of Cherith, east of Jordan. Where He provided him food and water (2Kings 17:1-4).
According to his words, there was famine in Israel because there was no rain until the third year, when god asked Elijah to go and present himself to King Ahab with the promise to send rain. When commanded you to do something, you must definitely obey His voices, otherwise, the consequences might not be too good.
When God asked Elijah to go and present himself to King Ahab with the promise to send rain. Prophet Elijah obeyed the voice of the Lord, and set out on his journey. The famine is Samaria became so severe that King Ahab began to think of a permanent solution.
According to verse 3, Ahab summoned Obadiah, the one who was in charge of his palace and a worshipper of God. All these happened at a time when Jezebel, the wife of Ahab persecuted and killed some prophets, which made Obadiah to hide a hundred of them.
In his attempt to find a lasting solution to the famine, Ahab said to Obadiah, Go through the land to all the springs and valleys. Maybe we can find some grass to keep the horse and mules alive so we will not have to kill any of our animals in the verse 5, Therefore, they went towards different directions. Suddenly, Obadiah met Elijah on his way. When he saw Elijah, he bowed before him and asked if he is truly Elijah, of course, his answer was prompt. Yes I am and said Go and tell your master the king that I am here.
The effect of sin in a nation or the life of an individual cannot be overemphasized, it could be severe famine, loss of opportunity, and sometimes death, like it was in Isreal. There was no rain or dew according to the words of the Elijah because the people were rebellious and idolatrous, these severe experience was indications that the drought was sent by God, when God love you and love a nation He will not destroyed them but, they will experience things that would draw their attention to repentance, but if they now fail to turn away from their wicked ways, there the consequences might not be palatable.
Lesson Learn: where has God sent us to deliver the messages of Hope “Jesus Christ” to? And we think we could answer him at our own pace, or whenever we desire or wanted?
The consequences might not be palatable at all if we fail to deliver what He said or His messages. The lord will help us all.