1 Samuel 25 - 12.23.24
Scripture
1 Samuel 25:23-24 NLT
“When Abigail saw David, she quickly got off her donkey and bowed low before him. She fell at his feet and said, “I accept all blame in this matter, my Lord. Please listen to what I have to say.”
Observation
Abigail was the wife of a very wealthy man named Nabal. Now Nabal was a very crude and mean businessman. One day, David sent some of his men to talk to Nabal to ask a favor from him. So Nabal being the type of person he was, heard David’s request, and not only rejected David’s requests, but on top of that, he insulted David and his men calling them “a band of outlaws”. Once David hears this, he gets angry. After all, David and his men showed nothing but kindness to Nabal and his people while they were staying near them. David was so angry he vowed to kill every man from Nabal’s household!
Abigail gets word of David’s plan and quickly puts together a “care package” and rushes out to meet David and his men to apologize on behalf of her hot-headed husband. Abigail intercedes on behalf of Nabal, and is able to diffuse the situation, which could have left a bloody mess.
Application
We all need an Abigail in our life.
Imagine being Nabal for a second. You’re strong and wealthy. Your pride makes you feel like you don’t need anyone’s help, (even though you do) and now you basically just turned your back on some people who were nothing but nice and respectful towards you. You don’t even realize that you just made the wrong guy angry and now you have no clue the wrath that is coming your way. Enter your humble and beautiful wife Abigail. She intercedes on your behalf, saving you and your entire household from total destruction.
Does the story sound familiar? It should. I believe it can parallel the story of man and God. You see, like Nabal, we as humans can be prideful, not thinking we need help from anyone, and thinking our success is by our own doing. Little to our knowing, we’ve been getting help, and protection, (from God), all along. But in our arrogance, and sinful nature, we push God away, thinking that we know better. And because of this, we are separated from God, deserving His wrath, and deserving death. Enter our “Abigail”. Enter Jesus.
“All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else.”-Ephesians 2:3
“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.”-Romans 6:23
Because of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, He took upon God’s wrath for us. Jesus interceded on our behalf so that ANYONE who puts their faith and trust in Him, and turns away from their sinful ways, receive God’s grace, His forgiveness, mercy, and His free gift of salvation.
So, as we get ready to celebrate Christmas with our family and friends, let’s not forget the real reason why we celebrate this holiday. Let’s remember the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the One who interceded on our behalf; the One who gave us the best gift we could ever receive.
Prayer
Thank You Jesus for interceding on my behalf. Thank You for saving me from experiencing God’s wrath. Thank You for always showing me kindness, patience, and unconditional love. YOU, Lord Jesus, are the real reason for this season! May You be celebrated and honored not only this Christmas Season, but every day of our lives. In Your holy and precious name I pray, Amen. 🙏🏽
-Moses Gaddi