1 00:00:00,460 --> 00:00:04,400 Speaker 1: Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children 2 00:00:04,660 --> 00:00:12,750 Speaker 1: of God. Matthew 5.9 Heavenly Father, teach us the path 3 00:00:13,230 --> 00:00:18,470 Speaker 1: of peace. Empower us to change every space we enter, 4 00:00:19,329 --> 00:00:25,310 Speaker 1: creating harmony and unity among those around us. Teach us 5 00:00:25,370 --> 00:00:33,880 Speaker 1: to be the architects of peace. actively constructing bridges, not barriers, healing, 6 00:00:34,640 --> 00:00:38,900 Speaker 1: not hurting. Let us be known for our ability to 7 00:00:39,020 --> 00:00:45,120 Speaker 1: unite people, standing firm for justice and truth, yet never 8 00:00:45,200 --> 00:00:49,280 Speaker 1: allowing our convictions to give way to hostility or hatred. 9 00:00:50,950 --> 00:00:55,770 Speaker 1: Grant us the wisdom to navigate conflict with grace and courage. 10 00:00:57,160 --> 00:01:02,480 Speaker 1: always seeking the path that leads to reconciliation. Help us 11 00:01:02,520 --> 00:01:08,350 Speaker 1: to mirror your love and patience in our interactions, displaying 12 00:01:08,430 --> 00:01:14,210 Speaker 1: the gentle strength that underpins true peacemaking. Lord, as we 13 00:01:14,270 --> 00:01:19,270 Speaker 1: strive to live in Christ's example, let our lives reflect 14 00:01:19,310 --> 00:01:23,770 Speaker 1: a deep commitment to peace, not just in our words, 15 00:01:24,750 --> 00:01:31,270 Speaker 1: but through our every action. May we truly be your peacemakers, 16 00:01:32,910 --> 00:01:40,520 Speaker 1: bearing the title of your children with honor. Amen. Thank 17 00:01:40,560 --> 00:01:44,380 Speaker 1: you for praying with me today. Today's episode of the 18 00:01:44,420 --> 00:01:49,120 Speaker 1: Jesus Podcast is for those who long to be peacemakers. 19 00:01:50,780 --> 00:01:54,390 Speaker 1: While others fight to the top, we march to a 20 00:01:54,490 --> 00:01:59,640 Speaker 1: different drum. If these stories have inspired you, we'd love 21 00:01:59,680 --> 00:02:03,440 Speaker 1: it if you'd follow us and left a review. Thanks 22 00:02:03,480 --> 00:02:09,380 Speaker 1: for listening. The mount was alive with truth, pouring forth 23 00:02:09,440 --> 00:02:14,299 Speaker 1: from Jesus' lips like a fresh spring. With a joyful shout, 24 00:02:14,740 --> 00:02:18,380 Speaker 1: Jesus heralded a new way to live in light of 25 00:02:18,520 --> 00:02:23,000 Speaker 1: God's kingdom. He redefined what it meant to be blessed 26 00:02:23,500 --> 00:02:25,340 Speaker 1: and first in God's kingdom. 27 00:02:25,800 --> 00:02:29,200 Speaker 2: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the 28 00:02:29,260 --> 00:02:33,209 Speaker 2: kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they 29 00:02:33,280 --> 00:02:37,549 Speaker 2: shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will 30 00:02:37,610 --> 00:02:42,230 Speaker 2: inherit the earth. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst 31 00:02:42,290 --> 00:02:48,030 Speaker 2: for righteousness, for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful, 32 00:02:48,669 --> 00:02:53,019 Speaker 2: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, 33 00:02:53,560 --> 00:02:54,460 Speaker 2: for they. 34 00:02:54,560 --> 00:02:55,400 Speaker 3: Shall see. 35 00:02:57,080 --> 00:03:01,660 Speaker 1: Jesus' words packed a punch to people's egos, but also 36 00:03:01,760 --> 00:03:06,160 Speaker 1: inspired them to rise up and reach their full potential. 