1 Samuel 25:31

New International Version (NIV)

And when the Lord your God has brought my lord success, remember your servant.”

For Meditation

One of the tragedies of life is concealed torment. People dress sharply every day and step out in style. They admire their looks and congratulate themselves for their success. They are greeted with respect in their neighborhoods and at work, where they command authority. Yet, deep down in their hearts, they’re in torment. There is a deep gulf of troubles no one sees. It’s a carefully concealed and guarded secret; and they wear the mask very well. Nevertheless, they hemorrhage in despair.

They are your favorite politicians, artists, Hollywood stars, sports personalities, journalists, accomplished intellectuals and business people. Your husband or wife may be enlisted, despite your glossy marriage. Look deep into their eyes, and you could catch a glimpse of their pain you’ve ignored.

Nabal could have heard the anguished cry of his wife Abigail, if he cared for her. But how could he; for he was an equal victim of the same malady. He had everything and delighted in his estate. Yet he was “harsh and evil in his dealings,” a scoundrel and fool, as his name meant, and he drank his sorrows away (1 Sam. 25:3, 25, 36). How such a man could be married to a woman of such beauty and intelligence always amazes me. But that is the power of money, and the tragedy of arranged marriages in that culture, which may have ensnared Abigail. Going by the wealth and likely comforts of their home, no one may have guessed the constant anguish in Abigail’s soul to get out of the marriage until the day of her intervention and appeal to David on her family’s behalf (23-31).

A woman of tact and discernment, Abigail sensed the opportunity of a life time and knew what to do. David would surely be crowned king of Israel soon, and here she was, having an audience before him this way. She smartly seized the occasion and staked her appeal. “And when the Lord your God has brought my lord success, remember your servant.” In other words, “Rescue me from this hellhole when you come into your kingdom, David.” That’s the anguished cry of every sinner and oppressed.

We heard it from the other crucified criminal by the side of Jesus on Calvary: “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom” (Lk. 23:42). How could Jesus deny such an anguished soul the life He came to die to give to everyone who cries to Him for salvation?

“I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise” (43).

1. Are you that criminal?
2. Are you an Abigail?
3. Can you discern the times we live in and see your opportunity in Jesus alone?
4. Can you call on Him for deliverance from your concealed torment by sin and be rescued?
5. Don’t you know that Jesus, the Root of Jesse, David’s father, came to die for you?

So, take his faithful word, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved,” and claim your place in His kingdom today (Rm. 10:13).

As David sent for Abigail after the Lord struck Nabal down (1 Sam. 25:39-42), so will Jesus receive you into His kingdom, or deliver you from your distress when you call on Him now.

Shalom