Abigail’s Intercession: You Can Save Your Household from Destruction

Trevor S. Ferguson

June 2, 2012

1 Samuel 25:2-11, 14, 18-19
² And there was a man in Maon, whose possessions were in Carmel; and the man was very great, and he had three thousand sheep, and a thousand goats: and he was shearing his sheep in Carmel.
³ Now the name of the man was Nabal; and the name of his wife Abigail: and she was a woman of good understanding, and of a beautiful countenance: but the man was churlish and evil in his doings; and he was of the house of Caleb.
⁴ And David heard in the wilderness that Nabal did shear his sheep.
⁵ And David sent out ten young men, and David said unto the young men, Get you up to Carmel, and go to Nabal, and greet him in my name:
⁶ And thus shall ye say to him that liveth in prosperity, Peace be both to thee, and peace be to thine house, and peace be unto all that thou hast.
⁷ And now I have heard that thou hast shearers: now thy shepherds which were with us, we hurt them not, neither was there ought missing unto them, all the while they were in Carmel.
⁸ Ask thy young men, and they will shew thee. Wherefore let the young men find favour in thine eyes: for we come in a good day: give, I pray thee, whatsoever cometh to thine hand unto thy servants, and to thy son David.
⁹ And when David's young men came, they spake to Nabal according to all those words in the name of David, and ceased.
¹⁰ And Nabal answered David's servants, and said, Who is David? and who is the son of Jesse? there be many servants now a days that break away every man from his master.
¹¹ Shall I then take my bread, and my water, and my flesh that I have killed for my shearers, and give it unto men, whom I know not whence they be?

¹⁴ But one of the young men told Abigail, Nabal's wife, saying, Behold, David sent messengers out of the wilderness to salute our master; and he railed on them.

¹⁸ Then Abigail made haste, and took two hundred loaves, and two bottles of wine, and five sheep ready dressed, and five measures of parched corn, and an hundred clusters of raisins, and two hundred cakes of figs, and laid them on asses.
¹⁹ And she said unto her servants, Go on before me; behold, I come after you. But she told not her husband Nabal.

INTRODUCTION

Intercession may be defined as the “act of intervening or mediating between differing parties, particularly the act of praying to God on behalf of another person” (Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary). Intercession is a vital part of Christian living and has been demonstrated by several persons in the scriptures including Abraham, Moses and Daniel. Most examples relate to interceding between God and man, but as can be seen from the definition, intercession can also occur between humans.

The passage today is one example of intercession between humans, as Abigail interceded between Nabal and David and as such saved her household, and saved David from an unnecessary blemish on his character.

Today I want us to briefly review this story as I challenge the women and mothers to take on the role of intercessors and so save their families from possible disasters. The intercessory role in this context will involve both Divine and human intercession.

EXPOSITION

David was in the wilderness of Paran (otherwise called the desert of Moan) as he fled from Saul. Living close by the desert was a wealthy man named Nabal. Despite his wealth Nabal was of poor character, churlish (i.e. rude in a mean-spirited and menacing way) and evil in his doings.  Abigail, Nabal’s wife, however was of good understanding and beautiful countenance.

While David was in the wilderness, his men assisted Nabal’s servants as they looked after his sheep and goats. However when David sent his servants to ask Nabal for assistance with provisions he sent them away, refusing to assist. David was understandably upset and set out with his army of 400 men to destroy all the men of Nabal’s household.

One of Nabal’s servants told Abigail of the incident. Abigail immediately recognized the error of Nabal’s response and set out to take corrective action. She took an ample supply of provisions and rode upon an ass to meet David. When she met David, she apologized for her husband’s behaviour, beseeched David to accept her gifts and spare the household. David gave heed to her advice and thus her household was spared.

When Abigail returned home, Nabal was having a great feast and was quite drunk, she therefore could not speak to him until the next morning. When Nabal learnt of what had transpired the bible tells us his heart died within him so that he became as a stone (various translations ascribe this to a heart attack or stroke). He died ten days later.

David later proposed to Abigail and she became his wife.

APPLICATION

What can we learn from this story? 