37 00:03:07,940 --> 00:03:15,810 Speaker 1: With another bold declaration, Jesus shouted, Peacemakers are. 38 00:03:19,150 --> 00:03:23,290 Speaker 4: Not people-pleasers. They march to the drum of Christ's heartbeat 39 00:03:23,750 --> 00:03:28,210 Speaker 4: and encourage others to come alongside them. Welcome to the 40 00:03:28,270 --> 00:03:31,890 Speaker 4: Jesus Podcast, a year of stories showcasing the depth of 41 00:03:31,990 --> 00:03:35,460 Speaker 4: Christ's love through storytelling and the truth of God's Word 42 00:03:35,780 --> 00:03:42,080 Speaker 4: through honest reflection. I'm Ethan, one of your hosts from Pray.com. Today, 43 00:03:42,360 --> 00:03:46,040 Speaker 4: we continue our journey through the Beatitudes from Jesus' Sermon 44 00:03:46,080 --> 00:03:50,640 Speaker 4: on the Mount. Our focus is on Matthew 5, verse 9, 45 00:03:50,640 --> 00:03:53,420 Speaker 4: which states, Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be 46 00:03:53,480 --> 00:03:57,590 Speaker 4: called sons of God. we will explore the meaning of 47 00:03:57,630 --> 00:04:01,430 Speaker 4: being a peacemaker, how this virtue is exemplified in the 48 00:04:01,450 --> 00:04:06,410 Speaker 4: story of David and Abigail in 1 Samuel 25, verses 18-35, 49 00:04:07,780 --> 00:04:11,000 Speaker 4: and how we can embody these values in our daily lives. 50 00:04:13,360 --> 00:04:16,980 Speaker 1: Cutting through the narrow road from Paran to Carmel, a 51 00:04:17,000 --> 00:04:19,640 Speaker 1: group of young men herded their sheep back to their 52 00:04:19,690 --> 00:04:24,250 Speaker 1: master's property. The road cut through some trees on the 53 00:04:24,350 --> 00:04:28,590 Speaker 1: outskirts of the wilderness. providing shade for them and their flock. 54 00:04:30,250 --> 00:04:34,630 Speaker 1: It was a warm spring afternoon. The birds chirped and 55 00:04:34,730 --> 00:04:38,630 Speaker 1: flew from branch to branch, singing sweet melodies to the 56 00:04:38,690 --> 00:04:44,010 Speaker 1: travelers down below. However, their songs were not a comfort 57 00:04:44,050 --> 00:04:48,330 Speaker 1: to the young men. They knew that the bending road 58 00:04:48,410 --> 00:04:53,390 Speaker 1: beside the forest was filled with bandits and raiders from 59 00:04:53,440 --> 00:04:58,539 Speaker 1: the western tribes of Philistia. The young shepherds held their 60 00:04:58,600 --> 00:05:02,180 Speaker 1: staffs tightly and turned their heads at the sound of 61 00:05:02,400 --> 00:05:03,580 Speaker 1: every broken tweak. 62 00:05:04,260 --> 00:05:07,620 Speaker 5: Master Nabel wasn't right to send us out here without guards. 63 00:05:08,260 --> 00:05:13,839 Speaker 1: One of them said with a trembling voice. Another said, 64 00:05:15,240 --> 00:05:19,080 Speaker 1: All ten of the shepherds were young and inexperienced in combat. 65 00:05:20,390 --> 00:05:24,470 Speaker 1: They knew that if bandits came, they would be utterly defenseless. 