READING FOR APRIL 3, 2025: 1 SAMUEL 25, ROMANS 16, PSALM 27:1-5 1 SAMUEL 25 Much to ponder in this chapter. First, the great man Samuel died. His obedience had been attested to by his predecessor Eli; his word followed by Saul and David; and his integrity affirmed by all the people: “You have not exploited us or oppressed us, or taken anything from anyone’s hand” (1 Sam. 12: 4). Thus, it is not surprising that “all Israel assembled and mourned for him” (vs.1). Likewise, our attendance to mourn for believers who have died is an appropriate gesture of respect.
Now we return to the adventures of David and his band of men. After their confrontation with Saul, they interact with the servants and possessions of a rich man named Nabal, which means fool. Having voluntarily assisted Nabal’s employees by protecting his herds, David sends a message to Nabal asking for refreshments with which to celebrate a festival. Nabal gives a response reminiscent of Ebeneezer Scrouge: “Shall I then take my bread and my water and my meat that I have slaughtered for my shearers, and give it to men whose origin I do not know? (vs.11). When informed, David’s reaction was not as forgiving as he was to Saul in chapter 24.
Were Nabal’s servants right to inform Nabal’s wife Abigail of Nabal’s response? Most times, we consider undercutting the boss not the correct action of an employee. Consider the whole picture. They knew by now that their boss would not listen to reason; they knew David’s history as a warrior; they knew David was within his rights to ask for this gift; and they knew that Abigail was wise. Thus, they were in a deeper sense serving Nabal by going around Nabal to Abigail. Given all these factors, their actions appear justified.
Abigail rustled together the kind of gift David had in mind and apologetically offered it to David before he could take revenge. Amazingly she took the blame herself: “She fell at his feet and said, ‘On me alone, my lord, be the blame’’ (vs 24). She also explained to David why it would be in David’s best interest to accept this gift and not kill Nabal and his men: “This will not become an obstacle to you, or a troubled heart to my lord, both by having shed blood without cause and by my lord’s having avenged himself” (vs. 31). In some ways this is a reenactment of the Gospel. Jesus took on himself our sins, as Abigail took the blame for Nabal. God offers salvation as a free gift, as Abilgail offered free nourishment to David. Also, God, though His word, explains why it is in our interest to accept this gift, as Abigail patiently expressed to David. David accepted this gift with joy, as we should likewise the by faith accept this much greater gift of grace that reconciles us to God and brings us eternal life. The chapter has a happily-ever-after ending. Nabal dies, which frees Abigail from a destructive marriage. David proposes to Abigail, making her the wife of a future king. Saul once again gives away Michal, a wife of David who really wasn’t on board with God’s plan for David.
ROMANS 16 As was recently mentioned, the Christian faith is not meant to be lived in isola-- tion, but to be lived in community, in the local and worldwide church. Nowhere is this more evident than in this chapter. Paul’s extensive knowledge of so many individuals in Rome is amazing. It is proof that he was not a distant project manager but deeply involved in the lives of other Christians. If any of us are not so involved, we need to consider how to connect with other believers.
READINGS FOR APRIL 3, 2025 CONTINUED: ROMANS 15, PSALMS 27:1-5 Pheobe, mentioned in verse 1 is generally considered the person who delivered this letter to Rome. She is described in some translations as a servant of the church and in others as a deacon. The same Greek word used can mean either, so it may be significant that she (a woman) was considered a deacon, an official of the church. Paul then launches into a long series of greetings. Priscilla and Aquila are mentioned first. We also run into this husband-and-wife team in Acts 18 as mentors to Apollos. Here we also learn that Paul owes his life to them. No wonder they are mentioned first. Perhaps we all have friends who have risked something for our sake. Let’s thank God for these essential people.
Verse 7 seems routine on the surface, but it is at once one of the most celebrated and most controversial verses in the Bible. Some scholars read this as saying “Junia is outstanding among the apostles.” This is how most translations render it. Others believe the verse should read “Junia is well known to the apostles.” The issue at stake is women in church leadership. Space does not permit fuller treatment of this matter here. Certainly, Junia was a highly valued woman of God, as were many others mentioned in this greeting list.
The last ten verses include final greetings, along with vital warnings and admonitions. Watch out for false teachers who teach just the opposite of what Paul taught! They are not godly but self-serving. Be established in the Gospel as conveyed by Paul and the Scriptures. These are commands by the eternal God leading to “obedience of faith.” This obedience is not obeying anything we want or what our culture suggests but is trusting obedience to God’s Word.
PSALM 27:1-5 This Psalm is the text for quite a rousing song that captures the mood well: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lwk4EW1HQU8 Even without the music, one feels ready to tackle anything just by reading these empowering words. Think about it for a moment! Who or what can make us afraid if the Lord of the Universe is our Light? First David states this obvious but liberating truth. Then he expresses a request to dwell in the Temple all his days to meditate and behold his beauty. The Temple of God is now within each believer: “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you” (1 Cor 6:19). We can and should be living in His presence and beholding His beauty as our default state. Let’s test ourselves on this. What do we think about when waiting for a long train or standing in a long line? We could be meditating on God and beholding His beauty. At least we can do it now!
