I Samuel 25: 1 – 42
Rev. Ramesh Pathak

As we study the characters of Nabal, Abigail and David, we will find that these three fit together to teach a perfect lesson to the individuals, families and the church at large who are facing a crisis.

We can see a Chain of Conflict

Nabal vs. Abigail -fool vs. wise
David vs. Nabal -refused to pay
what was just.
Nabal's Servant vs. Nabal (w.13-17)
-Servant was able to speak to
Abigail not to Nabal.

In our life we may face similar Conflicts. We can clearly see how with the skilful timely intervention of Abigail this inevitable situation was averted, without any damage. All the more she was able to bring back David to his senses when he says, "blessed are you and your God who has sent you to me to this day." Abigail takes sensible steps as a reconciler:

1. She stood in the Gap. (Vv. 2325): When Abigail's servant told her about what had happened, she quickly moves in order to defuse the volatile situation. She rode on a donkey and sends a servant ahead. When she sees David,

i. She stoops down (Pays due honour to David, had she still be on the donkey, David would have been further provoked).
ii. She takes the blame (In any situation like this you need a savior, here she is one).
iii. Spares Nabal (I know he is fool, ill tempered, David you do not pay attention).

As reconcilers we must do the same using these principles as our guidelines.

2. She moved in the Gap. (Vv. 26, 31): At times many of us stand in the gap without doing any thing, but Abigail took the initiative to avert this volatile situation. She takes risks and moves to the front and takes all the heat. She confronts David with the facts, which David had failed to see in the light of the God's perspective. She profoundly reminds him.

i. God lives (He is in control; most of our problems arise when we forget this and meddle in the things that God should take care.)
ii. You live (David, though you are afflicted from every side now, but you are not consumed, you still have hope. God, who has sustained you thus far, will continue to do so in future also. Meantime do not react adversely because of the bad experience.)
iii. You are fighting the Lord's battle. (Friends, when you live and minister for God and face adversity never forge t that it is God who is having His ways in your life , you must simply accept them ,"all things will work together for good" Rom . 8:28 . Gen. 50: 20.)
iv. Don’t let this blemish your record. (Since God is alive, you are alive, and fighting His battle is not yours, therefore don’t meddle with petty things; keep a larger picture in front of you).

3. She filled the Gap. (Vv. 32-35): Abigail is sensible, capable and persuasive reconciler. She kept the interests of David in dealing with him without blaming Nabal. She spoke the truth in love, Eph. 4: 15, but she is a determined reconciler. David at the end realized that Abigail's intervention was from the Lord Himself.

a. She was sent from the Lord V. 32 "Blessed is the Lord God of Israel who sent you to meet me."
b. She sensed V. 33 "Blessed is your advice and blessed are you who kept me this day from coming to blood shed."
c. She saved David from shedding blood Vv. 34-35 "Kept me back from hurting".

Principles to be learnt and applied

a. When you have discernment you do not need to apply your physical strength. Discernment is the weapon, when you use, it will cut what is wrong and stop you from going in a wrong direction.
b. We all need an Abigail at one point or the other, and we should become one.
c. When you apply God given discernment then you will be rewarded. Abigail was also blessed.
d. As a reconciler, ask yourself a pertinent questions, do you see the bigger picture during the time when your feelings are hurt, your emotions are provoked. Dear Abigail, are you promoting peace?

Rev. Ramesh Pathak, pastor of Vasant Kunj Methodist Church