66 00:05:26,300 --> 00:05:29,960 Speaker 1: The tree covering became thick, and the sun was nearly 67 00:05:30,040 --> 00:05:35,520 Speaker 1: blocked entirely. As darkness shrouded the young men and their sheep, 68 00:05:36,339 --> 00:05:40,960 Speaker 1: a rustling could be heard from the darkness. Before the 69 00:05:41,000 --> 00:05:45,050 Speaker 1: men could brace themselves, a group of bandits emerged from 70 00:05:45,089 --> 00:05:50,010 Speaker 1: the shadows to attack. The sheep scattered in fear as 71 00:05:50,070 --> 00:05:55,160 Speaker 1: the shepherds desperately tried to defend themselves. They were thrust 72 00:05:55,180 --> 00:05:58,370 Speaker 1: to the ground by the bandits, who brought their swords 73 00:05:58,450 --> 00:06:02,130 Speaker 1: up to their necks, posturing to swipe them across their throats. 74 00:06:03,870 --> 00:06:08,390 Speaker 1: Yet before they could move another inch, a stone whistled 75 00:06:08,430 --> 00:06:11,280 Speaker 1: through the air and hit one of them directly in 76 00:06:11,320 --> 00:06:16,179 Speaker 1: the forehead. The crack of the skull preceded a large 77 00:06:16,339 --> 00:06:20,180 Speaker 1: thud of the bandit hitting the floor. The rest of 78 00:06:20,220 --> 00:06:24,000 Speaker 1: them looked over, and gasped as David and his men 79 00:06:24,160 --> 00:06:31,020 Speaker 1: stormed forward. The bandits ran for their lives, but David 80 00:06:31,080 --> 00:06:36,620 Speaker 1: wouldn't let them leave without tasting justice. David and his 81 00:06:36,720 --> 00:06:40,219 Speaker 1: men wrangled them to the floor and took back what 82 00:06:40,279 --> 00:06:45,339 Speaker 1: was stolen. They released the bandits, but not without swift 83 00:06:45,440 --> 00:06:50,529 Speaker 1: blows to the ribs and wounds on their legs. Bruised 84 00:06:50,589 --> 00:06:56,640 Speaker 1: and beaten, The bandits retreated back to the shadows. David 85 00:06:56,740 --> 00:06:59,380 Speaker 1: helped the shepherds to their feet and brought them back 86 00:06:59,420 --> 00:07:02,750 Speaker 1: to his camp. He treated them to a warm meal. 87 00:07:04,690 --> 00:07:07,050 Speaker 1: David crouched by the fire and smiled. 88 00:07:07,690 --> 00:07:10,170 Speaker 3: My men have retrieved the rest of your sheep. All 89 00:07:10,210 --> 00:07:12,810 Speaker 3: will be returned to your master. Where do you come from? 90 00:07:13,500 --> 00:07:14,260 Speaker 3: Thank you, sir. 91 00:07:14,790 --> 00:07:18,340 Speaker 5: We are very grateful. We are servants of Master Nabal. 92 00:07:18,900 --> 00:07:22,820 Speaker 5: His land is at Carmel. He's an incredibly wealthy man, 93 00:07:22,900 --> 00:07:24,460 Speaker 5: but he's very strict. 94 00:07:25,000 --> 00:07:27,380 Speaker 3: It brings us great relief that you have saved us. 95 00:07:28,000 --> 00:07:31,620 Speaker 5: If those bandits did not kill us, surely Nabal would have. 96 00:07:31,940 --> 00:07:35,020 Speaker 6: David acknowledged their gratitude. We have been here for a 97 00:07:35,060 --> 00:07:38,530 Speaker 6: few months now. There are many evil men about seeking 98 00:07:38,570 --> 00:07:41,880 Speaker 6: to rob vulnerable travellers. We've been keeping a close eye 99 00:07:41,920 --> 00:07:46,220 Speaker 6: on the roads, ensuring that no harm comes to anyone. However, 100 00:07:46,960 --> 00:07:50,160 Speaker 6: keeping ourselves and others safe has been quite a weary task. 101 00:07:50,620 --> 00:07:52,980 Speaker 6: It would certainly be nice to share a warm meal 102 00:07:53,040 --> 00:07:56,180 Speaker 6: during this festive time. Do you think your master might 103 00:07:56,220 --> 00:08:00,580 Speaker 6: return our kindness with some hospitality? My men need some 104 00:08:00,660 --> 00:08:03,520 Speaker 6: rest from the long days and the cold nights. 