Peacemakers - David & Abigail

00:00:00 Speaker 1: Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God Matthew five nine. Heavenly Father, teach us the path of peace. Empower us to change every space we enter, creating harmony and unity among those around us. Teach us to be the architects of peace, actively constructing bridges not barriers, healing not hurting. Let us be known for our ability to unite people, standing firm for justice and truth, yet never allowing our convictions to give way to hostility or hatred. Grant us the wisdom to navigate conflict with grace and courage, always seeking the path that leads to reconcile. Help us to mirror your love and patience in our interactions, displaying the gentle strength that underpins true peacemaking. Lord. As we strive to live in Christ's example, let our lives reflect a deep commitment to peace, not just in our words, but through our every action. May we truly be your peacemakers, bearing the title of your children with honor. Amen. Thank you for praying with me today. Today's episode of the Jesus Podcast is for those who long to be peacemakers while others fight to the top. We march to a different drum. If these stories have inspired you, we'd love it if you'd follow us and left a review thanks for listening. The mount was alive with truth pouring forth from Jesus's lips like a fresh spring. With a joyful shout, Jesus heralded a new way to live in light of God's kingdom. He redefined what it meant to be blessed and first in God's kingdom. 00:02:25 Speaker 2: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. 00:02:57 Speaker 1: Jesus' words packed a punch to people's egos, but also inspired them to rise up and reach their full potential. With another bold declaration, Jesus shouted. 00:03:10 Speaker 2: Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God. 00:03:18 Speaker 3: Peacemakers are not people pleasers. They march to the drum of Christ's heartbeat and encourage others to come alongside them. Welcome to the Jesus Podcast, a year of stories showcasing the depth of Christ's love through storytelling and the truth of God's word through honest reflection. I'm Ethan, one of your hosts from pray dot Com. Today we continue our journey through the Beatitudes from Jesus's Sermon on the Mount. Our focus is on Matthew chapter five, verse nine, which states, Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. We will explore the meaning of being a peacemaker, how this virtue shoe is exemplified in the story of David and Abigail in First Samuel chapter twenty five, Verses eighteen through thirty five, and how we can embody these values in our daily lives. 00:04:13 Speaker 1: Cutting through the narrow road from Perrin to Carmel, a group of young men herded their sheep back to their master's property. The road cut through some trees on the outskirts of the wilderness, providing shade for them and their flock. It was a warm spring afternoon. The birds chirped and flew from branch to branch, singing sweet melodies to the travelers down below. However, their songs were not a comfort to the young men. They knew that the bending road beside the forest was filled with bandits and raiders from the western tribes of Felistia. The young shepherds held their staffs tightly and turned their heads at the sound of every broken twig. 00:05:04 Speaker 4: Must Anabel wasn't right to send us out he without gods. 00:05:08 Speaker 1: One of them said, with a trembling voice. Another said, All ten of the shepherds were young and inexperienced in combat. They knew that if bandits came, they would be utterly defenseless. The tree covering became thick, and the sun was nearly blocked entirely. As darkness shrouded the young men and their sheep, a rustling could be heard from the darkness. Before the men could brace themselves, a group of bandits emerged from the shadows to attack. The sheep scattered in fear. As the shepherds desperately tried to defend themselves, they were thrust to the ground by the bandits, who brought their swords up to their necks postures to swipe them across their throats. Yet before they could move another inch, a stone whistled through the air and hit one of them directly in the forehead. The crack of the skull proceeded a large thud of the bandit hitting the floor. The rest of them looked over and gasped as David and his men stormed forward. The bandits ran for their lives, but David wouldn't let them leave without tasting justice. David and his men wrangled them to the floor and took back what was stolen. They released the bandits, but not without swift blows to the ribs and wounds on their legs. Bruised and beaten, the bandits retreated back to the shadows. David helped the shepherds to their feet and brought them back to his camp. He treated them to a warm meal. David crouched by the fire and smiled, My men. 00:07:08 Speaker 4: Have retrieved the rest of your sheep. All will be returned to your master. Where do you come from? Thank you, sir. We are very grateful. We are servants of Master Mabel. His land is at Carmel. He's an incredibly wealthy man, but he's very strict. It brings us great relief that you've saved us. If those bandits did not kill us, surely Neibel would. 