Rude People!
Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who encounter rude people. In Jesus’ name, amen.
David learns of a wealthy man with three thousand sheep and a thousand goats. His name was Nabal. His wife’s name was Abigail. In the early verses of 1 Samuel 25 we learn that David had protected some of Nabal’s shepherds.
In 1 Samuel 25:5-8 (ESV) we learn that David made a request of Nabal.
“So David sent ten young men. And David said to the young men, ‘Go up to Carmel, and go to Nabal and greet him in my name. And thus you shall greet him: ‘Peace be to you, and peace be to your house, and peace be to all that you have. I hear that you have shearers. Now your shepherds have been with us, and we did them no harm, and they missed nothing all the time they were in Carmel. Ask your young men, and they will tell you. Therefore let my young men find favor in your eyes, for we come on a feast day. Please give whatever you have at hand to your servants and to your son David.’”
In 1 Samuel 25:9-12 we learn of Nabal’s response.
“When David’s young men came, they said all this to Nabal in the name of David, and then they waited. And Nabal answered David’s servants, ‘Who is David? Who is the son of Jesse? There are many servants these days who are breaking away from their masters. Shall I take my bread and my water and my meat that I have killed for my shearers and give it to men who come from I do not know where?’ So David’s young men turned away and came back and told him all this.”
David was mad, and he told his men to prepare for battle.
Yet, when Abigail heard of her husband’s disrespect, she quickly packed food, including 200 loves, raisins, and wine, and rode out to intercept David.
David accepts her gesture, and he does not retaliate against Nabal. David is thankful for Abigail’s intervention or he would have blood on his hands.
When you encounter rude people, how should you respond?
Fortunately, Abigail intervened or David might have killed Nabal.
Remember. When you are offended, ask God for a course of action, and trust him for the outcome.
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