1 00:00:00,490 --> 00:00:04,420 Speaker 1: Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children 2 00:00:04,670 --> 00:00:12,760 Speaker 1: of God. Matthew 5.9 Heavenly Father, teach us the path 3 00:00:13,260 --> 00:00:18,500 Speaker 1: of peace. Empower us to change every space we enter, 4 00:00:19,340 --> 00:00:25,350 Speaker 1: creating harmony and unity among those around us. Teach us 5 00:00:25,410 --> 00:00:33,920 Speaker 1: to be the architects of peace. actively constructing bridges, not barriers, healing, 6 00:00:34,659 --> 00:00:38,919 Speaker 1: not hurting. Let us be known for our ability to 7 00:00:39,040 --> 00:00:45,159 Speaker 1: unite people, standing firm for justice and truth, yet never 8 00:00:45,220 --> 00:00:49,300 Speaker 1: allowing our convictions to give way to hostility or hatred. 9 00:00:50,979 --> 00:00:55,800 Speaker 1: Grant us the wisdom to navigate conflict with grace and courage. 10 00:00:57,200 --> 00:01:02,500 Speaker 1: always seeking the path that leads to reconciliation. Help us 11 00:01:02,540 --> 00:01:08,360 Speaker 1: to mirror your love and patience in our interactions, displaying 12 00:01:08,459 --> 00:01:14,250 Speaker 1: the gentle strength that underpins true peacemaking. Lord, as we 13 00:01:14,310 --> 00:01:19,289 Speaker 1: strive to live in Christ's example, let our lives reflect 14 00:01:19,330 --> 00:01:23,810 Speaker 1: a deep commitment to peace, not just in our words, 15 00:01:24,790 --> 00:01:31,300 Speaker 1: but through our every action. May we truly be your peacemakers, 16 00:01:32,920 --> 00:01:40,550 Speaker 1: bearing the title of your children with honor. Amen. Thank 17 00:01:40,569 --> 00:01:44,390 Speaker 1: you for praying with me today. Today's episode of the 18 00:01:44,430 --> 00:01:49,140 Speaker 1: Jesus Podcast is for those who long to be peacemakers. 19 00:01:50,820 --> 00:01:54,400 Speaker 1: While others fight to the top, we march to a 20 00:01:54,500 --> 00:01:59,660 Speaker 1: different drum. If these stories have inspired you, we'd love 21 00:01:59,720 --> 00:02:03,480 Speaker 1: it if you'd follow us and left a review. Thanks 22 00:02:03,500 --> 00:02:09,420 Speaker 1: for listening. The mount was alive with truth, pouring forth 23 00:02:09,460 --> 00:02:14,329 Speaker 1: from Jesus' lips like a fresh spring. With a joyful shout, 24 00:02:14,790 --> 00:02:18,430 Speaker 1: Jesus heralded a new way to live in light of 25 00:02:18,570 --> 00:02:23,030 Speaker 1: God's kingdom. He redefined what it meant to be blessed 26 00:02:23,530 --> 00:02:25,380 Speaker 1: and first in God's kingdom. 27 00:02:25,830 --> 00:02:29,239 Speaker 2: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the 28 00:02:29,280 --> 00:02:33,220 Speaker 2: kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they 29 00:02:33,320 --> 00:02:37,580 Speaker 2: shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will 30 00:02:37,620 --> 00:02:42,260 Speaker 2: inherit the earth. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst 31 00:02:42,300 --> 00:02:48,050 Speaker 2: for righteousness, for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful, 32 00:02:48,690 --> 00:02:53,049 Speaker 2: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, 33 00:02:53,590 --> 00:02:56,290 Speaker 2: for they shall see. God. 34 00:02:57,110 --> 00:03:01,669 Speaker 1: Jesus' words packed a punch to people's egos, but also 35 00:03:01,770 --> 00:03:06,169 Speaker 1: inspired them to rise up and reach their full potential. 36 00:03:07,970 --> 00:03:10,600 Speaker 1: With another bold declaration, Jesus shouted. 37 00:03:11,000 --> 00:03:14,780 Speaker 3: Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children 38 00:03:14,820 --> 00:03:15,440 Speaker 3: of God. 39 00:03:18,300 --> 00:03:22,100 Speaker 4: Peacemakers are not people pleasers. They march to the drum 40 00:03:22,120 --> 00:03:25,760 Speaker 4: of Christ's heartbeat and encourage others to come alongside them 41 00:03:27,669 --> 00:03:31,330 Speaker 4: Welcome to the Jesus Podcast, a year of stories showcasing 42 00:03:31,370 --> 00:03:34,690 Speaker 4: the depth of Christ's love through storytelling and the truth 43 00:03:34,730 --> 00:03:39,150 Speaker 4: of God's Word through honest reflection. I'm Ethan, one of 44 00:03:39,190 --> 00:03:43,830 Speaker 4: your hosts from Pray.com. Today, we continue our journey through 45 00:03:43,850 --> 00:03:48,180 Speaker 4: the Beatitudes from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. Our focus 46 00:03:48,240 --> 00:03:52,060 Speaker 4: is on Matthew 5, verse 9, which states, Blessed are 47 00:03:52,080 --> 00:03:54,840 Speaker 4: the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. 48 00:03:56,280 --> 00:03:59,210 Speaker 4: we will explore the meaning of being a peacemaker, how 49 00:03:59,270 --> 00:04:02,410 Speaker 4: this virtue is exemplified in the story of David and 50 00:04:02,530 --> 00:04:08,430 Speaker 4: Abigail in 1 Samuel 25, verses 18-35, and how we 51 00:04:08,490 --> 00:04:11,020 Speaker 4: can embody these values in our daily lives. 