I want to highlight the importance of Abigail’s intercession. If she had not intervened in this situation her entire household would have been wiped out. Women and mothers have been blessed by God with a softer temperament and therefore often serve as a good foil for their harsher husbands and children (particularly sons). If you find yourself in a situation where a rash action by one of your relatives could bring danger to your family, your intervention could save the family. Remember also the bible tells us “blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God” (Matt 5:9).

A second point of importance is the need for women to intercede for their family’s salvation. Many women in the church have unsaved husbands and children, your intercession could save your family. I want to challenge you to pray persistently for the salvation of your husband and children. Your intercession can lead to their salvation.

Finally, I would like to say a word to the men, and to all persons prone to mean and rash behaviour. Your behaviour can lead to your own destruction and the destruction of your family. When God blesses us with earthly possessions we must be willing to help when we are able to. Nabal was foolish and this brought about his ultimate demise. Although he escaped David’s sword, God ultimately brought about his demise. Remember the rich fool of St Luke 12. While we strive for wealth and possessions, let us make sure that our heart is right with God and that we are benevolent with what God had entrusted to us.

CONCLUSION

Today, I extended a call to intercession to all the women and mothers of Zion. Too many of your sons and husbands have been destroyed by rash and foolish behaviour. Let us talk to God about these situations. Where you have an opportunity to intervene, make sure you do so for in so doing you could save your households.

Transformed by God’s Glory

Trevor S Ferguson

May 5, 2012

Isaiah 6:1-8 (KJV)
¹ In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple.
² Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly.
³ And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.
⁴ And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke.
⁵ Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.
⁶ Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar:
⁷ And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged.
⁸ Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.

INTRODUCTION

The glory of God refers to the awesome weighty importance and shining majesty of God’s presence. The word glory comes from the Hebrew ‘kabod’ which means ‘heavy in weight’ but also refers to splendor or copiousness.

In order to get a picture of the glory of God we can reflect on some of the references to his appearance in scripture. One of the best examples of this is the encounter with Israel on Mount Sinai as recorded in Exodus 19. Firstly, we note that the people had to make extensive preparation for God’s appearance. They were to sanctify themselves for two days, wash their clothes and abstain from sexual activities. They were warned not to go near to the mountain or they would die. On the third day God manifested himself before the people. There were thunders and lightning and a thick cloud upon the mountain. This was accompanied by the voice of a trumpet, which was so exceedingly loud that the people trembled. Mount Sinai was altogether covered in smoke in smoke as God descended with fire and the whole mountain quaked greatly. So awesome was the presence of God that the people requested of Moses that he should speak to them, instead of God, for they feared that if they came into the presence of God they would die!

The awe of Sinai has caused many persons to fear entering into the presence of God. This need not be the case however as we are encouraged in the New Testament to come boldly to the throne of grace (Heb. 4:16). We are also assured that in this dispensation “we are come unto mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem and to the general assembly of the church of the firstborn…” (Heb. 12:22-23). Regardless of the situation, however, there is an awe that is associated with the presence of God. It’s an awe that is transforming. I believe that anyone who experiences the awesome glory of God is changed forever!

Today, I want us to reflect on Isaiah’s life changing encounter with God, to see how we can be transformed by God’s glory.   

EXPOSITION

Isaiah was one of the great Old Testament prophets. His prophetic ministry spanned over 50 years and four kings, Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah. He was apparently from an influential upper class background and as such gave prophetic counsel to the kings. His early ministry records prophecies of judgment for Israel’s rebelliousness and haughty spirit. He also prophesied concerning the day of the Lord and the final judgment. His later ministry contains numerous Messianic prophecies such as the virgin birth in Isaiah 7:14 and the promised son in Isaiah 9:6. His vision of Christ’s passion is unparalleled, prompting him to ask “Who hath believed our report? And to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed?” as he reveals a picture of the Messiah as a suffering servant (Isaiah 53 vs. 1-5).

One might question what is it about Isaiah that opened him up to such great revelations? Why did God use him in this way? The answer, I believe, is that he was transformed by God’s glory! He had an encounter with God that was life changing and when called, he was willing to go.

