Today’s Bible Reading:
1 Samuel 25-26; Psalm 63; Matthew 9
Journal Entry on a passage from today’s reading:
Topic: Leadership
SCRIPTURE: 1 Samuel 25:14-15
14 One of the
servants told Nabal's wife Abigail: "David sent messengers from the desert
to give our master his greetings, but he hurled insults at them. 15 Yet these men were very
good to us... (1 Sam 25:14-15 NIV)
OBSERVATION:
The setting of this story is that David was leading an army
of men in need of supplies—an army that was capable of confiscating whatever
they needed by force. As they camped near where the servants of a wealthy land
owner named Nabal were busy with sheep shearing time, they effectively
protected them from marauders. When David sent a delegation of his men to ask
for some needed provisions, they were rudely rebuffed by Nabal provoking
David’s ire. Then we come to vv. 14-15 as these concerned servants turn to
Nabal’s wife Abigail about a dangerous situation that was brewing.
It is interesting that the servants knew just who to go to.
Nabal may have been their master, but they knew who the leader was. Abigail had
good judgment, the ability to direct others quickly and decisively, and
boldness to act unilaterally when needed. Despite her lowly position in that
culture as a mere woman—just a wife, she was a wise and diplomatic problem
solver—a leader.
APPLICATION:
Leadership skills can certainly be learned and practiced,
and some people are naturally gifted leaders. But whether leadership is an
acquired skill, a God-given gift, or a combination; leadership is apparent and
people are drawn the real leaders.
PRAYER:
Lord, may I be a faithful follower of You, and may You grant
me the wisdom and good judgment to be a leader of others for You. Through
Christ. Amen. -AP
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