January 15 Reading Plan

January 15

Psalm 71-75, 1 Samuel 25

 

Peacemaker. . . I know today’s story about David is. . . Well, weird. He was going to slaughter Nabal and his entire household. He was taking action into his own hands as he threatened to destroy Nabal. 

 

There are so many confusing stories in the Bible, and we don’t really have time to look to deeply into this one today. But I want to pull something from this story that we should all be able to understand. 

 

It’s Abigail the peacemaker. 

 

She saw the condition of her husband's heart, and knew what she was causing over the family. So she acted in a way that would bring peace to her home. By sending gifts to David and going out to meet him, she protected herself, and everyone who lived in her home. She could have easily sided with her husband Nabal and just kept quiet. But she knew the disaster that was about to break out on her home. 

 

What does it take to be a peacemaker? 

 

When we look at this story, you have a warrior with his men and a stubbornly selfish landowner. You and I might look at the story and wonder why Nabal was so selfish and rude. We might also wonder why David was so aggressive and mean. But Abigail had the discernment to know what was taking place. She saw calamity and knew that she needed to take action. 

 

You see, being a peacemaker - requires discernment from the Holy Spirit. Because the truth is, you and I are quicker to cast judgment and even plot out revenge than we are to make peace. Abigail saw both sides of the situation, and had the discernment to see the trouble it would cause. 

 

She even discerned the proper time to confront her husband instead of just letting him know how foolish his decision was. 

 

We live in a world that is ready to pick a fight! It’s so easy to offend people because they are easily offended! We live in a society that is split and polarized. But God has called us to be peacemakers. 

 

Matthew 5:9 reminds us that “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” Maybe, instead of responding to that post, or having the last comment in an argument, or going toe to toe with your coworker just to prove your worth. . . Maybe there is more blessing in being a peacemaker. Maybe your resistance to making peace, is bring calamity on your home. Ask the holy spirit to give you the discernment, to make peace with those who have wronged you, and honor those who deserve it. 

 

So, may you be filled with the spirit of God. May it bring you discernment beyond your understanding. May you stand in the gap, between those who are wronged, and those who are offended. And, may you find blessings, as you live as a child of God, and make peace today!