00:07:31 Speaker 1: Have David acknowledged their gratitude. 00:07:34 Speaker 4: We have been here for a few months now. There are many evil men about seeking to rob vulnerable travelers. We've been keeping a close eye on the roads, ensuring that no harm comes to anyone. However, keeping ourselves and others safe has been quite a weary task. It would certainly be nice to share a warm meal during this festive time. Do you think your master might return our kindness with some hospitality? And need some rest from the long days and the cold nights. 00:08:04 Speaker 1: The shepherds looked at one another, not sure if Nabel would be the sort to accept David's request. However, they had to pay. We could inquire of a master on your behalf. It's the least we could do. They ventured off with their sheep to their master. David watched them leave, hopeful that he and his men could get one act of kindness, just one. The young men entered the great halls of Nabel's home. Large cedar beams held up the high ceilings, and servants laced the holes, preparing yet another large feast for Nabel and his friends. Mabel sat in a prominent seat in the center of the room, like a kingwood on his throne. He was a large and foul looking man. His haggard beard hid the rotting teeth in his mouth. He sat on his throne, as he often did, half drunk, and berated his servants. Beside him was his wife, Abigail. She was a young woman given to him in marriage by her father. Unlike her surly and moronic husband, Abigail was a kind and wise young woman. She held herself with honor and dignity, treating the household servants with respect and compassion. However, even her calm and elegant demeanor could not offset the flagrant nature of her husband. He raged against his entire household and abused his authority. The shepherds approached with caution, with David's escorts close behind. Mabel glared at them and pointed to the strangers entering his halls. 00:10:00 Speaker 5: Oh, not only do you come late with the sheep, well you bring strangers in the ma home. 00:10:12 Speaker 4: Explain yourselves, Lord, We were attacked on the road by bandits. They took our sheep and nearly took our lives. Yet praise God, that David and his men came swiftly to our aid and saved us. These are his servants. They are here to humbly request your hospitality. 00:10:36 Speaker 1: Just as David's servants were about to speak, Nabel raised his hands and began to chuckle. 00:10:42 Speaker 5: David. 00:10:44 Speaker 6: Who's David, eh oh, the outlaw son of Jesse. I see many slaves leaving their masters these days. 00:10:57 Speaker 1: He leaned over and spat in the servant's direction. 00:11:01 Speaker 6: Why should I off my bread, my meat, and walter and give it your some worthless nobody like him? Hum, get out of my sight before a comba. 00:11:17 Speaker 5: Dog's on you. 00:11:18 Speaker 1: David's men said nothing. They simply bowed and left the halls. Mabel continued to laugh and drink. Leaning back in his seat satisfied, Abigail peered over to them. 00:11:35 Speaker 7: Are you certain you want to insult the man who saved Israel from the Philistines? 00:11:40 Speaker 1: Mabel glared at his wife. He spat to the side and held out an empty cup. 00:11:46 Speaker 5: Get me more wine, wife, You're more beautiful when you quietly fill my cup. 00:11:56 Speaker 1: Abigail said nothing. She took her husband's cup and left into the kitchen. David's men arrived that night All the others were sitting by the fires, eating and laughing. David was among them, telling valiant stories of battle beside Jonathan. When the servants approached, he could tell they were despondent. 00:12:21 Speaker 4: Why the downcast face, brothers. 00:12:23 Speaker 1: The men sat down and rubbed their faces. 00:12:26 Speaker 4: Mabel has rejected our request. What why? Well? He said, he didn't want to waste his resources on a nobody like you. He called you a slave who ran away from his master. 00:12:39 Speaker 1: David's entire countenance changed the rest of the men stepped back, feeling the anger leaking from his pores. David's bones were shaking in rage. He stood to his feet and stormed to his tent. The men wondered if he had retreated for the night to think and pray, as he often did. He didn't. He emerged from the tent, fully clothed in his armor, with his sword strapped to his side. 00:13:12 Speaker 4: Gather your weapons. 