105 00:08:04,200 --> 00:08:07,690 Speaker 1: The shepherds looked at one another, not sure if Nabal 106 00:08:07,750 --> 00:08:12,050 Speaker 1: would be the sort to accept David's request. However, they 107 00:08:12,270 --> 00:08:12,870 Speaker 1: had to pay. 108 00:08:13,310 --> 00:08:16,570 Speaker 3: We could inquire of our master on your behalf. It's 109 00:08:16,610 --> 00:08:17,570 Speaker 3: the least we could do. 110 00:08:17,870 --> 00:08:22,620 Speaker 1: They ventured off with their sheep to their master. David 111 00:08:22,680 --> 00:08:26,780 Speaker 1: watched them leave, hopeful that he and his men could 112 00:08:26,800 --> 00:08:31,500 Speaker 1: get one act of kindness. Just one. The young men 113 00:08:31,640 --> 00:08:36,620 Speaker 1: entered the great halls of Nabal's home. Large cedar beams 114 00:08:36,840 --> 00:08:40,480 Speaker 1: held up the high ceilings, and servants laced the halls. 115 00:08:41,270 --> 00:08:44,530 Speaker 1: preparing yet another large feast for Nabal and his friends. 116 00:08:46,770 --> 00:08:49,119 Speaker 1: Nabal sat in a prominent seat in the center of 117 00:08:49,140 --> 00:08:51,179 Speaker 1: the room, like a king would. 118 00:08:51,240 --> 00:08:51,880 Speaker 4: On his throne. 119 00:08:53,200 --> 00:08:57,340 Speaker 1: He was a large and foul-looking man. His haggard beard 120 00:08:57,400 --> 00:09:01,280 Speaker 1: hid the rotting teeth in his mouth. He sat on 121 00:09:01,320 --> 00:09:06,309 Speaker 1: his throne, as he often did, half-drunk, and berated his servants. 122 00:09:07,590 --> 00:09:12,520 Speaker 1: Beside him was his wife, Abigail, She was a young woman, 123 00:09:13,240 --> 00:09:17,540 Speaker 1: given to him in marriage by her father. Unlike her 124 00:09:17,660 --> 00:09:22,490 Speaker 1: surly and moronic husband, Abigail was a kind and wise 125 00:09:22,570 --> 00:09:28,370 Speaker 1: young woman. She held herself with honor and dignity, treating 126 00:09:28,390 --> 00:09:34,760 Speaker 1: the household servants with respect and compassion. However, even her 127 00:09:34,900 --> 00:09:39,380 Speaker 1: calm and elegant demeanor could not offset the flagrant nature 128 00:09:39,600 --> 00:09:44,390 Speaker 1: of her husband. He raged against his entire household and 129 00:09:44,450 --> 00:09:50,910 Speaker 1: abused his authority. The shepherds approached with caution, with David's 130 00:09:50,990 --> 00:09:57,840 Speaker 1: escorts close behind. Nabal glared at them and pointed to 131 00:09:57,900 --> 00:09:59,480 Speaker 1: the strangers entering his halls. 132 00:10:00,080 --> 00:10:05,800 Speaker 7: Well, not only do you come late with the sheep, 133 00:10:06,940 --> 00:10:10,140 Speaker 7: but you bring strangers into my home. 134 00:10:12,470 --> 00:10:14,010 Speaker 4: Explain yourselves! 135 00:10:14,600 --> 00:10:18,600 Speaker 5: Lord, we were attacked on the road by bandits. They 136 00:10:18,660 --> 00:10:23,260 Speaker 5: took our sheep and nearly took our lives. Yet praise 137 00:10:23,480 --> 00:10:27,670 Speaker 5: God that David and his men came swiftly to our 138 00:10:27,850 --> 00:10:32,470 Speaker 5: aid and saved us. These are his servants. They are 139 00:10:32,530 --> 00:10:35,689 Speaker 5: here to humbly request your hospitality. 