Blogging Through The Season - Day 7

BLOGGING THROUGH THE ADVENT SEASON
12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
DAY 7 - The Lady, the Fool and The King

Peace be unto you, and peace be to your house, and peace be to all that you have 
~ 1 Samuel 25:6
 
          1 Samuel 25 tells a beautiful story of a wise, humble, respectful lady named Abigail. Abigail was married to a wealthy fool named Nabal, who is described in 1Samuel 23:3, as “harsh and badly behaved.” Nabal’s callous disregard for his wife and household, left Abigail to face the wrath of an angry king and 400 warriors.
          Nabal disrespected David by refusing to honor David’s request for provision, even after David had previously protected his shepherds in the desert. Abigail, hearing of the communication that occurred between Nabal and David’s men from a servant, immediately went into protective/damage control mode. Knowing that her husband’s disrespect would incite and angry response from David, Abigail intervened. She gathered the provisions that David requested and went out to meet him, hoping to avoid a war between David and Nabal. (1 Samuel 25:14-17). Meeting David, Abigail fell prostrate before him and, utilizing her great communication skills, humility and respect, she was able to persuade David to leave vengeance to God. Thus saving herself, her husband and her household. David’s anger was changed to worship, and he blessed her. (1 Samuel 25:32-33).
          The story of Abigail, the humble mediator, symbolizes the love Christ has for His children. He came to us as the Prince of Peace: “For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders;
And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Eternal Father, Prince of Peace” ( Isaiah 9:6). Abigail risked her life to save a foolish husband, facing David’s wrath. Christ came to give His life for a sinful generation to escape the wrath of God. (Romans 5:9).
Abigail’s prowess as a true lady and honorable woman, teaches children of God that in the midst of bad situations, there is always something/someone worth saving. She teaches us to be humble, allow God to lead, be approachable, use discretion and show respect at all times. When we are faced with struggles and battles, we need to know that we are never alone. God is always with us. (Deut. 31:6, Matt 28:20) He offers us His strength and grace to go on. (2Cor 12:9) Do not stay stuck in fear or defeat. Nothing is too hard for God. He is always working on our behalf.