Our Honor

Today I was reading the book of 1 Samuel.  It feels good to return to a book I have not read in about a year and it is astonishing to see how in that short time I now read it with new eyes, seeing things I had not seen prior to now.  I saw this today while reading chapter 25 which acts as a short digression from Saul’s pursuit of David’s life.  In chapter 25 we see David’s men, acting on behalf of and in the name of David himself, going up to a rich man, Nabal, in search of favor.  The men come and ask Nabal to provide hospitality, a cultural norm, for David and his men.  Now, Nabal is not spoken of prior to this chapter and not a lot is known about him but it is clear from the text that he had it good and that David had helped in keeping that way, and so it is not illogical to guess that he would comply with the request.  I don’t know about you but I think I would be excited to meet David; the one who defeated the giant Goliath, the one destined for the throne, a man after G-d’s own heart.  But Nabal did not share this sentiment.  Rather, he defamed David’s name and discounted his work when he said,

“Who is David?  And who is the son of Jesse?  There are many servants today who are each breaking away from his master.  Shall I then take my bread and my water and my meat that I have slaughtered for my shearers, and give it to men whose origins I do not know?”
1 Samuel 25:10-11

So, David’s men return with a very unexpected and surprising rejection.  Here David is met with an important decision and unfortunately chooses the reaction of the flesh.  David says, I have been slandered and unappreciated by a man who should have respect for me and show me kindness, now I am going to kill him.

I hope you have not been here, on the verge of murder, but I know we have all been in a similar situation.  I know you have gone unappreciated, been hurt, had your name defamed, been the victim of a rumor, or been the butt of a cruel joke.  And I know you have felt the urge, just as David did, to strike back and exact justice, after all you were wronged, right?  But the L-rd desires something different.

I am reminded of A.W. Tozer’s Five Vows, one of which is, “Never defend yourself.”

Why?

Because G-d will.  And that is what He does for David.  Through Nabal’s wife Abigail, David is kept from sin while the L-rd exacts His justice, killing “the fool”.  The L-rd makes a promise in Exodus 23 saying,

“I will be an enemy to your enemies and an adversary to your adversaries.”
Exodus 23:22

We, as children of the Most High, no longer need to worry about our name, our reputation.  The eyes of the One we seek to please are not persuaded by rumors and the L-rd will fight for us in the eyes of all others.  You bear His Name if you are in Christ, the one Name that will never be put to shame.

He is strong and He loves you, I pray you rest and trust in that.

Grace and Peace beloved.

In Christ,
AC