This encounter is the subject of Isaiah 6. Prior to this Isaiah was an ordinary prophet but after this life transforming encounter, his ministry was enlarged and God used him as a mouthpiece to herald the mysteries of heaven.

The date is approximately 740 B.C.; the year King Uzziah died. In his vision he saw the Lord, high and lifted up. The Lord was in the position of a king, He was sitting on a throne, the throne was high and lofty, and He wore a kingly robe, the train of which filled the temple. Not only was the Lord high and lifted up but heavenly beings ministered unto Him. Above the throne stood seraphims – angelic beings of high order. The angels worshipped saying, holy, holy, holy is the LORD, the whole earth is filled with His glory. Isaiah was struck by the awesomeness of God’s glory and immediately his own sinfulness and inadequacy became apparent as he cried Woe is me, for I am a man of unclean lips. One of the angels then placed a live coal from the altar on his lips so that he could be cleansed. After his cleansing the question was asked: Whom shall I send and who will go for us? Isaiah answered – Here I am; Send me.

Note the sequence of Isaiah’s transformation: It started with the VISION; this was followed by the CONFESSION, and then the CLEANSING. After the cleansing came the CHALLENGE; next came Isaiah’s ANSWER and finally came the COMMISSION.

APPLICATION

The call of God to the church today is for a transformation. Many people attend church services regularly but still have not seen God for who he is. Some see God as a benevolent supplier of needs; others may see Him as distant father, out there somewhere but not too involved in their daily affairs. God however wants to reveal Himself to you in His power and His glory. He wants to show you His awesome majesty; he wants you to feel his overwhelming presence. Like Isaiah he wants you to get a glimpse of His throne; to see the extent of His influence and His train which filled the temple. He wants you to see the angels as they minister unto Him. He wants you to see the multitude of men and women who bow down and worship Him.  With such a vision of his majesty, we would immediately recognize our sinfulness, repent and confess our sins, as we make ourselves ready to do his work.

Too many of us have been satisfied with the ordinary. We are happy with a little church attendance, a little prayer, a little convention here or there, but beyond that we are not moved and more than that, we are not changed. God wants to change your perspective today. God wants to show you His glory, to transform your life and create in you a passionate ministry. Will you answer the call today?

The Cross: A Symbol of Hope

Trevor S. Ferguson

April 7, 2012

John 19:30 (AMP): When Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, It is finished! And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.

Download PDF file of this post 

INTRODUCTION

During the Easter Season, Christians across the world take time to reflect on the death burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We often recall Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, the Last Supper, the struggle in Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus’ arrest and trial, the struggles on the road to Calvary, the crucifixion, the time on the cross, His burial and finally His resurrection.

Of all the experiences the time on the cross is considered the most painful, gruesome and agonizing. It is hard to comprehend the agony associated with nails being driven through human hands, to fathom hanging on a cross, bleeding and knowing that death may still be hours away, and at the same time experience cruel mocking from a vicious mob. However, when we look at the words of Christ spoken from the cross we see a message of hope for all humanity. We then begin to understand that the cross, although a sign of untold suffering, is at the same time a massive symbol of hope. 

EXPOSITION

The gospels record seven sayings of Christ from the cross. These words were spoken despite great suffering and highlight the selflessness of Christ as He wrought salvation for humanity. The seven sayings are listed below:  

(1) Father forgive them, for they know not what they do (Luke 23:34)

(2) Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise (Luke 23:43)

(3) Woman, behold your son: behold your mother (John 19:26-27)

(4) My God, My God, why have you forsaken me, (Matthew 27:46 and Mark 15:34)

(5) I thirst (John 19:28)

(6) It is finished (John 19:30)

(7) Father, into your hands I commit my spirit (Luke 23:46)

Traditionally, these seven sayings are called expressions of forgiveness, salvation, relationship, abandonment, distress, triumph and reunion, respectively. Today I want us to focus on the sixth saying from the cross as we reflect on the finished work of salvation accomplished through Jesus Christ.