00:13:13 Speaker 1: Each retrieved their weapons and stood at attention. 00:13:16 Speaker 8: I won't allow Nabel to dishonor us after everything we've done for his land. It's a disgrace, a disgrace, I tell you. I will not allow him to spite us. 00:13:26 Speaker 1: He turned to his messenger, and placed an urgent hand on his chest. 00:13:30 Speaker 4: Go and tell the shepherds to take cover. Destruction is on its way to the house of Napel. 00:13:37 Speaker 1: The men marched silently. No one dared speak to David or question his judgment. David didn't boil with fury often, but when he did, the men knew not to approach him. Abigail, the door burst open and one of the shepherds came into her room. 00:13:59 Speaker 4: I'm sorry, Misty, but I must speak with you. 00:14:02 Speaker 7: What's wrong. 00:14:02 Speaker 4: I fear David's anger has been kindled against Mabel. He's marching towards us as we speak. 00:14:09 Speaker 7: Is this David so fragile that he would kill my husband just for insulting him. 00:14:14 Speaker 4: That's not it at all, my lady. David and his men were very good to us. They put their own lives in danger to help us when they could have simply looked the other way. They've been protecting the entire region for months now. The entire territory is better off because of David. Now do you understand why David would be so insulted. 00:14:35 Speaker 7: My husband is a stubborn man. Even if David threatens his life, I can't convince him to apologize. 00:14:42 Speaker 1: Abigail pondered for a moment. She tied up her hair and rolled up her sleeves. 00:14:48 Speaker 7: Come down with me, We shall make this right. 00:14:50 Speaker 1: Abigail ventured to the ovens in kitchen. She clapped her hands together and grabbed the attention of the servants. 00:14:57 Speaker 7: Come with me, we haven't got much time together. 00:15:00 Speaker 1: They baked and gathered two hundred loaves of bread. They poured two skins of wine, five dressed sheep, and five seas of roasted grain. Abigail and the others also made one hundred raisin cakes and two hundred cakes of fresh figs. 00:15:20 Speaker 7: Help me gather everything in baskets. We shall load them on my donkey. 00:15:23 Speaker 1: Abigail was a steady commander of her household. She remained calm but merchant. She was intent on making peace quickly. 00:15:35 Speaker 7: It's almost dawn. 00:15:36 Speaker 1: Once the baskets were loaded onto a donkey, she sent two of her maid servants to go and deliver them to David. 00:15:43 Speaker 7: Go and meet the men before they come in attack. Tell them I will be close. 00:15:47 Speaker 1: Behind the sun rose over the mountain range. David and his men stood in the narrow ravine, looking down at Naval's estate. The sun's rays burst forth, uninhibited by any cloud coming. The warmth of the new morning was a sweet relief to David's men, who had been marching all night. David drew his sword and breathed in deeply. He was unable to calm himself all night. His fury was steady and unwavering. 00:16:23 Speaker 8: It's been useless watching over this man's property all these weeks and keeping his servants safe. I'm done paying this man kindness, only to be repaid in insults. He paid back evil for good. May God deal with me severely if I leave one of his men alive by the time the day is finished. 00:16:43 Speaker 1: David turned back to his men and gestured for them to move forward. Just as they began marching, three figures appeared in the distance. Two women and a donkey approached, held his men back and allowed them to come. They bowed before David and presented him with the gifts of cakes, bread and wine. 00:17:10 Speaker 7: Our Lord David, here is a gift from the house of Nabal. 00:17:14 Speaker 1: They looked at the baskets, puzzled what Nabel sent thees himself. 00:17:20 Speaker 7: Not Nobal, but our mistress Abigail. She is on her way to greet you now. 00:17:25 Speaker 1: David looked back at his men, still teeming with rage against Nabel. His disgruntled heart was still itching for a fight. He had been taken advantage of and ridiculed for the last time, and he wanted justice. However, all the feelings of aggression and contempt seemed to melt away when David looked ahead to see Abigail. She was undeniably beautiful, disarmingly so. But David's anger wouldn't be quelled by a beautiful woman alone. David approached Abigail. They stopped midway, taking each other in for a long moment before speaking. Abigail broke the silence and bowed to David. 