140 00:10:36,230 --> 00:10:39,790 Speaker 1: Just as David's servants were about to speak, Nabal raised 141 00:10:39,830 --> 00:10:41,910 Speaker 1: his hands and began to chuckle. 142 00:10:42,309 --> 00:10:42,510 Speaker 2: David! 143 00:10:42,530 --> 00:10:45,240 Speaker 3: David! Who's David? 144 00:10:47,140 --> 00:10:55,170 Speaker 7: Oh, that outlaw son of Jesse. I see many slaves 145 00:10:55,290 --> 00:10:57,530 Speaker 7: are leaving their masters these days. 146 00:10:57,990 --> 00:11:00,950 Speaker 1: He leaned over and spat in the servant's direction. 147 00:11:01,429 --> 00:11:05,470 Speaker 7: Why should I offer my bread, my meat and water, 148 00:11:05,490 --> 00:11:15,250 Speaker 7: and give it to some worthless nobody like him? Get 149 00:11:15,350 --> 00:11:18,130 Speaker 7: out of my sight before a coma dog's on ya. 150 00:11:18,650 --> 00:11:23,530 Speaker 1: David's men said nothing. They simply bowed and left the halls. 151 00:11:25,230 --> 00:11:31,059 Speaker 1: Nabal continued to laugh and drink, leaning back in his seat, satisfied. 152 00:11:32,920 --> 00:11:34,620 Speaker 1: Abigail peered over to them. 153 00:11:35,420 --> 00:11:37,819 Speaker 8: Are you certain you want to insult the man who 154 00:11:37,860 --> 00:11:39,600 Speaker 8: saved Israel from the Philistines? 155 00:11:40,340 --> 00:11:43,490 Speaker 1: Nabal glared at his wife. He spat to the side. 156 00:11:44,130 --> 00:11:45,640 Speaker 1: and held out an empty cup. 157 00:11:46,080 --> 00:11:49,040 Speaker 3: Get me more wine, wife. 158 00:11:50,679 --> 00:11:54,120 Speaker 7: You're more beautiful when you quietly fill my cup. 159 00:11:56,210 --> 00:12:00,210 Speaker 1: Abigail said nothing. She took her husband's cup and left 160 00:12:00,270 --> 00:12:05,750 Speaker 1: into the kitchen. David's men arrived that night. All the 161 00:12:05,830 --> 00:12:10,200 Speaker 1: others were sitting by the fires, eating and laughing. David 162 00:12:10,320 --> 00:12:14,860 Speaker 1: was among them. telling valiant stories of battle beside Jonathan. 163 00:12:16,720 --> 00:12:20,850 Speaker 1: When the servants approached, he could tell they were despondent. 164 00:12:21,410 --> 00:12:22,910 Speaker 3: Why the downcast face, brothers? 165 00:12:23,670 --> 00:12:25,530 Speaker 1: The men sat down and rubbed their faces. 166 00:12:26,130 --> 00:12:28,170 Speaker 3: Nabal has rejected our request. 167 00:12:28,710 --> 00:12:29,850 Speaker 8: What? Why? 168 00:12:30,370 --> 00:12:33,390 Speaker 5: Well, he said he didn't want to waste his resources 169 00:12:33,480 --> 00:12:33,710 Speaker 5: on a. 170 00:12:34,040 --> 00:12:38,260 Speaker 3: Nobody like you. He called you a slave who ran 171 00:12:38,300 --> 00:12:39,440 Speaker 3: away from his master. 172 00:12:39,910 --> 00:12:44,880 Speaker 1: David's entire countenance changed. The rest of the men stepped back, 173 00:12:45,640 --> 00:12:50,979 Speaker 1: feeling the anger leaking from his pores. David's bones were 174 00:12:51,200 --> 00:12:55,819 Speaker 1: shaking in rage. He stood to his feet and stormed 175 00:12:55,860 --> 00:12:59,660 Speaker 1: to his tent. The men wondered if he had retreated 176 00:12:59,720 --> 00:13:02,660 Speaker 1: for the night to think and pray, as he often did. 177 00:13:04,090 --> 00:13:08,570 Speaker 1: He didn't. He emerged from the tent, fully clothed in 178 00:13:08,630 --> 00:13:12,069 Speaker 1: his armor, with his sword strapped to his side. 179 00:13:12,590 --> 00:13:13,430 Speaker 3: Gather your weapons! 