PEACE 3 - Be a peacemaker!

Peace 3 - English files

Frieden 3 - German files

The picture at the right shows the finished craft project belonging to this lesson. The template and complete instructions are included.

Devotional Thoughts about 1 Samuel Chapter 25

At some point during David’s time on the run from Saul, he came in contact with the wilderness empire of the big rancher Nabal. David and his men were decent neighbors who protected Nabal’s herds from potential thieves and predators.

When the sheep were shorn—the usual time for paying staff and rewarding favors—David sent messengers to Nabal with a polite request for a tangible recognition of their service. Any contribution would help sustain David’s 600 men as they continued dodging Saul and his minions.

Nabal’s belligerent refusal insulted David deeply. He’d endured constant maligning and persecution from Saul without striking back because of his deep respect for God’s anointed king, but now he set off with 400 armed men to kill everyone on Nabal’s ranch.

A herdsman informed Abigail, Nabal’s wife, of the situation, confirming David’s service and reporting Nabal’s characteristically aggressive response. She acted quickly to organize a large quantity of food and mobilize it in the direction of the approaching troop. She appealed to David probably because years of experience had shown her there was no point in attempting to reason with her husband.

As the two groups met, Abigail’s humility, generosity and faith in God’s purpose for David melted his resentment against Nabal and defused the impending explosion of violence. He praised God for her peacemaking initiative and assured her he would comply. Later, after God had struck Nabal dead, David was thankful he’d left judgment to God and not taken things into his own hands.

Lord, give me the courage to seek peace, to pray for it and to leave the consequences to You.

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If you're interested in the lesson files, simply click on the appropriate link above to download them in the desired language. See the Informational Pages in the right column for more about the lesson series. One more blog and one lesson about Peace are coming.