Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION ®. NIV ®. COPYRIGHT ⓒ 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. David’s Request (25:1–8) After Samuel dies, David continues his work as a modern-day security contractor on behalf of Israel. Even though he does not have the rights and privileges of a king, he still takes on the responsibilities of his anointing. He takes the initiative to care for the shepherds and sheep of a rich man, Nabal. There is no formal contract, but David is sure that any God-fearing farmer in Israel would welcome and reward such vigilance. So he sends a delegation of ten young men to ask for some food out of the abundance of the feast that Nabal’s household will have that evening. David respectfully calls himself Nabal’s son and points to Nabal’s shepherds who can serve as a reference. Are you taking the initiative to fulfill God’s calling on your life despite the less than ideal circumstances you are in? Take David and David’s Son as your inspiration and example. Nabal’s Response (25:9–13) Nabal completely disregards David’s request. Later in the chapter, Nabal’s wife Abigail says of her husband, “Folly goes with him” (25:25). The problem with Nabal is not that he is stupid, but that he is foolish in the sense that he neither fears God nor respects men. His rhetorical question, “Who is David? Who is this son of Jesse?” (v. 10) does not mean that he is unaware of Israel’s champion; it means that he neither respects David nor honors God’s anointed. He does not have faith in God that David will rule as king. He does not ask his shepherds to verify the report, nor does he ask for their advice. Has a lack of faith and fear of God led you to jump to conclusions and make rash, foolish decisions? Stop and ask for advice before it is too late. Heavenly Father, give me grace to take the initiative and do good work no matter how bad my circumstances. Shield me from making foolish mistakes that would put others and myself in danger. I pray this in the name of great David’s greater Son, Jesus. Amen.
Posted on: Thu, 27 Mar 2014 16:11:16 +0000