First, let us acknowledge that all humanity inherited Adam’s fallen state. David tells us in Psalm 51 that he was sinful at birth and indeed was sinful from the time of conception. We are also reminded in Romans 3:23 that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. We further acknowledge that the appropriate penalty for sin is death as God had informed Adam in the Garden of Eden and as Paul reminds us in Romans 6:23. We recall also that in order to receive forgiveness of sins then blood was required  as illustrated in God’s slaying of an animal to atone for Adam’s sin and in the statement in Hebrews 9:22 which tells us that without the shedding of blood there is no remission (of sins).

In the Old Testament the Jewish people conducted an elaborate system of sacrifices and offerings in order to obtain forgiveness of sins, but these sacrifices offered only atonement or covering for sin and had to be repeated on at least a yearly basis. Jesus’ death on the cross was the sacrifice that once and for all paid the full price for man’s salvation and opened up the way for man to have full fellowship with God.

Jesus’ words in John 19:30 is testament to that accomplishment. The statement translated as “It is finished” in English comes from a single Greek word ‘TETELASTAI’   which means “it is accomplished,” “it is fulfilled,” or “it is paid in full.” According to the Bible Knowledge Commentary ancient receipts for taxes have been recovered with the word tetelestai written across them, meaning “paid in full.” This word on Jesus’ lips was therefore very significant. When He said, “It is finished”, He meant His redemptive work was completed. He had been made sin for people and had suffered the penalty of God’s justice which sin deserved.

Jesus, was therefore the final and ultimate sacrifice for sin. With His death, the complex Old Testament sacrificial system ended because Jesus took all sin upon himself.

We can now freely approach God because of what Jesus did for us on the Cross. Those who believe in Jesus’ sacrificial death and resurrection can have a hope of life eternal and will escape the death penalty that comes from sin. We see then that while the cross is a symbol of suffering and agony it is equally a symbol of hope. Let us never forget the agony, the price He paid for our salvation, but the best we can do for God is to take see the hope offered through the Cross and apply that hope to our lives today.

CONCLUSION / APPLICATION

Today, as we have reflected on the Cross as a symbol of hope for all humanity, I want to encourage all persons to apply this message of hope to our personal lives.

I will close with the NIV rendition of the Hebrews 10:19-23.

 ¹⁹Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, ²⁰by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, ²¹and since we have a great priest over the house of God, ²²let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. ²³Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.

Let us put our trust in Him today, so that we can be assured of Hope for Tomorrow.

The Mind of Christ: Embracing the Spirit of Service and Sacrifice

Trevor S. Ferguson

February 25, 2012

Philippians 2:5-11 (KJV)
⁵ Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
⁶ Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
⁷ But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
⁸ And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
⁹ Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
¹⁰ That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
¹¹ And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

INTRODUCTION

The world today is largely driven by a self-centered philosophy. People are primarily concerned about their own interest and often will help others only to the extent that they perceive some ultimate benefit to themselves. This self-centered philosophy breeds a number of ills in the society. In order to get ahead in life people often use and abuse others, people often get involved in corrupt practices, engage in deception, lying, stealing and ultimately major criminal activities including fraud, and murder.

Another common trait seen today is the desire for convenience and ease. Science and technology has made it easy for most things to be done with little expenditure of energy or effort. As a result persons shy away from things that are challenging or that will require prolonged effort before seeing the result.  

Sadly, many of these attitudes have crept into the church. Many of us as Christians have become self-centered and the spirit of convenience and apathy have become pervasive.

The passage in today’s text however challenges us to take a different attitude. We are challenged to take on the mind of Christ and embrace the spirit of service and sacrifice. As we reflect of the text today, I will share with you how Christ modeled this spirit of service and sacrifice, how Paul himself became an example of service and sacrifice and how we can pattern Christ in embracing the spirit of service and sacrifice. We will also look at the rewards of service and sacrifice as we encourage ourselves to walk in the footsteps of Christ.

EXPOSITION

The passage in Philippians 2 starts with Paul encouraging the Philippians to live in unity, have the same mindset, walking in love and in one accord. He then gives some specific instructions concerning their work and service to one another: Nothing be done through strife or vain glory; each saint should esteem the other as better than themselves; don’t look out for your own interest but look out for the interest of others.

