THURSDAY August 29, 2019
A Humble and Fair Request
When David heard in the wilderness that Nabal was shearing his sheep, David sent ten young men; and David said to the young men, “Go up to Carmel, go to Nabal, and greet him in my name. And thus you shall say to him who lives in prosperity: ‘Peace be to you, peace to your house, and peace to all that you have! Now I have heard that you have shearers. Your shepherds were with us, and we did not hurt them, nor was there anything missing from them all the while they were in Carmel. Ask your young men, and they will tell you. Therefore let my young men find favor in your eyes, for we come on a feast day. Please give whatever comes to your hand to your servants and to your son David.’ ”
1 Samuel 25:4-8
Nabal was shearing his sheep in the wilderness. In this culture, shearing the sheep was a great time of feasting and harvest. David and his men had willingly protected Nabal’s servants and his sheep. They were not bothered by anyone while under their protection––no one touched them.
David showed Nabal favor by watching after his flocks so that no one would steal them. So David thought to ask Nabal for supplies; after all, David and his men had helped Nabal tremendously. David thought to ask, “What would you reward us for all this free protection? Can you help us?”
David only wanted food and water. He asked Nabal if he would provide for them in the wilderness. David was looking for his needs and the needs of his men to be taken care of––nothing more. David had showed Nabal kindness. What would David be repaid for his kindness?
As Christians, we are called to be kind:And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.
(Ephesians 4:32). What about being kind to thosewho do not know Christ? What about those who have repaid us evil for our acts of kindness? The Bible gives us the answer: See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all (1 Thessalonians 5:15). May God give us the humility to pursue what is good.
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.
~Galatians 6:10~
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