52 00:04:13,400 --> 00:04:17,000 Speaker 1: Cutting through the narrow road from Paran to Carmel, a 53 00:04:17,040 --> 00:04:19,659 Speaker 1: group of young men herded their sheep back to their 54 00:04:19,700 --> 00:04:24,290 Speaker 1: master's property. The road cut through some trees on the 55 00:04:24,370 --> 00:04:28,610 Speaker 1: outskirts of the wilderness. providing shade for them and their flock. 56 00:04:30,270 --> 00:04:34,650 Speaker 1: It was a warm spring afternoon. The birds chirped and 57 00:04:34,770 --> 00:04:38,650 Speaker 1: flew from branch to branch, singing sweet melodies to the 58 00:04:38,710 --> 00:04:44,049 Speaker 1: travelers down below. However, their songs were not a comfort 59 00:04:44,089 --> 00:04:48,369 Speaker 1: to the young men. They knew that the bending road 60 00:04:48,450 --> 00:04:53,430 Speaker 1: beside the forest was filled with bandits and raiders from 61 00:04:53,450 --> 00:04:58,550 Speaker 1: the western tribes of Philistia. The young shepherds held their 62 00:04:58,630 --> 00:05:02,210 Speaker 1: staffs tightly and turned their heads at the sound of 63 00:05:02,430 --> 00:05:03,589 Speaker 1: every broken tweak. 64 00:05:04,290 --> 00:05:07,630 Speaker 5: Master Nabel wasn't right to send us out here without guards, 65 00:05:08,300 --> 00:05:09,880 Speaker 5: one of them said with a trembling voice. 66 00:05:13,320 --> 00:05:17,599 Speaker 1: Another said, All ten of the shepherds were young and 67 00:05:17,660 --> 00:05:22,940 Speaker 1: inexperienced in combat. They knew that if bandits came, they 68 00:05:22,980 --> 00:05:28,770 Speaker 1: would be utterly defenseless. The tree covering became thick, and 69 00:05:28,810 --> 00:05:34,260 Speaker 1: the sun was nearly blocked entirely. As darkness shrouded the 70 00:05:34,300 --> 00:05:37,820 Speaker 1: young men and their sheep, a rustling could be heard 71 00:05:37,880 --> 00:05:43,240 Speaker 1: from the darkness. Before the men could brace themselves, a 72 00:05:43,279 --> 00:05:48,400 Speaker 1: group of bandits emerged from the shadows to attack. The 73 00:05:48,460 --> 00:05:51,930 Speaker 1: sheep scattered in fear as the shepherds desperately tried to 74 00:05:51,970 --> 00:05:56,580 Speaker 1: defend themselves. They were thrust to the ground by the bandits, 75 00:05:57,220 --> 00:06:00,350 Speaker 1: who brought their swords up to their necks, posturing to 76 00:06:00,440 --> 00:06:05,370 Speaker 1: swipe them across their throats. Yet before they could move 77 00:06:05,450 --> 00:06:09,950 Speaker 1: another inch, a stone whistled through the air and hit 78 00:06:10,050 --> 00:06:14,510 Speaker 1: one of them directly in the forehead. The crack of 79 00:06:14,550 --> 00:06:17,800 Speaker 1: the skull preceded a large thud of the bandit hitting 80 00:06:17,830 --> 00:06:22,370 Speaker 1: the floor. The rest of them looked over, and gasped 81 00:06:22,450 --> 00:06:28,710 Speaker 1: as David and his men stormed forward. The bandits ran 82 00:06:28,770 --> 00:06:32,890 Speaker 1: for their lives, but David wouldn't let them leave without 83 00:06:33,000 --> 00:06:38,060 Speaker 1: tasting justice. David and his men wrangled them to the 84 00:06:38,120 --> 00:06:43,560 Speaker 1: floor and took back what was stolen. They released the bandits, 85 00:06:43,960 --> 00:06:47,719 Speaker 1: but not without swift blows to the ribs and wounds 86 00:06:47,900 --> 00:06:53,250 Speaker 1: on their legs. Bruised and beaten, The bandits retreated back 87 00:06:53,310 --> 00:06:58,210 Speaker 1: to the shadows. David helped the shepherds to their feet 88 00:06:58,610 --> 00:07:01,690 Speaker 1: and brought them back to his camp. He treated them 89 00:07:01,870 --> 00:07:07,060 Speaker 1: to a warm meal. David crouched by the fire and smiled. 90 00:07:07,700 --> 00:07:10,200 Speaker 6: My men have retrieved the rest of your sheep. All 91 00:07:10,240 --> 00:07:12,780 Speaker 6: will be returned to your master. Where do you come from? 92 00:07:13,510 --> 00:07:14,310 Speaker 3: Thank you, sir. 93 00:07:14,810 --> 00:07:18,350 Speaker 5: We are very grateful. We are servants of Master Nabal. 94 00:07:18,910 --> 00:07:22,850 Speaker 5: His land is at Carmel. He's an incredibly wealthy man, 95 00:07:22,930 --> 00:07:26,510 Speaker 5: but he's very strict. It brings us great relief that 96 00:07:26,540 --> 00:07:29,780 Speaker 5: you have saved us. If those bandits did not kill us, 97 00:07:30,460 --> 00:07:31,640 Speaker 5: surely Nabal would have. 98 00:07:31,960 --> 00:07:33,560 Speaker 1: David acknowledged their gratitude. 99 00:07:34,140 --> 00:07:36,680 Speaker 6: We have been here for a few months now. There 100 00:07:36,740 --> 00:07:40,180 Speaker 6: are many evil men about seeking to rob vulnerable travellers. 101 00:07:40,750 --> 00:07:43,190 Speaker 6: We've been keeping a close eye on the roads, ensuring 102 00:07:43,210 --> 00:07:48,010 Speaker 6: that no harm comes to anyone. However, keeping ourselves and 103 00:07:48,050 --> 00:07:50,920 Speaker 6: others safe has been quite a weary task. It would 104 00:07:50,940 --> 00:07:53,480 Speaker 6: certainly be nice to share a warm meal during this 105 00:07:53,560 --> 00:07:56,840 Speaker 6: festive time. Do you think your master might return our 106 00:07:56,900 --> 00:08:01,160 Speaker 6: kindness with some hospitality? My men need some rest from 107 00:08:01,180 --> 00:08:03,540 Speaker 6: the long days and the cold nights. 