Scriptures: 1 Samuel 25:1-44
This Old Testament story is a type and shadow of Christ and His church. Abigail symbolizes those who are held captive because of their choices or the choices of others. Nabal symbolizes the world: a controlling, demanding and selfish master. David symbolizes our Savior: offering a better life. First we look at Nabal. Nabal was self-willed, greedy and angry. His name literally is translated to mean "fool!" His own employees considered him to be worthless. Then we have Abigail: who was the complete opposite of her husband. She was wise, caring, approachable, organized and trustworthy. Abigail had the gift of discernment, which is the ability to read people, situations and how to act accordingly. Finally we have David who was a born leader forced to live in the wilderness because of the wickedness of King Saul. David was hungry, dirty, tired and being hunted. He was not living the kingly life he imagined. He on "was edge." All of these human natures and event led to natural conflict. A conflict between a wife, Abigail, and her husband Nabal. They were two complete opposites: Nabal who reacted with prideful emotion and whose wife's love was overshadowed by her fear of him. On the other hand is Abigail who responds with diplomacy and tact. Nabal thinks only of himself, while Abigail considers everyone involved. Fortunately for Nabal, Abigail stays with him regardless of his actions. Conflict is part of all relationships and it can bring: change, growth and understanding. Nabal did not learn the right things from his conflicts, which caused conflict to follow him from one relationship to the next. Abigail matured as a person through times of conflict and grew in courage and grace. Jesus views our commitments, but also observes how we handle conflicts: conflicts in the home, on the job, in the church and in the world. God has a great plan for your life, but how you handle conflicts determines your future. Comments are closed.
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