Nabal answered David’s servants, “Who is this David? Who is this son of Jesse? Many servants are breaking away from their masters these days. Why should I take my bread and water, and the meat I have slaughtered for my shearers, and give it to men coming from who knows where?”

1 Samuel 25:10-11

For Meditation

Paul was right. “The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit” (1 Cor. 2:14).

If anybody epitomizes the unspiritual man, it is Nabal (1 Sam. 25:10-11). God’s anointed king of Israel stands before him through his messengers; yet, he can’t see past his “exalted” position in life. The Lord is presenting him a portion of the eternal kingdom of David, but he is enamored of his current status – earthly riches, position, servants, and community recognition. The riches of Israel and history are being opened to him and his household, but Nabal prefers his little empire. To his loss, the king’s table is pulled from under his feet. A place among David’s court means nothing to him. He can’t perceive it, because he is a man without the Spirit. The message from David sounds foolishness to him. But who is being foolish here? Who is living out his name when the opportunity of heaven is staring in his face?

That’s the situation of the world today. Heaven has opened to the world in Jesus Christ. God’s special invitation has gone out to all mankind.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matt. 11:28-30).

But the world responds, “Who needs help from God? We are enlightened. We can make things to relieve us of our burden. We have every means of relaxation and rest.”

Yet, their backs are breaking. Their blood pressure is soaring to the heavens by the minute. O, that man would be wise and take Christ at His word and come to Him!

Heaven’s banquet is ready. The King of Glory has set His table for His invited guests, “Come, for everything is now ready” (Lk. 14:17).

“But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, ‘I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.’ “Another said, ‘I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I’m on my way to try them out. Please excuse me’” (Lk. 14:18-19).

That is the Nabal Virus. It kills faster than any known virus. But unlike the Coronavirus, it has a cure. It’s in the Cross of Calvary, on which the Lamb of God was slain to take away the sin of the world. Just look up to Him and be healed.

“But we have scientists. We have doctors to heal us,” they say.

What can a scientist do about a spiritual disease? Who can heal like Jesus?

So, Nabal rejects David and insults him. It’s not for lack of knowledge. He knows enough to know David’s father and his engagement with King Saul. He knows enough to welcome him into his hospitality.

Likewise, the world knows enough about Jesus to welcome Him into their hearts. But, like Nabal, the world has a virus that has blinded many. They are without the Spirit – very earthly, very Canal.

Thank God Abigail is wiser in this story. She uses her knowledge about David well, and secures a place at the royal table a short time afterwards.

Do you have the Nabal virus?

Come to Jesus and be healed (Jn. 3:16; 1:12-13; Rm. 10:9-10).