08/08/2021 - A QUITE DIFFERENT COUPLE

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His name was Nabal and his wife’s name was Abigail. She was an intelligent and beautiful woman, but her husband was surly and mean in his dealings—he was a Calebite. 1 Samuel 25.3

It is amazing how the name of some people shows the character they develop during their lives. This was the case with the farmer from Maon, whose wife was Abigail. A couple opposite in temperament; even their names showed that they were quite different. His name meant: without judgment, bad, foolish or unwise; and hers: my father’s joy. All he saw was the prosperity offered by the world, and she was the joy of the eternal Father. What about your name – what does it mean?

They said that she was of good understanding, because she meditated on the facts of her days in the light of God’s will, contained in the Scriptures known up to that time. You see: each day, revelation was increasing until we got to the Bible we have today. It was finalized with the 66 books, with God having nothing more to reveal. However, when we are in heaven, we will know Him as we are known by Him (1 Corinthians 13.12). To Him – all the glory!

Obtain an understanding of the Lord’s purpose for your life will make you wise and prudent. Thus, you will turn away from the snares of the evil one, without giving him any chance. The Word says that you are special to God: You are a garden locked up, my sister, my bride; you are a spring enclosed, a sealed fountain (Song of Song 4:12).  Therefore, the Christian must strive to live every day for the Lord, who considers us the Bride of Christ. What a beautiful comparison!

To receive understanding, abide by the statutes and judgments found in the Bible: Observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding to the nations, who will hear about all these decrees and say, “Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people” (Deuteronomy 4.6). Follow the recipe and you will be the joy of the Lord. He says: My son, if your heart is wise, then my heart will be glad indeed; (Proverbs 23.15).

God’s people should seek His beauty, to please those who seek Him. The beautiful ones of the Most High always have a word seasoned with salt, as well as joy in their hearts and power in their prayers. They are sought after by all, even by those who don’t yet belong to God’s people. It´s sad when believers don’t seek to stand before the Almighty – approved as workers – but rather, full of shame!

Nabal cared little about what people said about him, just like the bad workers of today who say, “If I don’t succeed in God’s work, I will look for a better job that can supply my needs.” There are those who only think about inheriting salvation and they cry and beg for it; however, when the Master gives the exact prescription to unbind from the things of the world, the person turns around (Mark 10.17-22). The wicked find the comfort of the wide door better than the way of Jesus.

Despite coming from the house of the valiant Caleb, Nabal had nothing of his ancestor. He preferred to give a negative answer to David’s envoys rather than to help the one who had the call and the anointing to put Israel in the right steps, which please God. The end of mighty Nabal was ugly!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares