In today’s message, Pastor Char shared the story of Abigail, showing how a peace-focused posture in a time of conflict highlights God’s ability to transform a situation and the individuals involved.
Real People In God’s Story: Abigail
Message by Charlene Neuman — August 29, 2021
Being a Jesus-follower is being a peacemaker.
Abigail: Peacemaker
1 Samuel 25 (NLT)
What am I hearing in this story that intrigues me?
Abigail breaks through conflict and infuses peace into an impossible situation.
- She gets the timing right.
Abigail wasted no time. She quickly gathered 200 loaves of bread…She packed them on donkeys and said to her servants, “Go on ahead. I will follow you shortly.”
Moving towards peace requires both engagement and patience.
- She gets the posture right.
When Abigail saw David, she quickly got off her donkey and bowed low before him. She fell at his feet and said, “I accept all blame in this matter, my lord. Please listen to what I have to say…And here is a present that I, your servant, have brought to you and your young men. Please forgive me if I have offended you in any way.
Moving towards peace requires humility.
- She gets the focus right.
“Now, my lord, as surely as the Lord lives and you yourself live, since the Lord has kept you from murdering and taking vengeance into your own hands, let all your enemies and those who try to harm you be as cursed as Nabal is.
The Lord will surely reward you with a lasting dynasty, for you are fighting the Lord’s battles. And you have not done wrong throughout your entire life.
“Even when you are chased by those who seek to kill you, your life is safe in the care of the Lord your God, secure in his treasure pouch! But the lives of your enemies will disappear like stones shot from a sling! When the Lord has done all he promised and has made you leader of Israel…
Moving towards peace requires God at the centre.
For followers of Jesus, moving ourselves and others towards peace, restoration and reconciliation is not optional.
We are called to reflect on conflict, be open to transformation, and respond with discernment.
What am I thinking or feeling that could be from God today?
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