Ordinary people, extraordinary God Abigail: A mighty woman in a man’s world
1 Samuel 25:2-42
Abigail had to handle two headstrong men who were behaving badly. Nabal was a fool and David was bent on revenge. God used Abigail to save the situation.
- Abigail – Respected & proactive (vs 14-19) – Abigail was beautiful and intelligent, but she was not a gold digging wife. Her marraige was probably an arranged marriage. Nabal was a nightmare husband. He was unpleasant to everyone and would not listen to anyone. Nabal is a challenge to us men today. How are you behaving as a husband, father, employer or employee? It matters how we behave. Abigail stands head and shoulders above those around her. She could have behaved as badly as Nabal. She was respected by her servants and was approachable. Abigail was perceptive and grasped the seriousness of the situation. She acted quickly and proactively to save her household. She motivated her servants to work hard to save the household and none of them remained loyal to Abigail. She was a respected, trusted leader of the household. Good leadership is key to every organisation and household.
- Abigail – Peace mediator (vs 23-27) – David was being foolish and acting as a hothead. Abigail stood head and shoulders above David in the way she handled the situation. How do we respond when we are insulted? Abigail humbled herself before David’s wrath. Are you prepared to sacrifice yourself to save others? Abigail honoured both David and God. Abigail discerned between God and evil, and good and evil. Was Abigail wrong in what she said about her husband or had she discerned the evil in her husband’s life? Abigail laid down everything to bring about peace. Abigail points forward to Jesus who laid down His life to bring peace between us and God.
- Abigail – Restrains & rescues David (vs 31-34) – Abigail dared to confront David over his evil plan to kill many innocent people. David heard God speaking to him through Abigail. He realised God hand sent Abigail to prevent him having blood on his hands. Abigail became the restraining hand of God (vs 32-35). God used Abigail to save David from himself.
God can use us to prevent the evil plans of others. Are you willing to be used by God like Abigail?