108 00:08:04,240 --> 00:08:07,720 Speaker 1: The shepherds looked at one another. Not sure if Nabal 109 00:08:07,760 --> 00:08:12,090 Speaker 1: would be the sort to accept David's request. However, they 110 00:08:12,290 --> 00:08:12,890 Speaker 1: had to pay. 111 00:08:13,350 --> 00:08:16,610 Speaker 5: We could inquire of our master on your behalf. It's 112 00:08:16,630 --> 00:08:17,650 Speaker 5: the least we could do. 113 00:08:17,910 --> 00:08:22,630 Speaker 1: They ventured off with their sheep to their master. David 114 00:08:22,690 --> 00:08:26,790 Speaker 1: watched them leave, hopeful that he and his men could 115 00:08:26,830 --> 00:08:31,510 Speaker 1: get one act of kindness. Just one. The young men 116 00:08:31,650 --> 00:08:36,630 Speaker 1: entered the great halls of Nabal's home. Large cedar beams 117 00:08:36,870 --> 00:08:40,500 Speaker 1: held up the high ceilings, and servants laced the halls. 118 00:08:41,290 --> 00:08:44,569 Speaker 1: preparing yet another large feast for Nabal and his friends. 119 00:08:46,809 --> 00:08:49,130 Speaker 1: Nabal sat in a prominent seat in the center of 120 00:08:49,170 --> 00:08:53,290 Speaker 1: the room, like a king would on his throne. He 121 00:08:53,330 --> 00:08:57,640 Speaker 1: was a large and foul-looking man. His haggard beard hid 122 00:08:57,720 --> 00:09:01,939 Speaker 1: the rotting teeth in his mouth. He sat on his throne, 123 00:09:02,260 --> 00:09:08,060 Speaker 1: as he often did, half-drunk, and berated his servants. Beside 124 00:09:08,120 --> 00:09:12,580 Speaker 1: him was his wife, Abigail, She was a young woman, 125 00:09:13,260 --> 00:09:17,580 Speaker 1: given to him in marriage by her father. Unlike her 126 00:09:17,700 --> 00:09:22,510 Speaker 1: surly and moronic husband, Abigail was a kind and wise 127 00:09:22,610 --> 00:09:28,390 Speaker 1: young woman. She held herself with honor and dignity, treating 128 00:09:28,429 --> 00:09:34,780 Speaker 1: the household servants with respect and compassion. However, even her 129 00:09:34,920 --> 00:09:39,420 Speaker 1: calm and elegant demeanor could not offset the flagrant nature 130 00:09:39,620 --> 00:09:44,420 Speaker 1: of her husband. He raged against his entire household and 131 00:09:44,460 --> 00:09:50,930 Speaker 1: abused his authority. The shepherds approached with caution, with David's 132 00:09:51,030 --> 00:09:57,880 Speaker 1: escorts close behind. Nabal glared at them and pointed to 133 00:09:57,910 --> 00:09:59,520 Speaker 1: the strangers entering his halls. 134 00:10:00,120 --> 00:10:05,820 Speaker 7: Well, not only do you come late with the sheep, 135 00:10:06,980 --> 00:10:10,160 Speaker 7: but you bring strangers into my home. 136 00:10:12,490 --> 00:10:16,939 Speaker 5: Explain yourselves, Lord Nabal. We were attacked on the road 137 00:10:17,000 --> 00:10:21,520 Speaker 5: by bandits. They took our sheep and nearly took our lives. 138 00:10:22,470 --> 00:10:27,290 Speaker 5: Yet praise God that David and his men came swiftly 139 00:10:27,350 --> 00:10:31,449 Speaker 5: to our aid and saved us. These are his servants. 140 00:10:32,170 --> 00:10:35,720 Speaker 5: They are here to humbly request your hospitality. 141 00:10:36,260 --> 00:10:39,819 Speaker 1: Just as David's servants were about to speak, Nabal raised 142 00:10:39,860 --> 00:10:41,960 Speaker 1: his hands and began to chuckle. 143 00:10:42,340 --> 00:10:43,040 Speaker 7: David? 144 00:10:44,400 --> 00:10:45,240 Speaker 1: Who's David? 145 00:10:47,160 --> 00:10:49,460 Speaker 4: Oh, that outlaw son of Jesse. 146 00:10:53,440 --> 00:10:57,550 Speaker 5: I see many slaves leaving their masters these days. 147 00:10:58,010 --> 00:11:00,970 Speaker 1: He leaned over and spat in the servant's direction. 148 00:11:01,470 --> 00:11:05,490 Speaker 7: Why should I offer my bread, my meat and water, 149 00:11:05,510 --> 00:11:07,570 Speaker 7: and give it to some. 150 00:11:09,330 --> 00:11:12,220 Speaker 5: Worthless nobody like him? 151 00:11:15,080 --> 00:11:18,140 Speaker 4: Get out of my sight before a coma dog's on you. 152 00:11:18,660 --> 00:11:23,550 Speaker 1: David's men said nothing. They simply bowed and left the halls. 153 00:11:25,250 --> 00:11:31,069 Speaker 1: Nabal continued to laugh and drink, leaning back in his seat, satisfied. 154 00:11:32,929 --> 00:11:34,630 Speaker 1: Abigail peered over to them. 155 00:11:35,429 --> 00:11:37,829 Speaker 8: Are you certain you want to insult the man who 156 00:11:37,870 --> 00:11:39,610 Speaker 8: saved Israel from the Philistines? 157 00:11:40,370 --> 00:11:43,550 Speaker 1: Nabal glared at his wife. He spat to the side 158 00:11:44,150 --> 00:11:49,060 Speaker 1: and held out an empty cup. Get me more wine, wife. 159 00:11:50,720 --> 00:11:54,160 Speaker 4: You're more beautiful when you quietly fill my cup. 160 00:11:56,220 --> 00:12:00,230 Speaker 1: Abigail said nothing. She took her husband's cup and left 161 00:12:00,300 --> 00:12:05,770 Speaker 1: into the kitchen. David's men arrived that night. All the 162 00:12:05,850 --> 00:12:10,210 Speaker 1: others were sitting by the fires, eating and laughing. David 163 00:12:10,350 --> 00:12:14,880 Speaker 1: was among them. telling valiant stories of battle beside Jonathan. 