00:18:16 Speaker 7: Please, my lord, pardon the household of my husband. Pay no attention to his wicked and ignorant comments. He is a fool. Folly follows that man like moth to a flame. 00:18:28 Speaker 1: Abigail lifted her head and gestured to the army of men behind David. They were waiting at a distance, ready for David's order to attack. 00:18:38 Speaker 7: I have provided gifts for you and your men. May God bless you for your mercy against the house of Nebal. May He give you a long lasting dynasty because you fight the Lord's battles, not petty squabbles because of an obtuse and cranky man. Even though King Saul pursues you, your life is bound securely by the Lord, your God. The lives of your enemies will be hurled away like a stone from your sling. When God has fulfilled his calling for you and made you king. Do you want your conscience consumed with an act of needless bloodshed. 00:19:11 Speaker 1: Abigail's words were kind, diplomatic, and wise. David noticed that she wasn't just fair in appearance, but also adorned with an inner beauty. A gentle yet strong spirit dwelled within her. David was curious to discover more about it. He looked back at his men and gestured for them to be at ease. They immediately went for the baskets of bread and cakes. David laughed and looked again at Abigail. He composed himself, Praise the Lord for you, Abigail. Your good judgment has kept me from mindless revenge and patty bloodshed. It's not like me to be kindled so easily. 00:20:02 Speaker 4: If God had not sent you, not one male in Naples home would have been left alive. 00:20:07 Speaker 7: I can only imagine what you and your men have been through. You've gone beyond what others would have done and protected this land. Nabal can't see what I see that you are the next King of Israel. 00:20:19 Speaker 1: Abigail's words were like a bomb to David's wounded heart. This woman, a stranger, had called out the best in David. The bashful grin came across his face, making him chuckle. Abigail laughed as well. The two shared a small moment of connection, followed by a beautiful silence that David didn't work to him. 00:20:49 Speaker 4: Go home in peace, Abigail, your words have saved both your husband's life and my integrity. 00:20:57 Speaker 1: Abigail bowed and returned to her donkey with her maid servants. David turned back to enjoy the gifts with his men. Both of them resisted the desire to turn around and steal another glance. 00:21:23 Speaker 3: Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Jesus highlights the importance of being a peacemaker, someone who actively works to reconcile and restore relationships. Peacemaking goes beyond avoiding conflict. It involves seeking to bring harmony understanding and healing in situations of strife. Peacemakers reflect the heart of God, who desires peace and reconciliation for his creation. As citizens of Heaven, we are called to be peacemakers, embodying the character of Jesus and bringing God's peace into our world. Abigail's story is a powerful illustration of peacemaking in action. David, who would later become king, was living in the wilderness with his men. During this time, he provided protection to the shepherds of a wealthy man named Nabal. When David sent his men to ask Nebal for provisions, Nabal responded with insults and refused to help. Enraged, David planned to Destroynbal and his household. This doesn't seem like the David we know, but keep in mind that he's been in the wilderness for a long time, offering free protection to the villages and running from King Saul. He's tired, weary, and at the end of himself. This doesn't excuse David's behavior, but it does give us insight into how we must think as peacemakers. We don't know what people are going through. That person who cut you off on the freeway may be rushing to the hospital. The bully at school may have just lost a loved one. The police officer once told me that his job is to help people walk through what is most likely the worst days of their lives. That perspective helped him to navigate tense situations to be a peacemaker, where he didn't immediately villainize others, but rather recognize that the situation was likely them at their lowest point. David very nearly made a huge mistake, but Abigail intervened to prevent the bloodshed. Abigail acted quickly and brought provisions to David, humbly, pleading for mercy and appealing to his sense of justice and future kingship. Her approach not only averted a massacre, but also reminded David of his higher calling and his responsibility before God. David recognized her wisdom and blessed her for preventing him from committing bloodshed and avenging himself. Abigail's