26 "Now since the LORD has kept you, my master, from bloodshed and from avenging yourself with your own hands, as surely as the LORD lives and as you live, may your enemies and all who intend to harm my master be like Nabal. 27 And let this gift, which your servant has brought to my master, be given to the men who follow you. 28 Please forgive your servant's offense, for the LORD will certainly make a lasting dynasty for my master, because he fights the LORD's battles. Let no wrongdoing be found in you as long as you live. 29 Even though someone is pursuing you to take your life, the life of my master will be bound securely in the bundle of the living by the LORD your God. But the lives of your enemies he will hurl away as from the pocket of a sling. 30 When the LORD has done for my master every good thing he promised concerning him and has appointed him leader over Israel, 31 my master will not have on his conscience the staggering burden of needless bloodshed or of having avenged himself. And when the LORD has brought my master success, remember your servant." 1 Samuel 25:26-31
Abigail not only rescues her husband Nabal, she rescues David from himself.
Abigail reminds David of his destiny, just like Jonathan did, and who he not only is, but who
he is to become.
Abigail challenges David to do the right thing so his conscience will be clear.
David knew the "law of retribution".
24 eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, 25
burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise. Ex 21:24-25
20 fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth. As he has injured the other, so he is to be injured. Lev 24:20
21 Show no pity: life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot. Deut 19:21
But Abigail knew the punishment was greater than the crime; the shedding of blood for being insulted? She also knew the other males of the household had done no wrong and David would have to live
with that regret.
She challenged David to live to a higher standard; come to think of it so did someone else.
38"You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth. 39But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. Matthew 5:38-39
Just a side note, being slapped was actually a sign of being insulted.
Who is reminding you of who you are?
Who is reminding you of the promises of God?
Who is challenging you to live to a higher standard?
It might be a stranger; will you be open to letting God speak to you through them?
No comments:
Post a Comment