Abigail - David's Protector

Read 1 Samuel 25-28:2, 1 Chronicles 12 
 
1 Samuel 25:22 “May God strike me and kill me if even one man of his household is still alive tomorrow morning! 23 When Abigail saw David, she quickly got off her donkey and bowed low before him…30 “When the Lord has done for my master every good thing he promised  concerning him and has appointed him leader over Israel, 31 my master will not have on his conscience the staggering burden of needless bloodshed or of having avenged himself. And when the Lord has brought my master success, remember your servant.”
 
WE have seen how Saul denied God’s will and rejected God as he attempted to kill David. What a contrast it is to now hear God’s will through Abigail’s prophetic voice. It’s likely few people know much about Abigail. But once again we see how God raises a woman with a prophetic voice and purpose to advance his salvation plan. 1 Samuel 25 indicates Abigail was a remarkable woman God used to protect David’s purpose. I hope you’ve read the account and have learned from her wise counsel to speak into David’s anger. Imagine! God used a woman who was peacefully caring for her household to suddenly rise up and confront the God-anointed warrior David to turn him from his murderous intentions! Who knows when God will call us to be quick to act, brave to speak and humble to submit.
   The Bible doesn’t specifically say, “The Spirit came upon Abigail.” But it is apparent the Holy Spirit anointed that day. Speaking the news of Nabal’s insult and David’s response, a servant seemed to be God’s voice when he told Abigail, “Now think it over and see what you can do.” (1 Samuel 25:17a)
   In God’s power Abigail spoke to David: “When the Lord has done for my master every good thing he promised …my master will not have on his conscience the staggering burden of needless bloodshed…when the Lord has brought my master success.” Twice, “when” points to a certainty of God’s will that David will be king. Abigail reminds – and perhaps teaches – David that his life is for much more than a moment to avenge a hospitality insult.
   We can interpret Abigail’s words to David, “Use your wisdom. Allow the Lord to do his work. You don’t need to kill. Instead, you need to show forbearance and peace. Trust God to avenge you. Stop here and have a meal, instead.” You might say Abigail was urging David to prepare a table in the presence of his enemies to allow the LORD’s goodness and mercy to overflow into his mind and remove his rage.
   What does Abigail teach us? Be wise: demonstrate to others they can trust you to make good decisions. Be sure: act quickly to do what is right. Be submissive: approach others with respect. Be truthful: speak the consequences of both good and bad actions. Be hospitable: prepare a table to offer others a meal to stop and settle their emotions.
   Whose prophetic voice has God put into your life? Listen, and you will hear. You will live with less regret of rash words and actions. You will experience more satisfaction in who God has made you to be.