Message Magazine’s Online Devotional for Tuesday, August 4, 2015
Today’s Scripture:
“And David said to Abigail, Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, which sent thee this day to meet me:” (1 Samuel 25:32).
Quick Observation:
As we have already highlighted this week, when Abigail heard that her husband was rude and out of control toward David’s camp, she displayed the righteous character, which the Lord had hidden within her. She went to David with gifts, humility, a clear message of peacemaking, and a beautiful spirit. Her gifts were accepted, humility noted, beautiful character admired, and the Lord’s name was extoled for His providence in sending her to save David from vengeful bloodshed.
Life Application:
I hope the quick observation was not too simple for you. Now, let’s apply it! Here’s the question: When someone comes to you, whom the Lord has obviously sent to save you from a critical, life-altering mistake, how do you view the encounter? Do you say, “Bless the Lord for sending you”? Many times we are on the brink of doing something horrible (divorcing a spouse based on rumor, having a fight because of a perceived insult, loafing off at work to spite the boss or company, shaming people on Facebook we have not privately spoken to about a problem, etc.), and the Lord sees fit to send the right person at just the right time, to help us think clearly. In those cases, how do we respond? These people, like Abigail are messengers from God, directed by His Spirit, to help us to do the right thing. Why not welcome good, godly counsel, and even better, allow the Lord to use you to keep the peace in trying situations?
A Prayer for Your Hearts:
Lord, you said the peacemakers are blessed, and they shall be called your children. Teach us to love peace, as much as it is within our power to effect. In the name of Jesus I pray, amen.
