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Scripture for Sunday, April 2: 1 Samuel 25
Additional Scripture: Colossians 1:15-23
(Be sure to read 1 Samuel 25 before reading on.)
Any one of the named characters in the account of Nabal, David, and Abigail is interesting in his or her own right.
Nabal, the fool who lives up to his name, values his wealth and lifestyle above the breath of life itself. His foolishness backfires, and Nabal's life gets cut short.
David, the LORD's anointed king, has just demonstrated extraordinary restraint in sparing Saul's life--because Saul, too, is the LORD's anointed king. Yet here, David's anger burns against Nabal. He is more than ready to take vengeance into his own hands.
And then there's Abigail, whose reputation for wisdom and loveliness blooms despite a marriage environment that could shrivel wisdom and loveliness in a hurry.
But Abigail sees the crisis coming upon her household with clarity. She responds decisively. She hears the news that David and 400 men are marching on her household and takes action.
She brings an ample gift--probably from Nabal's food supply for the shearing festival: 200 loaves of bread; two containers of wine; five prepared sheep; roasted grain, raisins and figs.
She takes her life into her hands, riding out to seek peace between the enraged David and the members of Nabal's household.
She speaks with humility, courage, and vision about the LORD's purposes in David's life. With wisdom and tact, she calls David to consider what effect his intended actions will have on his future kingship.
Abigail's courage, humility, and wisdom are remarkable. And her appeal douses the flames in David's soul.
When I read this story, I want to identify with Abigail, the level-headed hero. She takes a stand between folly and anger--potentially at great personal cost--
and brings peace.
Abigail reminds us of another intercessor--
one who left his Father's household at great personal cost, who gave us the bread and wine of the new covenant, and who calls us to a new kind of life.
For Reflection:
When I read this account, I realize that maybe Abigail is who I want to be; but sometimes I am foolish Nabal. Sometimes I am angry David. The Bible "reads us" when it points out elements of our living, thinking, and being that are out of line in God's kingdom.
What aspects or elements of this account encourage you as you live in God's presence?
What aspects or elements of this account may the Spirit be drawing to your attention to correct you?
Hallelujah! We have a Savior who intercedes for us; a Spirit who strengthens us for lives that please God; and a great cloud of witnesses cheering us on. Thanks be to God.
