David was angry.
He had acted honorably toward King Saul by sparing his life, although Saul was pursuing him unjustly. But Saul went back to the comfort of his home while David remained a fugitive living in a cave.
David had acted honorably toward Nabal, protecting his flock from wild animals and thieves. But Nabal in turn disrespected David and his men.
This perhaps was the proverbial straw that broke the camel’s back. David for a moment forgot who he was. He forgot the calling on his life and in his moment of anger he vowed to destroy not only Nabal but his entire household.
Can you relate to David this morning? You were a good spouse but still your partner left. You worked hard but the promotion went to someone who didn’t deserve it. You were a faithful friend but still you were betrayed. You gave all you had but still ended up in a cave.
David had enough and now was prepared to take matters into his own hands…but along came Abigail.
Abigail reminded David of who he was. She reminded him of the calling on his life. She told him the behavior he was about to exhibit was not fitting for a king. Abigail represents the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer.
When we are angry, when frustration settles in because the promise has tarried, when we feel as if our faithfulness has avail nothing, when we are tempted to take matters into our own hands, the Holy Spirit is there to remind us of the promise, to remind us of who we are. Without guilt, without condemnation, the Holy Spirit reminds us the behavior we are contemplating or perhaps have even engaged in is not befitting for the royal priest we are.
David eventually became King. Your promise will come to pass as well. But while you wait, remain true to who you are and what God has called you to do. If you compromise who you are to get to your destiny, you will need to continually make concessions to stay there.
“When the Lord has fulfilled for my lord every good thing he promised concerning him and has appointed him ruler over Israel, my lord will not have on his conscience the staggering burden of needless bloodshed or of having avenged himself. And when the Lord your God has brought my lord success, remember your servant.””
1 Samuel 25:30-31 NIV