5.19.9 "Unity in Action"

"Unity in Action"

1 Samuel 24:1-25:44
John 10:22-42
Psalm 116:1-19
Proverbs 15:20-21

God's word is full of life principles that we need not only to learn from, but we need to apply it to our lives. From this morning's reading in the One Year Bible we see the principles of unity in action. Before looking at the story, let's look at the anatomy of conflict resolution:

1. All Conflict is the result of an unmet need.
2. A need can only be met through the principle of Submission.
-the Definition of Submission is - The setting aside of pride, will, opinion, and convenience to meet the need of another.
3. The submission often comes from one who "shouldn't" have to.

Today's reading is the story of David & his 400 men in their journey in the wilderness. They are low on provisions, and they com upon Nabal. There is a history here. David's men have been protectors for Nabal's herds in the past.

Now, David is put in the place of needing to ask for resources. This is a vulnerable place to be. It takes humility. At the same time, he knows what he's called to do. Nabal is, for lack of a more tactful description, a jerk. He says no. This angers David to the point of taking 400 men to make his point. "All conflict is the result of an unmet need." David's need has not been met, so they are about to get busy in conflict.

Enter the Intercessors. The first is one of Nabal's men. He goes to Abigail & lets her know there's going to be trouble. She then, knowing the need, first makes provision to meet the need. (loads donkeys with food).

It's kind of funny to read how as Abigail approaches, David has been muttering to himself, "All that I get for my trouble is insults..." He's been feeling sorry for himself, and has resolved to have vengeance on Nabal. We do see later that this would not have been of God, but the intensity of frustration has motivated the action which brings about God's plan.

Abigail says something that I think is huge. She bows before David and says, "I accept all blame in this matter." In an act of submission, she takes responsibility for the actions of her household. She is aggressively submissive in standing in the gap for the one in authority over her. She intercedes for his very life.

She also knows she is saving David from doing wrong. "When the Lord has done all the good things he promised you and has made you king of Israel, you won't want the conscience of a murderer who took the law into his own hands!" This is speaking the truth in love.

David's response is "Bless you for keeping me from murdering the man and carrying out vengeance with my own hands." Don't forget, he just came out of the cave where he could have killed Saul. He passed a MAJOR test, and was just about to fail a minor one! Abigail's RD2U (Relationship Devoted to Unity) helped him stay the course.

God did complete his vengeance on Nabal. He died. David, having seen the character of Abigail, "wasted no time in sending messengers to Abigail to ask her to become his wife....she readily agreed."

What if the story were different? What if Abigail still brought the food (met the need), but told David where Nabal was hiding so he could go kill him? I don't think David would have thought, "Now THAT'S a woman for me!!!"

All things work together for good for them who love God and are called according to his purpose.

God used this circumstance to further the refining process in David, and it was through the submission of a woman named Abigail. Submission is such an ugly word when we are people so bent on pride, will and opinion. But when we see it in action, we realize it can change the world.

Let's remember in this "comprehensive test of life" that the little things make a difference. In any given day, you could be David, Abigail, the servant, or Nabal. It all makes a difference. Apply the principles of unity today.



Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

P Greg


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