Tuesday, August 10, 2010

1 Samuel 25.23-44, 1 Corinthians 4.1-21 - Lectionary for 8/10/10

Today's readings are 1 Samuel 25.23-44 and 1 Corinthians 4.1-21.

David was on dangerous footing today in 1 Samuel 25. Our Lord had given him a position of power over Nabal and his household.  Nabal's rudeness in yesterday's reading did rightly provoke David. Yet was David right to act on his anger? Had Nabal defamed the name of the Lord? Had Nabal entered into some sort of heresy? On the contrary, Nabal was simply defending his right to the possessions God had given him, against someone he saw as a usurper. Nabal's actions, though rash, harsh, and rude, were not wrong, when considered apart from his offensive personality. And the Bible never says to kill people because they are annoying, as much as David probably would have liked that.

Thanks to Abigail's intervention, David's anger was appeased, the household was saved from destruction, and God judged Nabal rather than letting David judge Nabal.  

Do we come across occasions when we are tempted to act as the judge, jury, and executioner? Do we jump to conclusions that someone who is offensive is a heretic? Do we find it a very pleasurable thought to dish out punishment? I expect we all do at times.

May the Lord give us grace. May he show us that he has already poured out his wrath against sin - our sin and the sin of those who sin against us - on the person of God the Son, Jesus Christ. May the Lord show us how we all alike are condemned as sinners before God's righteousness, and how Jesus Christ has come to be the savior of the world, becoming sin for us so we could become the righteousness of God. May the Lord protect us from our zeal.
 

--
Dave Spotts
blogging at http://capnsaltyslongvoyage.blogspot.com


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