Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 25:2-12
The passage is about Nabal, whom the Bible described as churlish, filled with evil characteristics (1 Samuel 25:3), and also called a son of Belial (vs 17). In contrast, he had a wife, named Abigail, a woman of good understanding and beautiful countenance (vs 3). Without having to go deeper into the story, while, Nabal continued in his foolish and evil ways, the wife had to plead for mercy for him from David.
While Abigail knew that David was anointed by God and leading His armies, and she humbled herself, Nadal bothered not on respecting the servant of God, but behaved towards destruction. After ten days of him becoming like a stone, God struck him and he died (vs 38).
Many times a number, we lose the good things God had planned for us because we are ill-mannered and discourteous. We talk rudely to elders and younger ones alike, living our lives in such a way to show that we are accountable to noone.
Our disposition to our parents, our spiritual leaders, older people and those that we meet daily is nothing but churlish. We are averse to corrections, we close our ears to sound training but exhibit Pharaohtic attitude. This without doubt, like what came upon Nabal, leads to self-destruction.
Our character most times define our success. It is that, which brings the kind of friendship that would come to us. Since evil cannot bear good, hence, someone with bad character will be keenly loved by people of same attitude.
Furthermore, several things that we complain about and opine that are from our enemies, are farther from the truth. They are just a simple change of character and the solution is found.
While the bad character of Nabal cost him his life, the godly and good dispositions of Abigail earned her honour.
May we be honoured in all our endeavours, through Christ our Lord.
Memory Verse:
1 Samuel 25:28
“I pray thee, forgive the trespass of thine handmaid: for the Lord will certainly make my lord a sure house, because my Lord fighteth the battles of the Lord, and evil hath not been found in thee all thy days”.
Baba Aladura, Elder Israel Akinadewo – FCA, PhD
Prelate, Motailatu Church Cherubim and Seraphim Worldwide (MCCSW)/President, Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC)