Worship

Scripture

For those of you who don’t know, I teach middle schoolers. Specifically 8th graders. It is a wonderfully challenging and fulfilling experience all at once. Middle schoolers are experts in negotiation and they are always looking out for their best interest. Sometimes, if we have a lame duck day or a little extra time before school starts, I’ll play chess with a couple of my students. I love teaching them the game and seeing them understand how it works while they play. Oftentimes, they will take a key piece of mine and celebrate viciously. 

Suddenly, the bargaining begins. “Mr. Banks, if I win then will you buy me some candy or give me a free 100?” I usually agree to some sort of reward and we play on. They play with such vigor and confidence over a piece or two taken from the mighty Mr. Banks. Yet, when I sweep in to take a key piece of theirs, they are demoralized immediately. Then the negotiating begins again: “OK. So, if you win I can still have candy, but not a free 100, right?” As we continue, they take another piece of mine, and the confidence is back. “Haha! Mr. Banks, I’m going to beat you! In your face!” 

This is what David’s attitude in these chapters remind me of. He was so humble while Saul was in pursuit of him. Yet, as soon as he’s back on top, one harsh word from someone and David is on the attack. Why? Well, because he has the upper hand. He has the power. Power can corrupt or moral judgment because of the boost it feeds to our pride. Aung San Suu Kyi said, “It is not power that corrupts, but fear. Fear of losing power corrupts those who wield it.” David, after just overcoming his struggle with Saul, surely feels the surge of adrenaline that comes from being in power, and when he encounters a threat to his authority, he is quick to react in violence.

Thankfully, in this story Abigail is the voice of reason. Just as the Spirit calms our pride and anger so Abigail cools the anger of David against Nabal. Just as David, we are all human and can easily be corrupted by the spirit of this world and all of its pleasures. Yet, too like David, we must be a people after God’s heart so that we may not succumb to these temptations of fleshly desire. Listen to the Spirit of God and may He guide your every action.

Prayer

HONOR GOD

Exodus 33:14

And He said, “My presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest.” 

 The distinguishing mark for us as God’s chosen people, is that His presence is with us. Consider the impact that the creator of the universe is our companion.

ASK GOD

SUBMIT TO GOD

CLOSING PRAYER

Praise God I am not desperately trying to measure up to an impossible state of perfection. Instead, I am surrendered to You Lord, and am covered by Your grace. Lord, don’t stop reminding me of the blessing of your sacrifice. I am thankful for the access I have to Your presence each and every moment no matter the state of my “cleanliness.”  In Jesus Name, Amen.