On the surface these look like routine Christian attributes, but as we think a little deeper we begin to see that it’s not as easy as we initially thought. How often do we find in the church that we strive one against the other seeking for prominence and recognition? How often do we find one group of believers believing that they are better than others? How often do we close the door of opportunity (keeping precious bits of information secret) so that we may benefit and others may not?

The problem however is that if we accept and embrace these negative attitudes we will have a self-centered, materialistic church and the will of God would not be accomplished. Paul picked up seeds of these attitudes among the Philippians and took measures to correct it as we see in verse 5 where he writes: Let this mind be in you which also was in Christ! As Christians we must strive to have this MIND OF CHRIST!

Mind in this context refers to our ‘attitude’ or our ‘mode of thinking’ or ‘mindset’. Paul is therefore exhorting the Philippians to take on the mind of Christ, which is characterized by humility, self-less service, a willingness to lay aside power and authority and a willingness to sacrifice. Verse 6-8 illustrates how Christ modeled this spirit of service and sacrifice: Though he was God, he did not cling on to the prerogatives of deity (KJV – ‘thought it not robbery to be equal with God’). He instead made himself of no reputation i.e. He ‘emptied Himself’; laid aside His heavenly glory, position, rights and the use of His divine attributes. Having decided to take on humanity He chose to come in the most humble form – not as a king or person of high esteem, but rather took on to himself the form of a servant. He went as low as He could go! As a man He humbled Himself and became obedient. He submitted his human will unto the will of the Father and became subject to death on the cross of Calvary.

We begin to understand the magnitude of His sacrifice we he look back and realize that He Himself had no sin, and therefore was not deserving of death. He had no personal gain because the sacrifice required would cost him everything. In the human context, when one give s his life he has given everything.

One would argue that that was Christ, so can we really live up to that standard? My answer is: Yes, we can! Take a look at the life of Paul and read from his own testimony in Philippians 3:4-11.

⁴ Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: ⁵ Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;⁶ Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.⁷ But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.⁸ Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, ⁹ And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: ¹⁰ That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; ¹¹ If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.

Here Paul describes his own experience of selfless sacrifice in order to gain a better relationship with Christ. 

Now, look at the NIV rendition of verse 17 of chap 2: But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.  

Look also at 2^nd Timothy 4:6 - For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.

Finally look at Acts 20:22-24 - ²² And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: ²³ Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. ²⁴ But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

In these passages Paul was essentially saying it did not matter the personal price. He was totally committed and completely sold out to preach this gospel! We can therefore see why he instructed the Corinthians to follow him as he follows Christ.

Let us take time to point out that there are rewards for this attitude of service and sacrifice. Verses 9-11 of Philippians 2 describe the rewards Christ received for His selfless sacrifice:  ⁹ Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: ¹⁰ That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; ¹¹ And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

In 2^nd Timothy 4, Paul also describes his expectation to receive a crown of righteousness in recognition for his service in the kingdom.

We too will be justly rewarded if we take up this attitude of service and sacrifice

APPLICATION

The challenge to us today is how can we embrace the spirit of service and sacrifice?

First of all we must recognize the grave need in the world and in the church today. A recent national survey show that one in five Jamaicans are depressed and one in 16 (6%) have contemplated suicide. Most of these persons have no relationship with Jesus Christ and have no hope for eternal life! Even in the church many are depressed, frustrated and on the verge of giving up!

There is an urgent need for workers to spread the good news of salvation! There is an urgent need for us to travail with seekers until they break through with the power of the Holy Ghost. There is an urgent need for person to minister to the needs of members and affiliates of the church.

There is an urgent need for us to go beyond that which is convenient, to beyond our person needs and minister to the needs of others. There is an urgent need for us to take on the mind of Christ. There is an urgent need embrace the spirit of selfless service and the spirit of sacrifice.

The voice of God is crying out today: Whom shall I send and who will go for us? Let us respond like Isaiah – Here I am. Send me! 

Link to PDF File