Sessions in Samuel: What's in a name?

For more information about Abigail see attached link.

This week we will read about a fool and his money. The name Nabal actually means "fool" in the Arabic languages. Imagine being named a foolish person from birth. The sad part is he lived up to his name. He was greedy and a drunkard. His wife Abigail put up with a lot but when it came to defending the safety of her family, she moved quickly to appease the angered young warrior named David. She brought gifts and profuse apologies to David and asked for mercy. David was so impressed with Abigail, her grace and intelligence, he didn't dare follow through on his promise to kill the tribe of Nabal and show the world what happens to an ungrateful fool who would not return kindness for kindness. Read I Samuel chapter 25.
 
 It's an easy read and a really beautiful story...exciting as any Hollywood saga about love and war. Two things to look for--- 1. how greed and drunkeness, insensitivity and foolishness leads to loss of family and life. 2. how beauty, wisdom, and loyality to one's family leads to good outcomes for one young woman.      


Here are some questions to think about:


1. If you could assign yourself a name based on your character, what would it be?

2. If your family or close friends were asked to choose a name for you would the names be similar to the one you chose?

3. When a specific need arises, like Abigail, do you act quickly? Can you think of some examples?

4. When you see a wrong that needs righting, what kind of response do you usually give? What leads to your decisions about interceding for a wrong at work, in the community, at home?

5. When cross words or a disagreement come between you and a friend or family member, do you step forward to make repair or do you sit back and wait for the other person to make the first  move?


We are promised that God's word will feed us and nourish us, but last week's lesson on Hacking Agag was a hard lesson to digest. I did want to remind you all of the promises God gives about war and bloodshed--Isaiah prophesied the meaning of the Messiah's coming. War would end and be replaced with the love and good counsel of the Prince of Peace. "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.

 Isaiah 9:5-7. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." When Jesus came several hundred years later, he said John 13:34 "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." The covenant made between God and his people as a result of Christ’s sacrifice shows the difference between the Old Testament and the New. The New Covenant is not about military victory, as the Israelites believed. It is about redemption provided by grace and mercy. This is why Christ did not come as military leader, but instead a carpenter who healed, comforted, and taught lessons of peace. He set the example for all those who follow Him. We know that the murder of Abel required a blood sacrifice to cover the sin. (Genesis 4:10; Hebrews 9:22 ) Without the shedding of blood there can be no forgiveness. This is why the animals were sacrificed. Shedding the blood of the enemy was a part of this militaristic society and before Christ who came to end the requirements for blood sacrifice. Hebrews 12:23-24. Instead of war, we make peace with others. Hebrews 12:14-15. This brings us back to the new command by Jesus John 13:34. Nowhere in the gospel does Jesus teach others to declare war on an enemy. Yes, we do defend the defenseless, we protect ourselves when attached, but jihad is never permitted. Isaiah 1:17 Learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the widows and the orphan.