15/08/2021 - THE TRAGIC ANSWER OF THE POWERFUL ONE

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Nabal answered David’s servants, “Who is this David? Who is this son of Jesse? Many servants are breaking away from their masters these days. 1 Samuel 25.10

Those who don’t pray to understand God’s will in what they have been told or before they ask someone for something, take actions that displease the Lord. It is necessary to grow in faith, so that you will not be surprised by decisions that seem right, but cause damage or problems later on. Nabal acted this way. He felt too self-sufficient to seek God or answer Him in his heart. Take care of yourself! (Hebreus. 3:7-13).

David’s envoys were observant to what the powerful one of Maon would say, even though they already sensed it, because the expression on his face demonstrated that he would not answer them. It´s not easy for God’s servant, to hear someone who is part of God’s people and has seen the hands of the Most High helping him all his life – prospering him and giving him a beautiful and holy wife – open their mouth to sin and offend the Lord’s anointed.

In his answer, this man showed that he didn’t believe in the decision of the Almighty, Who chose David to be Saul’s successor. Perhaps, Nabal saw himself qualified for this position: “Why not me? Whoever has this kind of thinking is certainly distant from God. The Lord knows what He does and will do what is best for His Kingdom and for you. Let the heavenly Father give you abundant life. He is faithful and true – and loves you!

Having created us and observed our development since our mother’s womb, God knows everything that goes on inside us – and nothing can hide us from Him, as the psalmist wrote: Indeed, the darkness shall not hide from You, But the night shines as the day;

The darkness and the light are both alike to You. For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb (Psalm 139.12,13). Never think or try to deceive the Lord!

David also said: I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well. My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written,The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them (Psalms 139.14-16). The Father is tremendous!

The wicked man is evil and foolish at the same time. Had he prayed and helped David in his moment of need, Nabal would have lived to see how much the shepherd would accomplish for Israel in those days. Why not help, if tomorrow we might be in need of help too? Life takes many turns, and those who cooperate with the Lord’s work will receive the reward given by Him on the Last Day. The farmer not only refused to give assistance, but also offended the chosen one of God.

“Who is David?”- he asked. This powerful man of Maon was petulant! He knew about the deeds of Jesse´s son on behalf of Israel. Now, to suggest that David was a servant running away from his owner was a great mistake. With that indifference, Nabal sealed his sentence; in fact, he was the one fleeing from the Lord!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares