1 Samuel 25 - the story of Abigail
1. Abigail was a wise woman
Abigail must have been known as a wise woman
because as her story unfolds, we're told that one of Nabal's servants
approached her asking her to do something to prevent disaster befalling them
all. She was aware of events happening around her and determined to do
something. Let us be aware of events around us because who knows but God may
want us to intervene in an unjust situation. It's no good us hiding within the
safety of the four walls of our churches. I believe God wants us to stand up
and speak out, perhaps in our families or in our work place.
Who knows
but that I was called for such a time? Who knows but God may be calling you at
such a time to do something for him that only you can do.
2. Abigail was a courageous woman
Abigail risked her life, firstly by not
telling her husband of her plans. In those times women were their husband's
property. Nabal was a wealthy man - she could have lost everything - even her
life, for taking matters into her own hands.
Secondly, going to meet
David was very risky - can you imagine riding into that mountain ravine on a
donkey and coming towards you are 400 men with swords and an angry leader at
their head?
But Abigail was a courageous woman and her motive was to
plead for the lives of others - she didn't think of herself - I believe she was
prepared to die. Then Abigail did an extraordinary thing, she took the blame
for the sin of her husband - she humbled herself and interceded for her people
before David. The ministry of intercession is a special ministry: it involves
humility, sacrifice and cost. The result of Abigail's actions was that David's
heart softened and he was kept from bloodshed that day. He accepted her
offering and granted her request.
We may not be called to risk our
lives but we too can be bold and courageous. We can speak out against injustice
and intercede for the oppressed.
3. Abigail was a prophetic woman
Abigail spoke prophetic words to David. David
realised this and as a result much bloodshed was averted that day. Abigail was
a faithful woman - she believed in God and spoke forth his message to David.
Abigail was rewarded for her faithfulness - she became wife to David, the
future King. She was a woman of destiny along with many other women we read
about in the bible who God used in extraordinary ways - Esther, Deborah,
Hannah, Mary, to name just a few. These women did remarkable things in their
day and generation. I believe God wants us to do remarkable things for him in
our day and generation - I believe he wants us to be prophetic women. 1
Corinthians 14:1 says 'Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual
gifts, especially the gift of prophecy.' This is for us today - do you eagerly
desire spiritual gifts?
Through the story of Abigail we are reminded
that God has reconciled us to himself through Christ. Jesus took our sin on his
shoulders - he intercedes for us before the Father. He humbled himself and
offered the greatest sacrifice of all time - he paid the ultimate cost of
giving his life - for us to be reconciled to the Father. Let us examine our
hearts - have you been reconciled to your heavenly Father by acknowledging that
Jesus died for you on a cross, to take away your sin? 2 Corinthians 5:20b says,
"We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God."
Then we look
outside ourselves - are you reconciled to your family and friends? To those in
your place of work? In your street? In your village or town? Jesus said blessed
are the peacemakers. He also said we are to forgive others as we have been
forgiven. Let us rise to the challenge and be willing to be Christ's
ambassadors, taking the message of reconciliation to our family, our friends,
our neighbours, our workmates, our world.
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