intervention prevented a violent conflict. She approached David with humility and wisdom, offering a peace offering and words of reconciliation. Her actions exemplified the true spirit of a peacemaker, bringing about peace and preventing bloodshed. How do we march as peacemakers in this chaotic and contentious climate with charged election seasons, family drama, and workplace dynamics? How can we rise above the fray and be known as children of God ambassadors of peace in the most grueling situations. Here are some traits of christ like peacemakers. The first trait is proactive peacemaking. Abigail acted quickly to address the impending conflict in our lives. We should be proactive in resolving disputes and tensions before they escalate. Jesus saw being proactive as so important that he told people to refrain from their worship until they reconcile with their brothers and sisters. He says this in Matthew chapter five, verses twenty three and twenty four. Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar, and there, remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First, go and be reconciled to them, then come and offer your gift. Can I translate that into modern terms for you? If you're on your way to church and there's an unsentled argument or harbored resentment between you and your spouse, pull over, reconcile, Talk things through. Relationships matter that much to God. This may involve initiating difficult conversations, offering apologies, or seeking mediation. The peacemaker doesn't wait for others to initiate. Like Abigail, they take the first step. The second and third traits are humility coupled with wisdom. Abigail's humility in addressing David played a crucial role in de escalating the situation. Similarly, approaching conflicts with humility and a willingness to listen and open the door to a reconciliation. Wisdom in our words and actions, guided by a desire for peace, can transform potential conflicts into opportunities for harmony. Next is an understanding and compassionate heart. Abigail demonstrated a deep understanding of David's situation and appealed to his conscience. We should strive to understand the perspectives and emotions of those involved in conflicts, showing compassion and empathy. This can help find common ground and foster mutual respect. Now ask yourself, this have I been assuming the people I'm arguing with are trying to hurt me. The odds are those you would consider villains aren't stewing in their lairs plotting ways to torture you. Usually they view themselves as good people. It takes a patient and compassionate person to steer them in the right direction. Next, and this is a big one, peacemakers appeal to people's higher values. Abigail reminded David of his calling and his future as a king, encouraging him to act in accordance with his higher values. In our efforts to make peace, we can remind others and ourselves of shared values and goals, promoting actions that align with our principles and faith. Sometimes we can get lost in the madness of our circumstances and forget the bigger picture. In the storms of strife, we can can forget what anchors us. Peacemakers must be able to appeal to people's sense of honor, their duty to a higher purpose, and their values. He hears us saying many spouses can take into their marriage. Call people up, not out. Calling somebody out exposes them for the wrong they've done, making them feel guilty and ashamed. Calling people up helps them realize that they aren't living up to the potential God gave them. Lastly, peacemakers reflect God's peace. As peacemakers, we embody the peace of Christ. Remember the story of Jesus calming the storm. We talked about how peace isn't the absence of storms, but the presence of Jesus in the storm. Peacemakers bring Jesus into the storm. You aren't the hero trying to save people. You're just a blind beggar leading other blind beggars to where the bread is. Jesus is the answer, not you. The sooner you get that into your head, the sooner you become a true peacemaker. As we reflect on Jesus's words, blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. And the story of Abigail's wise and courageous peacemaking. Let us strive to be peacemakers in our lives. May we act quickly to resolve conflicts, approach with humility, seek reconciliation, offer peace offerings, and reflect God's peace. Let us pray for the grace to be true citizens of heaven, living out the peace that God desires for his creation. Thanks again for listening to the Jesus Podcast. You know what to do like subscribe and share it with your friends. See you next time as we dive into a love story between a young warrior and a captive beauty