1 Samuel 25:30-31

New International Version

“When the Lord has fulfilled for my lord every good thing, he promised concerning him and has appointed him ruler over Israel, my lord will not have on his conscience the staggering burden of needless bloodshed or of having avenged himself. And when the Lord your God has brought my lord success, remember your servant.”

For Meditation

She was such a wise woman. Her intervention in David’s mad rush to annihilate the entire household of Nabal was timely and a gem. Exhausted and vulnerable, David picked on Nabal’s insults and refusal of his request and went after the Carmel rich man. Abigail—the wife of Nabal—wasted no time when she heard the report. With a caravan of donkeys loaded with abundant provisions, Abigail went to meet David. She had updated herself on the current affairs of Israel and knew the gallantry of David against Goliath and his anointing as the king-in-waiting of Israel. Abigail employed it with godly wisdom and tact.

“Do not do it, David. You are better in every way with your future coronation. Your avowed action will be an unnecessary blemish on your credible life. I know the fury of King Saul has exhausted you, and that makes it difficult to deal with people like my husband. However, let me remind you of why God has poured His anointing oil on your head—that you may lead His people, Israel. It is a noble thing to preserve than to waste your energy on this man whose name means foolish. And since I know God will enthrone you in Israel soon, remember me when you walk through the corridors of power. I am your servant.”

Who can stand against such a powerful intervention?

It brings to mind Paul’s plea on behalf of Onesimus to Philemon. He packs it with reminders of the grace of God upon Philemon and his indebtedness to Paul, which he could not repay. How could Philemon hold on to his fury and refuse to forgive?

We are so weak and vulnerable when others offend us. What we need at such times is godly counsel. How we receive such timely intervention determines how God conditions our lives with the outflow of His grace.

Jesus Reminds us of two things, grace and forgiveness, every time we stand to vent our spleen on others who have offended us. When everything in us cries for vengeance and retribution, Christ reminds us of His mercy and grace poured on us from Calvary and our indebtedness to Him—a debt we cannot repay. He takes our eyes and sets them on the purity of His garment of righteousness with which He has adorned us and the unnecessary blemish we bring to it when we follow our hurts and pain. He does this so that our hearts will melt before Him before we do the unthinkable that offends His holiness.

So, may the Lord help us today before we strike a needless blow on the one who has hurt us, amen!