Scripture
“When the Lord has done all he has promised and his made you leader of all Israel, don’t let this be a blemish on your record. Then your conscience won’t have to bear the staggering burden of needless bloodshed and violence.”

Observation
David moves to the wilderness of Maon. A man named Nabal owns property near the town of Carmel.

David sends some messengers to see if Nabal will provide him with supplies. They remind him that when his shepherds were staying with David’s people, they protected the shepherds. Nabal is sneering in his refusal.

David’s men tell David what has happened, and one of Nabal’s servants tells Abigail, Nabal’s wife about the encounter. While David is on his way to slaughter Nabal’s household, Abigail gathers as much food as she can, and goes to seek mercy from David.

When Abigail tells Nabal what she has done, he has a stroke and dies a few days later. David asks her to marry him which she does.

Application
Foolish acts can weigh us down for a lifetime if we are not careful. Abigail pleaded with David to keep his conscience clear of bloodshed, lest this act define for the rest of his life.

Every day we hear of someone who lashes out in a moment of rage killing someone, ruining their own life as well as taking the other life. Just the other day two teenagers were killed on a local dam in a boating accident caused by an uncle’s momentary lapse of judgement.

To follow the Lord means that we let him be our guide and director. Sometimes we have to subdue emotional responses. Other times we must take care to listen to of the moment by moment leading of the Holy Spirit.

Prayer
Father, please help me to subject everything to you, and to walk with your wisdom and in your ways. Amen.