180 00:13:14,070 --> 00:13:16,530 Speaker 1: Each retrieved their weapons and stood at attention. 181 00:13:17,050 --> 00:13:20,030 Speaker 9: I won't allow Nabal to dishonor us after everything we've done. 182 00:13:19,890 --> 00:13:23,270 Speaker 3: For his land. It's a disgrace! A disgrace, I tell you! 183 00:13:23,830 --> 00:13:25,880 Speaker 3: I will not allow him to spite us! 184 00:13:26,570 --> 00:13:29,449 Speaker 1: He turned to his messenger and placed an urgent hand 185 00:13:29,570 --> 00:13:30,130 Speaker 1: on his chest. 186 00:13:30,670 --> 00:13:33,330 Speaker 3: Go and tell the shepherds to take cover. 187 00:13:33,950 --> 00:13:37,480 Speaker 5: Destruction is on its way to the house of Nabal. 188 00:13:38,020 --> 00:13:41,740 Speaker 1: The men marched silently, No one dared speak to David 189 00:13:42,280 --> 00:13:47,510 Speaker 1: or question his judgment. David didn't boil with fury often, 190 00:13:48,450 --> 00:13:52,330 Speaker 1: but when he did, the men knew not to approach him. 191 00:13:54,130 --> 00:13:54,710 Speaker 3: Abigail! 192 00:13:55,110 --> 00:13:57,730 Speaker 1: The door burst open, and one of the shepherds came 193 00:13:57,770 --> 00:13:58,410 Speaker 1: into her room. 194 00:13:59,240 --> 00:14:01,839 Speaker 3: I'm sorry, mistress, but I'm going to speak with you. 195 00:14:02,140 --> 00:14:02,640 Speaker 8: What's wrong? 196 00:14:03,020 --> 00:14:06,320 Speaker 5: I fear David's anger has been kindled against Nabal. 197 00:14:06,840 --> 00:14:08,720 Speaker 3: He's marching towards us as we speak. 198 00:14:09,260 --> 00:14:12,079 Speaker 8: Is this David so fragile that he would kill my 199 00:14:12,140 --> 00:14:13,860 Speaker 8: husband just for insulting him? 200 00:14:14,350 --> 00:14:16,900 Speaker 5: That's not it at all, my lady. David and his 201 00:14:16,950 --> 00:14:20,070 Speaker 5: men were very good to us. They put their own 202 00:14:20,150 --> 00:14:22,450 Speaker 5: lives in danger to help us when they could have 203 00:14:22,530 --> 00:14:25,850 Speaker 5: simply looked the other way. They've been protecting the entire 204 00:14:25,930 --> 00:14:30,150 Speaker 5: region for months now. The entire territory is better off 205 00:14:30,210 --> 00:14:34,050 Speaker 5: because of David. Now, do you understand why David would 206 00:14:34,090 --> 00:14:35,170 Speaker 5: be so insulted? 207 00:14:35,730 --> 00:14:39,170 Speaker 8: My husband is a stubborn man. Even if David threatens 208 00:14:39,210 --> 00:14:41,850 Speaker 8: his life, I can't convince him to apologize. 209 00:14:42,410 --> 00:14:46,030 Speaker 1: Abigail pondered for a moment. She tied up her hair 210 00:14:46,450 --> 00:14:47,530 Speaker 1: and rolled up her sleeves. 211 00:14:48,170 --> 00:14:50,130 Speaker 8: Come down with me. We shall make this right. 212 00:14:50,670 --> 00:14:54,460 Speaker 1: Abigail ventured to the ovens and kitchen. She clapped her 213 00:14:54,480 --> 00:14:57,000 Speaker 1: hands together and grabbed the attention of the servants. 