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“Are You Listening?” by Kirk Hunt
And David said to Abigail, Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, which sent thee this day to meet me: And blessed be thy advice, and blessed be thou, which hast kept me this day from coming to shed blood, and from avenging myself with mine own hand.
1 Samuel 25:32-33 KJV
The high-born lady kneeled in the dusty road. She accepted blame before the local warlord for her husband’s error. She gave gifts of freshly prepared food and fresh-cut respect. Using diplomacy, graciousness and humility, she transformed murderous intent into life-affirming gratitude.
Warlord David recognized his peril. His anger, even though righteous and justified, had nearly plunged him into error and sin. Even in his anger, he remained God’s man and listened to reason.
Nabal nearly brought calamity on not just himself, but everyone around him. Despite his churlish and foolish behavior, he received mercy in its truest form. If not for his sake, then Abigail’s.
David listened to Abigail. He heard the truth, wisdom and righteousness in her words. He humbled himself before God and man to call off the attack.
Abigail listened, in horror, to the report of Nabal’s disrespect. She took immediate action to head off imminent disaster. With a heart full of God’s wisdom and Godly humility, Abigail met blood-thirsty anger with heart-winning grace.
Where are you in the picture? Are you listening? If so, are you taking action based on what your hear?
Think: Do I listen as God intends?
Pray: “Father-God, help me to listen to Your truth and wisdom, no matter the source or circumstance.”
Copyright © April 2011, Kirk Hunt
