Different Gifts
1 Kings 17: 5-13
5. Ahab had said to Obadiah, "Go through the land to all the springs and valleys. Maybe we can find some grass to keep the horses and mules alive so we will not have to kill any of our animals."
6. So they divided the land they were to cover, Ahab going in one direction and Obadiah in another.
7. As Obadiah was walking along, Elijah met him. Obadiah recognized him, bowed down to the ground, and said, "Is it really you, my lord Elijah?"
8. "Yes," he replied. "Go tell your master, 'Elijah is here.'"
9. "What have I done wrong," asked Obadiah, "that you are handing your servant over to Ahab to be put to death?
10. As surely as the LORD your God lives, there is not a nation or kingdom where my master has not sent someone to look for you. And whenever a nation or kingdom claimed you were not there, he made them swear they could not find you.
11. But now you tell me to go to my master and say, 'Elijah is here.'
12. I don't know where the Spirit of the LORD may carry you when I leave you. If I go and tell Ahab and he doesn't find you, he will kill me. Yet I your servant have worshiped the LORD since my youth.
13. Haven't you heard, my lord, what I did while Jezebel was killing the prophets of the LORD? I hid a hundred of the LORD's prophets in two caves, fifty in each, and supplied them with food and water.
When we speak of gifts, we usually speak of spiritual gifts. In the New Testament when someone had accepted Christ as Savior and Lord, the Holy Spirit came to dwell within that new believer. The Spirit worked in different ways. He chose to give gifts at His will in order to better serve the Lord. Romans 12:6-8 says “We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.” This same Spirit works within believers today.
A talent is an ability, also given by God, but can be used by Christian or non-Christian. A talent or aptitude might include such things as singing, ability to teach, or intellectual abilities. It includes having mechanical ability or artistic aptitude.
In the Old Testament the Holy Spirit worked with individuals and was upon them for certain tasks or purposes, but did not dwell with a person as He does since Pentecost.
God used Elijah for purposes of proclaiming His truth to confront Ahab and the priests of Baal. God used the talents and abilities of Obadiah in organizing the details whereby God’s prophets were hidden and provided for. Elijah had more faith than Obadiah. We see that demonstrated in Obadiah’s fear and lack of trust in God’s protection. However, they used their abilities according to their faith.
Obadiah had used his gifts in the position of serving King Ahab. God needed someone with administrative skills to organize the feeding of his people while they were hiding. Relief ministries need people with various gifts to accomplish many things s.a. water and food distribution so as not to have chaos. Having leadership skills and the ability to make decisions so that people will be willing to carry out those decisions to accomplish the tasks is a gift. God uses those gifts to accomplish His purpose.
In talking to a wealthy Christian, he said, “I’m surprised how much the Christians honor the missionaries who go out and live by faith. (meaning they work without any set income.) How do you think they get their money from the Lord? From people like me. Yet we are made to feel guilty for making money. Is it not also faith that God allows some to provide for others? I believe I am just a much in the will of God in my generosity, for if there were not people like me there could not be people out there living on nothing.” He had the gift of giving.
God wanted and called Elijah. God also called and used Obadiah. As a Christian, God has also given you certain gifts to be used for His glory. Are you willing to be filled and used by His grace today?
Prayer- Lord thank you for my gifts and talent and may they be used in cooperation with others for your glory. Amen.
