THE POWER OF PEACEMAKING
DECEMBER 5, 2024
TEXT: Let not my lord, I pray thee, regard this man of Belial, even Nabal: for as his name is, so is he; Nabal is his name, and folly is with him: but I thine handmaid saw not the young men of my lord, whom thou didst send. (1 Samuel 25:25)
A peacemaker is a person who seeks every means to avoid conflict, violence, and quarrel. There are many passages in the Bible that emphasize the benefits and importance of peacemaking. The Bible encourages us to “follow peace with all men…“ (Hebrews 12:14). The Bible also promises a reward for peacemakers in the Beatitudes of Jesus Christ by saying that peacemakers shall be called the sons of God (Matthew 5:9).
In the passage from which our text for today is taken, we see the story of a wise and courageous woman named Abigail. David had earlier requested a little food from her husband Nabal, but unfortunately, Nabal had blatantly turned down the request, thereby making David infuriated as he remembered all the efforts he had put into safeguarding Nabal’s men and his belongings while they were together in the wilderness. David had set out with some of his men to attack Nabal for his insolence and ingratitude. Upon being informed, Abigail hurriedly put some food items together and dashed out to meet David in a bid to prevent the imminent doom in her family. She spoke to David with great wisdom, and that was the saving grace for her household, even though God himself later smote Nabal.
What we are trying to say, in essence, is that Abigail could have chosen to demonstrate such irrational and senseless reasoning as demonstrated by her husband. But she chose to demonstrate wisdom and calmness that melted David’s heart and “healed” him of his previous anger. The story of Abigail basically teaches us to be quick to listen and slow to speak. As the “madam” of the house, she could have opted to discountenance the suggestion by the servant, but she did not, unlike her husband who was quick to speak and slow to think. Also, we can learn that in all situations, reconciliation should be key rather than confrontation. We should utilize every opportunity to seek peace in all circumstances.
SEARCHLIGHT: As believers, we should endeavor to struggle to maintain peace in all instances. It is an attribute of sons and daughters of God.
PRAYER: O LORD, give me the spirit of peacemaking in the name of Jesus.
BIBLE READING: Genesis 16-18, Luke 20
PST. MICHAEL OMOLE
