Weekend Speaker: Ben Sigman
Theme: God's Will
Read: 1 Samuel 25
Think: As Pastor Ben talked about discerning God’s will, he spoke about using filters to discover just what the Lord’s will might be. One of these included seeking the wisdom of God and not coincidence. There are many times we ‘feel’ a certain path is the best one, only to discover we've been led astray. In today’s reading we encounter David beginning to follow his feelings... even when they conflict with God's will. It’s an interesting account so take a few minutes to read 1 Samuel 25.
Now during those times it was traditional that after sheep shearing there was a festival to celebrate. The whole community would come together and share the food, even the widows and orphans who were often neglected. It would have been the right thing for David’s men to be included in these festivities given the assistance and protection they had provided to the shepherds. David had also sent a small number of men which would seem fair in the situation. Yet we find Nabal, responding in both a rude and offensive manner, turning them away empty handed. In that situation David’s anger and reaction would seem justified. In fact I’m sure he had the support and encouragement of his men when he said he would not leave any male of the family alive. Yet God had said to not shed needless blood.
When Nabal’s wife Abigail stepped in, her words very carefully reminded David of God’s will and the way God would have him act in this situation. David was supposed to leave the judgment and action to God… not act on his feelings.
Pastor Ben shared with us this quote from ‘The Best Question Ever’ by Andy Stanley “What is the wise thing for me to do, in light of my past experience, my present circumstances, and my future hopes and dreams?” In this and each situation we encounter being wise means to carefully look at our filters and follow God’s directives. Thankfully God has placed others in our lives who seek to follow His will and as we support each other we can also, like Abigail, be the voice of a friend guiding in the right direction.
As we see in the latter part of the chapter God did judge and act on the matter. As a result not only David but Abigail were blessed by doing the right thing.
Do: Think about the followers of Christ God has put in your life who help and guide you when feelings can mislead. Take time to listen calmly and weigh what they say rather than acting simply on feelings. Perhaps God is using them to guide you in His will. Ask God to help you prepare for the times you may need to remind others of God’s will in a gracious, loving way.
Pray: Lord, thank you for giving us many ways of finding your will including the good counsel of others who follow and love You. We ask that you would bless them as they guide us and that you would give us the wisdom to see Your will in each situation. Father, we ask that you help us become guides to others in such a way that they hear Your voice and not ours, with grace and love, not judgement. In Jesus’ name, Amen.