Today’s reading is from 1 Samuel 25.
If someone was describing you to someone else what words would they use? I hope that most of the descriptors would be positive but there is alway the risk that there would be some negative comments too. In this chapter of 1 Samuel we hear some good descriptions of Nabal and Abigail. We get to know their character quickly in just a few words.
1 Samuel 25:3 This man’s name was Nabal, and his wife, Abigail, was a sensible and beautiful woman. But Nabal, a descendant of Caleb, was mean and dishonest in all this dealings.
We do not know the details of Nabal and Abigails relationship but we do know that he was very wealthy and was called a fool. Whether their marriage was one of choice or politics we do not know but we can surmise that they were probably not cuddling by the fire at night whispering sweet nothings into each others ears. Abigail probably learned very early on how to deal with him in order to keep the peace. For this, her servants trusted her.
In this Chapter David is traveling and he comes upon Nabal, his men, and his sheep. In an effort to provide for his own men he requests provisions from Nabal after reminding him how he protected his sheep and all his men in the past. Instead of acknowledging Davids kindness, Nabal “hurls insults at him” and refuses to give him anything. This sends David into full testosterone mode and he starts strapping on swords to destroy Nabal and all his men. Thankfully, before a full attack takes place, one of Nabal’s servants goes to Abigail for help. She springs into action and takes provision to David on the trail and falls at his feet in order to protect her household and her husband. She is loyal in spite of her husbands poor behavior. She doesn’t make excuses for him, but she takes responsibility and asks that David not take vengeance on her household. She even acknowledges the Lord and his plans for David. She uses this to convince him not to proceed with fighting. She has brought peace and wisdom to the table and David accepts it. No one else was offering this. He is thankful that she talked him off the ledge and he blesses her for it. Without her intervention, David would have brutally attacked Nabal and had needless blood shed on his hands. She was courageous and bold in her decision to step in the gap. Once she returns home she wisely chooses to allow her husband to sober up before filling him in on the details of the previous day. Upon learning all that had happened God struck Nabal with a stroke like illness and he died 10 days later.
And David and Abigail got married and lived happily ever after….
Nabal was mean and dishonest in all his dealings which lead to stress and untimely death. Abigail was sensible and peacemaking and God took care of her.
If someone was describing you to someone else what words would they use?
Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Shelly
In today’s reading, Mark 6, we find Jesus back in his hometown of Nazareth. It was the Sabbath and He was teaching in the synagogue. After listening to him speak, some people basically started saying who is this guy and who does he think he is. Then Jesus said, “A prophet is not without honor, except in his hometown and among his relatives and in his own household.” Verses 5 & 6 go on to say: “And He could do no mighty work there, except that He laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them. And He marveled because of their unbelief.”