164 00:12:16,740 --> 00:12:20,860 Speaker 1: When the servants approached, he could tell they were despondent. 165 00:12:21,420 --> 00:12:22,920 Speaker 6: Why the downcast face, brothers? 166 00:12:23,679 --> 00:12:25,550 Speaker 1: The men sat down and rubbed their faces. 167 00:12:26,150 --> 00:12:28,210 Speaker 5: Nabal has rejected our request. 168 00:12:28,750 --> 00:12:28,990 Speaker 8: What? 169 00:12:29,590 --> 00:12:29,870 Speaker 2: Why? 170 00:12:30,410 --> 00:12:33,710 Speaker 5: Well, he said he didn't want to waste his resources on. 171 00:12:33,650 --> 00:12:35,170 Speaker 1: A nobody like you. 172 00:12:35,650 --> 00:12:39,460 Speaker 5: He called you a slave who ran away from his master. 173 00:12:39,929 --> 00:12:44,890 Speaker 1: David's entire countenance changed. The rest of the men stepped back, 174 00:12:45,650 --> 00:12:51,000 Speaker 1: feeling the anger leaking from his pores. David's bones were 175 00:12:51,220 --> 00:12:55,839 Speaker 1: shaking in rage. He stood to his feet and stormed 176 00:12:55,900 --> 00:12:59,700 Speaker 1: to his tent. The men wondered if he had retreated 177 00:12:59,740 --> 00:13:02,680 Speaker 1: for the night to think and pray, as he often did. 178 00:13:04,100 --> 00:13:08,579 Speaker 1: He didn't. He emerged from the tent, fully clothed in 179 00:13:08,640 --> 00:13:12,100 Speaker 1: his armor, with his sword strapped to his side. 180 00:13:12,600 --> 00:13:13,470 Speaker 3: Gather your weapons! 181 00:13:14,090 --> 00:13:16,569 Speaker 1: Each retrieved their weapons and stood at attention. 182 00:13:17,070 --> 00:13:19,689 Speaker 3: I won't allow Nabal to dishonor us after everything we've 183 00:13:19,710 --> 00:13:22,830 Speaker 3: done for his land. It's a disgrace, a disgrace, I 184 00:13:22,870 --> 00:13:25,910 Speaker 3: tell you! I will not allow him to spite us! 185 00:13:26,610 --> 00:13:29,490 Speaker 1: He turned to his messenger and placed an urgent hand 186 00:13:29,590 --> 00:13:30,150 Speaker 1: on his chest. 187 00:13:30,710 --> 00:13:33,350 Speaker 5: Go and tell the shepherds to take cover. 188 00:13:33,990 --> 00:13:37,510 Speaker 6: Destruction is on its way to the house of Nabal. 189 00:13:38,030 --> 00:13:41,770 Speaker 1: The men marched silently, No one dared speak to David 190 00:13:42,320 --> 00:13:47,540 Speaker 1: or question his judgment. David didn't boil with fury often, 191 00:13:48,480 --> 00:13:52,360 Speaker 1: but when he did, the men knew not to approach him. 192 00:13:54,160 --> 00:13:54,730 Speaker 6: Abigail! 193 00:13:55,120 --> 00:13:57,770 Speaker 1: The door burst open, and one of the shepherds came 194 00:13:57,809 --> 00:13:58,450 Speaker 1: into her room. 195 00:13:59,230 --> 00:14:01,870 Speaker 4: I'm sorry, mistress, but I must speak with you. 196 00:14:02,170 --> 00:14:02,650 Speaker 8: What's wrong? 197 00:14:03,050 --> 00:14:07,050 Speaker 5: I fear David's anger has been kindled against Nabal. He's 198 00:14:07,120 --> 00:14:08,760 Speaker 5: marching towards us as we speak. 199 00:14:09,300 --> 00:14:12,099 Speaker 8: Is this David so fragile that he would kill my 200 00:14:12,179 --> 00:14:13,900 Speaker 8: husband just for insulting him? 201 00:14:14,360 --> 00:14:16,940 Speaker 5: That's not it at all, my lady. David and his 202 00:14:16,980 --> 00:14:20,100 Speaker 5: men were very good to us. They put their own 203 00:14:20,160 --> 00:14:22,480 Speaker 5: lives in danger to help us when they could have 204 00:14:22,540 --> 00:14:25,880 Speaker 5: simply looked the other way. They've been protecting the entire 205 00:14:25,960 --> 00:14:30,180 Speaker 5: region for months now. The entire territory is better off 206 00:14:30,240 --> 00:14:34,080 Speaker 5: because of David. Now, do you understand why David would 207 00:14:34,120 --> 00:14:35,180 Speaker 5: be so insulted? 208 00:14:35,740 --> 00:14:39,210 Speaker 8: My husband is a stubborn man. Even if David threatens 209 00:14:39,250 --> 00:14:41,870 Speaker 8: his life, I can't convince him to apologize. 210 00:14:42,430 --> 00:14:46,050 Speaker 1: Abigail pondered for a moment. She tied up her hair 211 00:14:46,470 --> 00:14:47,550 Speaker 1: and rolled up her sleeves. 212 00:14:48,190 --> 00:14:50,150 Speaker 8: Come down with me. We shall make this right. 213 00:14:50,710 --> 00:14:54,470 Speaker 1: Abigail ventured to the ovens and kitchen. She clapped her 214 00:14:54,510 --> 00:14:57,010 Speaker 1: hands together and grabbed the attention of the servants. 215 00:14:57,550 --> 00:14:59,230 Speaker 8: Come with me. We haven't got much time. 216 00:14:59,690 --> 00:15:04,630 Speaker 1: Together, they baked and gathered 200 loaves of bread. They 217 00:15:04,690 --> 00:15:09,300 Speaker 1: poured two skins of wine, five-dress sheep, and five seas 218 00:15:09,460 --> 00:15:15,930 Speaker 1: of roasted grain. Abigail and the others also made a 219 00:15:15,990 --> 00:15:19,630 Speaker 1: hundred raisin cakes and two hundred cakes of fresh figs. 220 00:15:20,250 --> 00:15:22,950 Speaker 8: Help me gather everything in baskets. We shall load them 221 00:15:23,030 --> 00:15:23,630 Speaker 8: on my donkey. 