Flying Off the Handle?

Streams of living water in the desert...that is how it feels to step out of the world and its frustrations and into the blessed Word of God! May you be blessed today, as I am, with encouragment and comfort as we read and think about 1 Samuel 25. This is Katrinka writing today, glad to be able to share with you and receive a blessing back! God bless you each and every one. Join in with our discussion please, and share it as you see fit.

Chris wrote yesterday about the wonderful quality of nobility. It was an inspiring lesson to see David rise above the temptation to take revenge on Saul, the one who tried repeatedly to kill David. His noble character and trust in God to straighten things out instead of taking it into his own hands was a great example to me. Then I read chapter 25 and saw a totally different side of David! Here in this chapter he gets really mad for a reason that was not nearly as important as his encounter with King Saul in chapter 24.

David's pride got hurt! His men had been helpful with the sheep shearing of Nabal's flock. Since it was a festive time, David politely asked of the owner Nabal, "Please give your servants and your son David whatever you can find for them."(v. 8). When David heard about Nabal's arrogant rejection and insults over his request, David lost it! I mean, he exploded into action probably yelling, "Put on your swords!" (v. 13).  Then he went out for revenge with 400 men. David was frothing at the mouth, so to speak, when he said,

"It's been useless--all my watching over this fellow's property in the desert so that nothing of his was missing. He has paid me back evil for good. May God deal with David, be it ever so severely, if by morning I leave alive one male of all who belong to him!"(vv. 21-22).

Hmmmmmm? Is this the same man we read about yesterday?? Is this the one who bowed low before his enemy and spared his life graciously? I guess David was human after all! I know that I can relate to this change of attitude. Sometimes I feel noble and can be magnanimous and open-minded. And at another time my humanity takes over and I can get all bent out of shape and lose my cool over something microscopic! Are you like that too?

That's when we all need someone like Abigail to come into the picture. Abigail, a woman. Abigail, the wife of the Nabal (which means Fool - v. 25). Now how in the world can this one little woman stand up against an army of 400 to save her home and family? With great courage and fast action, she took herself into the line of fire in an attempt to make peace with David. Abigail played a vital role in this scenario because she was a peacemaker. Jesus our Lord said, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the sons of God." (Matthew 5:9). 

When we are raving and ranting, we need someone to calm us down and put things back into perspective. Abigail did just that. When she saw David, Abigail demonstrated what it is to be a peacemaker. In verses 23 and following we read of her humility, of her gentle reasoning with David. And then she spoke words that must have struck David to the heart, "Now since the LORD has kept you, my master, from bloodshed and from avenging yourself with your own hands, ..." (v. 26).
You know what I hear when I read that? The Lord sent Abigail to David. God used a simple woman to speak words of wisdom to a mighty warrior who had defeated Goliath and had command of thousands of soldiers.

Isn't that a little ironic? Many times in my life I have found that the Lord does things like that. I believe that he is patient and kind and merciful and helpful to his children, and that he often prevents us from making great mistakes by sending someone or something--a voice--that brings about peace in our lives in place of conflict, hurt and pain.

You like happy endings? I do! This one has a perfect fairytale ending. To make a long story short, Nabal the ungrateful is struck dead by God! That was quick vengeance! Then David asks Abigail to marry him and, I believe, they lived "happily ever after." Isn't that ending a lot more satisfying than having it all end up in a bloodbath? I think so. And now the lesson for me and for you: Be a peacemaker, and listen to those peacemakers who God sends our way.

Dear Lord, bring about more peace in our lives as we trust in You and listen for your direction in our lives. Forgive us when we lose control and fly off the handle. Keep us calm in your Everlasting Love and care. In Jesus' name we ask it, Amen.