222 00:15:24,030 --> 00:15:28,340 Speaker 1: Abigail was a steady commander of her household. She remained 223 00:15:28,460 --> 00:15:33,800 Speaker 1: calm but urgent. She was intent on making peace. 224 00:15:34,660 --> 00:15:36,120 Speaker 8: Quickly, it's almost dawn. 225 00:15:36,750 --> 00:15:40,130 Speaker 1: Once the baskets were loaded onto a donkey, she sent 226 00:15:40,190 --> 00:15:43,430 Speaker 1: two of her maidservants to go and deliver them to David. 227 00:15:43,990 --> 00:15:46,030 Speaker 8: Go and meet the men before they come and attack. 228 00:15:46,370 --> 00:15:47,970 Speaker 8: Tell them I will be close behind. 229 00:15:48,870 --> 00:15:52,530 Speaker 1: The sun rose over the mountain range. David and his 230 00:15:52,610 --> 00:15:56,550 Speaker 1: men stood in the narrow ravine looking down at Nabal's estate. 231 00:15:58,250 --> 00:16:02,490 Speaker 1: The sun's rays burst forth uninhibited by any cloud covering. 232 00:16:04,510 --> 00:16:07,280 Speaker 1: The warmth of the new morning was a sweet relief 233 00:16:07,500 --> 00:16:12,970 Speaker 1: to David's men, who had been marching all night. David 234 00:16:13,090 --> 00:16:17,450 Speaker 1: drew his sword and breathed in deeply. He was unable 235 00:16:17,490 --> 00:16:23,100 Speaker 1: to calm himself all night. His fury was steady and unwavering. 236 00:16:23,640 --> 00:16:26,680 Speaker 3: It's been useless watching over this man's property all these 237 00:16:26,760 --> 00:16:30,580 Speaker 3: weeks and keeping his servants safe. I'm done paying this 238 00:16:30,660 --> 00:16:34,450 Speaker 3: man kindness only to be repaid in insults. He paid 239 00:16:34,500 --> 00:16:38,370 Speaker 3: back evil for good. May God deal with me severely 240 00:16:38,670 --> 00:16:41,470 Speaker 3: if I leave one of his men alive by the 241 00:16:41,550 --> 00:16:43,470 Speaker 3: time the day is finished. 242 00:16:43,830 --> 00:16:46,770 Speaker 1: David turned back to his men and gestured for them 243 00:16:46,930 --> 00:16:53,120 Speaker 1: to move forward. Just as they began marching, three figures appeared. 244 00:16:53,410 --> 00:17:00,110 Speaker 1: In the distance, two women and a donkey approached. David 245 00:17:00,190 --> 00:17:04,440 Speaker 1: held his men back and allowed them to come. They 246 00:17:04,500 --> 00:17:09,220 Speaker 1: bowed before David and presented him with the gifts of cakes, bread, 247 00:17:09,619 --> 00:17:10,080 Speaker 1: and wine. 248 00:17:10,900 --> 00:17:13,899 Speaker 8: Our Lord David, here is a gift from the house 249 00:17:13,960 --> 00:17:14,570 Speaker 8: of Nabal. 250 00:17:14,910 --> 00:17:17,129 Speaker 1: They looked at the baskets, puzzled. 251 00:17:17,790 --> 00:17:18,109 Speaker 2: What? 252 00:17:18,590 --> 00:17:19,889 Speaker 6: Nabal sent these himself? 253 00:17:20,630 --> 00:17:24,000 Speaker 8: Not Nabal, but our mistress Abigail. She is on her 254 00:17:24,040 --> 00:17:25,140 Speaker 8: way to greet you now. 255 00:17:25,660 --> 00:17:29,320 Speaker 1: David looked back at his men, still teeming with rage 256 00:17:29,540 --> 00:17:34,680 Speaker 1: against Nabal. His disgruntled heart was still itching for a fight. 257 00:17:36,290 --> 00:17:39,669 Speaker 1: He had been taken advantage of and ridiculed for the 258 00:17:39,810 --> 00:17:46,130 Speaker 1: last time, and he wanted justice. However, all the feelings 259 00:17:46,190 --> 00:17:50,139 Speaker 1: of aggression and contempt seemed to melt away when David 260 00:17:50,160 --> 00:17:56,890 Speaker 1: looked ahead to see Abigail. She was undeniably beautiful, disarmingly so. 261 00:17:57,910 --> 00:18:02,070 Speaker 1: But David's anger wouldn't be quelled by a beautiful woman alone. 262 00:18:03,600 --> 00:18:09,239 Speaker 1: David approached Abigail. They stopped midway, taking each other in 263 00:18:09,600 --> 00:18:14,580 Speaker 1: for a long moment before speaking. Abigail broke the silence 264 00:18:15,240 --> 00:18:16,240 Speaker 1: and bowed to David. 265 00:18:16,880 --> 00:18:20,400 Speaker 8: Please, my lord, pardon the household of my husband. Pay 266 00:18:20,420 --> 00:18:24,159 Speaker 8: no attention to his wicked and ignorant comments. He is 267 00:18:24,200 --> 00:18:28,030 Speaker 8: a fool. Folly follows that man like moth to a flame. 268 00:18:28,570 --> 00:18:31,310 Speaker 1: Abigail lifted her head and gestured to the army of 269 00:18:31,410 --> 00:18:36,270 Speaker 1: men behind David. They were waiting at a distance, ready 270 00:18:36,550 --> 00:18:38,090 Speaker 1: for David's order to attack. 271 00:18:38,820 --> 00:18:41,840 Speaker 8: I have provided gifts for you and your men. May 272 00:18:41,880 --> 00:18:44,740 Speaker 8: God bless you for your mercy against the house of Nabal. 273 00:18:45,280 --> 00:18:48,340 Speaker 8: May he give you a long-lasting dynasty because you fight 274 00:18:48,380 --> 00:18:51,940 Speaker 8: the Lord's battles, not petty squabbles because of an obtuse 275 00:18:52,040 --> 00:18:55,760 Speaker 8: and cranky man. Even though King Saul pursues you, your 276 00:18:55,820 --> 00:18:59,359 Speaker 8: life is bound securely by the Lord your God. The 277 00:18:59,400 --> 00:19:01,639 Speaker 8: lives of your enemies will be hurled away like a 278 00:19:01,720 --> 00:19:05,070 Speaker 8: stone from your sling. When God has fulfilled his calling 279 00:19:05,109 --> 00:19:07,450 Speaker 8: for you and made you king, do you want your 280 00:19:07,550 --> 00:19:10,629 Speaker 8: conscience consumed with an act of needless bloodshed? 281 00:19:11,470 --> 00:19:18,620 Speaker 1: Abigail's words were kind, diplomatic, and wise. David noticed that 282 00:19:18,800 --> 00:19:23,580 Speaker 1: she wasn't just fair in appearance, but also adorned with 283 00:19:23,619 --> 00:19:29,939 Speaker 1: an inner beauty. A gentle yet strong spirit dwelled within her. 284 00:19:31,400 --> 00:19:35,900 Speaker 1: David was curious to discover more about it. He looked 285 00:19:35,940 --> 00:19:38,669 Speaker 1: back at his men and gestured for them to be 286 00:19:38,710 --> 00:19:42,649 Speaker 1: at ease. They immediately went for the baskets of bread 287 00:19:42,690 --> 00:19:48,290 Speaker 1: and cakes. David laughed and looked again at Abigail. He 288 00:19:48,330 --> 00:19:53,330 Speaker 1: composed himself. Praise the Lord for you, Abigail. Your good 289 00:19:53,450 --> 00:19:58,149 Speaker 1: judgment has kept me from mindless revenge and petty bloodshed. 290 00:19:58,810 --> 00:20:01,350 Speaker 1: It's not like me to be kindled so easily. 291 00:20:02,150 --> 00:20:05,270 Speaker 6: If God had not sent you, not one male in 292 00:20:05,350 --> 00:20:06,870 Speaker 6: Abel's home would have been left alive. 293 00:20:07,570 --> 00:20:09,650 Speaker 8: I can only imagine what you and your men have 294 00:20:09,670 --> 00:20:12,790 Speaker 8: been through. You've gone beyond what others would have done 295 00:20:12,890 --> 00:20:16,270 Speaker 8: and protected this land. Nabal can't see what I see, 296 00:20:16,830 --> 00:20:19,030 Speaker 8: that you are the next king of Israel. 297 00:20:19,530 --> 00:20:23,050 Speaker 1: Abigail's words were like a balm to David's wounded heart. 298 00:20:24,930 --> 00:20:30,220 Speaker 1: This woman, a stranger, had called out the best in David. 299 00:20:32,320 --> 00:20:36,100 Speaker 1: A bashful grin came across his face, making him chuckle. 300 00:20:38,000 --> 00:20:43,020 Speaker 1: Abigail laughed as well. The two shared a small moment 301 00:20:43,060 --> 00:20:48,880 Speaker 1: of connection, followed by a beautiful silence that David didn't 302 00:20:48,940 --> 00:20:49,560 Speaker 1: want to end. 303 00:20:50,000 --> 00:20:53,760 Speaker 6: Go home in peace, Abigail. Your words have saved both 304 00:20:53,800 --> 00:20:56,460 Speaker 6: your husband's life and my integrity. 305 00:20:57,220 --> 00:21:00,720 Speaker 1: Abigail bowed and returned to her donkey with her maidservants. 306 00:21:02,359 --> 00:21:05,400 Speaker 1: David turned back to enjoy the gifts with his men. 307 00:21:07,420 --> 00:21:13,210 Speaker 1: Both of them resisted the desire. turn around and steal 308 00:21:13,930 --> 00:21:14,670 Speaker 1: another glance. 309 00:21:23,180 --> 00:21:26,020 Speaker 4: Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons 310 00:21:26,080 --> 00:21:31,100 Speaker 4: of God. Jesus highlights the importance of being a peacemaker, 311 00:21:31,619 --> 00:21:37,800 Speaker 4: someone who actively works to reconcile and restore relationships. Peacemaking 312 00:21:37,840 --> 00:21:43,440 Speaker 4: goes beyond avoiding conflict. It involves seeking to bring harmony, understanding, 313 00:21:43,880 --> 00:21:48,700 Speaker 4: and healing in situations of strife. Peacemakers reflect the heart 314 00:21:48,740 --> 00:21:52,560 Speaker 4: of God, who desires peace and reconciliation for His creation. 315 00:21:53,900 --> 00:21:57,070 Speaker 4: As citizens of heaven, we are called to be peacemakers, 316 00:21:57,510 --> 00:22:01,170 Speaker 4: embodying the character of Jesus and bringing God's peace into 317 00:22:01,290 --> 00:22:06,450 Speaker 4: our world. Abigail's story is a powerful illustration of peacemaking 318 00:22:06,590 --> 00:22:11,050 Speaker 4: in action. David, who would later become king, was living 319 00:22:11,070 --> 00:22:14,550 Speaker 4: in the wilderness with his men. During this time, he 320 00:22:14,590 --> 00:22:18,200 Speaker 4: provided protection to the shepherds of a wealthy man named Nabal. 321 00:22:19,260 --> 00:22:21,860 Speaker 4: When David sent his men to ask Nabal for provisions, 322 00:22:22,359 --> 00:22:27,679 Speaker 4: Nabal responded with insults and refused to help. Enraged, David 323 00:22:27,780 --> 00:22:32,200 Speaker 4: planned to destroy Nabal and his household. This doesn't seem 324 00:22:32,240 --> 00:22:34,919 Speaker 4: like the David we know, but keep in mind that 325 00:22:35,060 --> 00:22:37,859 Speaker 4: he's been in the wilderness for a long time, offering 326 00:22:37,960 --> 00:22:41,609 Speaker 4: free protection to the villagers and running from King Saul. 327 00:22:42,470 --> 00:22:47,630 Speaker 4: He's tired, weary, and at the end of himself. This 328 00:22:47,670 --> 00:22:51,390 Speaker 4: doesn't excuse David's behavior, but it does give us insight 329 00:22:51,609 --> 00:22:55,630 Speaker 4: into how we must think as peacemakers. We don't know 330 00:22:55,750 --> 00:22:58,929 Speaker 4: what people are going through. That person who cut you 331 00:22:58,990 --> 00:23:01,840 Speaker 4: off on the freeway may be rushing to the hospital. 332 00:23:02,580 --> 00:23:05,429 Speaker 4: The bully at school may have just lost a loved one. 333 00:23:06,560 --> 00:23:09,330 Speaker 4: A police officer once told me that His job is 334 00:23:09,369 --> 00:23:11,970 Speaker 4: to help people walk through what is most likely the 335 00:23:12,070 --> 00:23:16,389 Speaker 4: worst days of their lives. That perspective helped him to 336 00:23:16,450 --> 00:23:21,470 Speaker 4: navigate tense situations to be a peacemaker. Where he didn't 337 00:23:21,590 --> 00:23:26,330 Speaker 4: immediately villainize others, but rather recognized that the situation was 338 00:23:26,470 --> 00:23:31,130 Speaker 4: likely them at their lowest point. David very nearly made 339 00:23:31,170 --> 00:23:36,900 Speaker 4: a huge mistake. But Abigail intervened to prevent the bloodshed. 340 00:23:38,100 --> 00:23:41,859 Speaker 4: Abigail acted quickly and brought provisions to David, humbly pleading 341 00:23:41,880 --> 00:23:45,320 Speaker 4: for mercy and appealing to his sense of justice and 342 00:23:45,400 --> 00:23:50,419 Speaker 4: future kingship. Her approach not only averted a massacre, but 343 00:23:50,540 --> 00:23:54,939 Speaker 4: also reminded David of his higher calling and his responsibility 344 00:23:54,980 --> 00:23:59,469 Speaker 4: before God. David recognized her wisdom and blessed her for 345 00:23:59,550 --> 00:24:04,830 Speaker 4: preventing him from committing bloodshed and avenging himself. Abigail's intervention 346 00:24:04,910 --> 00:24:09,649 Speaker 4: prevented a violent conflict. She approached David with humility and wisdom, 347 00:24:10,050 --> 00:24:14,510 Speaker 4: offering a peace offering and words of reconciliation. Her actions 348 00:24:14,630 --> 00:24:19,330 Speaker 4: exemplified the true spirit of a peacemaker, bringing about peace 349 00:24:19,910 --> 00:24:24,379 Speaker 4: and preventing bloodshed. How do we march as peacemakers in 350 00:24:24,410 --> 00:24:30,680 Speaker 4: this chaotic and contentious climate? With charged election seasons, family drama, 351 00:24:30,800 --> 00:24:34,320 Speaker 4: and workplace dynamics, how can we rise above the fray 352 00:24:34,740 --> 00:24:38,570 Speaker 4: and be known as children of God? ambassadors of peace 353 00:24:38,690 --> 00:24:42,899 Speaker 4: in the most grueling situations. Here are some traits of 354 00:24:43,220 --> 00:24:50,359 Speaker 4: Christ-like peacemakers. The first trait is proactive peacemaking. Abigail acted 355 00:24:50,460 --> 00:24:55,090 Speaker 4: quickly to address the impending conflict. In our lives, we 356 00:24:55,180 --> 00:24:59,930 Speaker 4: should be proactive in resolving disputes and tensions before they escalate. 357 00:25:01,170 --> 00:25:05,020 Speaker 4: Jesus saw being proactive as so important that He told 358 00:25:05,060 --> 00:25:07,899 Speaker 4: people to refrain from their worship until they reconcile with 359 00:25:07,920 --> 00:25:11,820 Speaker 4: their brothers and sisters. He says this in Matthew 5, 360 00:25:11,820 --> 00:25:16,980 Speaker 4: verses 23 and 24. Therefore, if you are offering your 361 00:25:17,040 --> 00:25:19,660 Speaker 4: gift at the altar, and there remember that your brother 362 00:25:19,720 --> 00:25:23,010 Speaker 4: or sister has something against you, leave your gift there 363 00:25:23,090 --> 00:25:26,429 Speaker 4: in front of the altar. First, go and be reconciled 364 00:25:26,450 --> 00:25:30,170 Speaker 4: to them. Then come and offer your gift. Can I 365 00:25:30,450 --> 00:25:33,980 Speaker 4: translate that into modern terms for you? If you're on 366 00:25:34,010 --> 00:25:37,790 Speaker 4: your way to church and there's an unsettled argument or 367 00:25:37,930 --> 00:25:40,290 Speaker 4: harbored resentment between you and your spouse. 368 00:25:41,150 --> 00:25:41,630 Speaker 1: Pull over. 369 00:25:42,270 --> 00:25:48,590 Speaker 4: Reconcile. Talk things through. Relationships matter that much to God. 370 00:25:49,490 --> 00:25:55,830 Speaker 4: This may involve initiating difficult conversations, offering apologies, or seeking mediation. 371 00:25:55,850 --> 00:26:00,840 Speaker 4: The peacemaker doesn't wait for others to initiate. Like Abigail, 372 00:26:01,340 --> 00:26:04,980 Speaker 4: they take the first step. The second and third traits 373 00:26:05,380 --> 00:26:11,080 Speaker 4: are humility coupled with wisdom. Abigail's humility in addressing David 374 00:26:11,380 --> 00:26:16,700 Speaker 4: played a crucial role in de-escalating the situation. Similarly, approaching 375 00:26:16,830 --> 00:26:20,750 Speaker 4: conflicts with humility and a willingness to listen can open 376 00:26:20,790 --> 00:26:25,570 Speaker 4: the door to reconciliation. Wisdom in our words and actions, 377 00:26:25,990 --> 00:26:30,340 Speaker 4: guided by a desire for peace, can transform potential conflicts 378 00:26:30,840 --> 00:26:37,170 Speaker 4: into opportunities for harmony. Next is an understanding and compassionate heart. 379 00:26:38,750 --> 00:26:43,250 Speaker 4: Abigail demonstrated a deep understanding of David's situation and appealed 380 00:26:43,270 --> 00:26:48,330 Speaker 4: to his conscience. We should strive to understand the perspectives 381 00:26:48,470 --> 00:26:53,880 Speaker 4: and emotions of those involved in conflicts, showing compassion and empathy. 382 00:26:55,400 --> 00:26:59,520 Speaker 4: This can help find common ground and foster mutual respect. 383 00:27:01,040 --> 00:27:04,890 Speaker 4: Ask yourself this. Have I been assuming the people I'm 384 00:27:05,050 --> 00:27:09,000 Speaker 4: arguing with are trying to hurt me? The odds are, 385 00:27:09,380 --> 00:27:12,820 Speaker 4: those you would consider villains aren't stewing in their lairs, 386 00:27:13,180 --> 00:27:17,260 Speaker 4: plotting ways to torture you. Usually, they view themselves as 387 00:27:17,480 --> 00:27:22,030 Speaker 4: good people. It takes a patient and compassionate person to 388 00:27:22,130 --> 00:27:26,709 Speaker 4: steer them in the right direction. Next, and this is 389 00:27:26,750 --> 00:27:32,030 Speaker 4: a big one, peacemakers appeal to people's higher values. Abigail 390 00:27:32,070 --> 00:27:35,430 Speaker 4: reminded David of his calling and his future as a king, 391 00:27:36,490 --> 00:27:39,650 Speaker 4: encouraging him to act in accordance with his higher values. 392 00:27:40,750 --> 00:27:43,770 Speaker 4: In our efforts to make peace, we can remind others 393 00:27:44,230 --> 00:27:48,750 Speaker 4: and ourselves of shared values and goals, promoting actions that 394 00:27:48,830 --> 00:27:53,170 Speaker 4: align with our principles and faith. Sometimes we can get 395 00:27:53,270 --> 00:27:56,869 Speaker 4: lost in the madness of our circumstances and forget the 396 00:27:56,910 --> 00:28:00,680 Speaker 4: bigger picture. In the storms of strife, we can forget 397 00:28:00,740 --> 00:28:05,010 Speaker 4: what anchors us. Peacemakers must be able to appeal to 398 00:28:05,150 --> 00:28:08,810 Speaker 4: people's sense of honor, their duty to a higher purpose, 399 00:28:09,250 --> 00:28:13,150 Speaker 4: and their values. He hears a saying many spouses can 400 00:28:13,190 --> 00:28:18,210 Speaker 4: take into their marriage. Call people up, not out. Calling 401 00:28:18,280 --> 00:28:21,940 Speaker 4: somebody out exposes them for the wrong they've done, making 402 00:28:21,980 --> 00:28:26,350 Speaker 4: them feel guilty and ashamed. Calling people up helps them 403 00:28:26,410 --> 00:28:29,390 Speaker 4: realize that they aren't living up to the potential God 404 00:28:29,430 --> 00:28:36,040 Speaker 4: gave them. Lastly, peacemakers reflect God's peace. As peacemakers, we 405 00:28:36,140 --> 00:28:40,140 Speaker 4: embody the peace of Christ. Remember the story of Jesus 406 00:28:40,380 --> 00:28:44,180 Speaker 4: calming the storm? We talked about how peace isn't the 407 00:28:44,360 --> 00:28:48,010 Speaker 4: absence of storms, but the presence of Jesus in the storm. 408 00:28:48,710 --> 00:28:53,890 Speaker 4: Peacemakers bring Jesus into the storm. You aren't the hero 409 00:28:54,030 --> 00:28:57,820 Speaker 4: trying to save people. You're just a blind beggar leading 410 00:28:57,980 --> 00:29:01,940 Speaker 4: other blind beggars to where the bread is. Jesus is 411 00:29:01,980 --> 00:29:05,180 Speaker 4: the answer, not you. The sooner you get that into 412 00:29:05,220 --> 00:29:09,860 Speaker 4: your head, the sooner you become a true peacemaker. As 413 00:29:09,900 --> 00:29:13,440 Speaker 4: we reflect on Jesus' words, blessed are the peacemakers, for 414 00:29:13,480 --> 00:29:16,440 Speaker 4: they shall be called sons of God, and the story 415 00:29:16,460 --> 00:29:21,590 Speaker 4: of Abigail's wise and courageous peacemaking. Let us strive to 416 00:29:21,610 --> 00:29:25,500 Speaker 4: be peacemakers in our lives. May we act quickly to 417 00:29:25,540 --> 00:29:31,459 Speaker 4: resolve conflicts, approach with humility, seek reconciliation, offer peace offerings, 418 00:29:31,960 --> 00:29:35,290 Speaker 4: and reflect God's peace. Let us pray for the grace 419 00:29:35,350 --> 00:29:39,370 Speaker 4: to be true citizens of heaven, living out the peace 420 00:29:39,450 --> 00:29:43,890 Speaker 4: that God does. for His creation. Thanks again for listening 421 00:29:43,910 --> 00:29:47,770 Speaker 4: to the Jesus Podcast. You know what to do. Like, subscribe, 422 00:29:47,830 --> 00:29:50,340 Speaker 4: and share it with your friends. We'll see you next 423 00:29:50,380 --> 00:29:52,760 Speaker 4: time as we dive into a love story between a 424 00:29:52,820 --> 00:29:54,920 Speaker 4: young warrior and a captive beauty.