214 00:14:57,520 --> 00:14:59,200 Speaker 8: Come with me. We haven't got much time. 215 00:14:59,660 --> 00:15:04,620 Speaker 1: Together, they baked and gathered 200 loaves of bread. They 216 00:15:04,680 --> 00:15:09,270 Speaker 1: poured two skins of wine, five-dress sheep, and five seas 217 00:15:09,450 --> 00:15:15,890 Speaker 1: of roasted grain. Abigail and the others also made a 218 00:15:15,970 --> 00:15:19,609 Speaker 1: hundred raisin cakes and two hundred cakes of fresh figs. 219 00:15:20,230 --> 00:15:22,930 Speaker 8: Help me gather everything in baskets. We shall load them 220 00:15:22,990 --> 00:15:23,590 Speaker 8: on my donkey. 221 00:15:24,000 --> 00:15:28,300 Speaker 1: Abigail was a steady commander of her household. She remained 222 00:15:28,440 --> 00:15:33,760 Speaker 1: calm but urgent. She was intent on making peace. 223 00:15:34,640 --> 00:15:36,100 Speaker 8: Quickly, it's almost dawn. 224 00:15:36,730 --> 00:15:40,100 Speaker 1: Once the baskets were loaded onto a donkey, she sent 225 00:15:40,160 --> 00:15:43,400 Speaker 1: two of her maidservants to go and deliver them to David. 226 00:15:43,980 --> 00:15:46,000 Speaker 8: Go and meet the men before they come and attack. 227 00:15:46,360 --> 00:15:47,940 Speaker 8: Tell them I will be close behind. 228 00:15:48,840 --> 00:15:52,530 Speaker 1: The sun rose over the mountain range. David and his 229 00:15:52,590 --> 00:15:56,530 Speaker 1: men stood in the narrow ravine, looking down at Nabal's estate. 230 00:15:58,230 --> 00:16:02,490 Speaker 1: The sun's rays burst forth uninhibited by any cloud covering. 231 00:16:04,520 --> 00:16:07,270 Speaker 1: The warmth of the new morning was a sweet relief 232 00:16:07,470 --> 00:16:12,930 Speaker 1: to David's men, who had been marching all night. David 233 00:16:13,050 --> 00:16:17,420 Speaker 1: drew his sword and breathed in deeply. He was unable 234 00:16:17,460 --> 00:16:23,060 Speaker 1: to calm himself all night. His fury was steady and unwavering. 235 00:16:23,620 --> 00:16:26,650 Speaker 9: It's been useless watching over this man's property all these 236 00:16:26,750 --> 00:16:30,570 Speaker 9: weeks and keeping his servants safe. I'm done paying this 237 00:16:30,630 --> 00:16:33,390 Speaker 9: man kindness only to be repaid in insults. 238 00:16:33,930 --> 00:16:35,630 Speaker 3: He paid back evil for good. 239 00:16:35,950 --> 00:16:40,130 Speaker 9: May God deal with me severely if I leave one 240 00:16:40,190 --> 00:16:43,460 Speaker 9: of his men alive by the time the day is finished. 241 00:16:43,820 --> 00:16:46,740 Speaker 1: David turned back to his men and gestured for them 242 00:16:46,920 --> 00:16:53,080 Speaker 1: to move forward. Just as they began marching, three figures appeared. 243 00:16:53,370 --> 00:17:00,100 Speaker 1: In the distance, two women and a donkey approached. David 244 00:17:00,180 --> 00:17:04,400 Speaker 1: held his men back and allowed them to come. They 245 00:17:04,480 --> 00:17:09,190 Speaker 1: bowed before David and presented him with the gifts of cakes, bread, 246 00:17:09,590 --> 00:17:10,070 Speaker 1: and wine. 247 00:17:10,890 --> 00:17:13,869 Speaker 8: Our Lord David, here is a gift from the house 248 00:17:13,930 --> 00:17:14,550 Speaker 8: of Nabal. 249 00:17:14,890 --> 00:17:17,090 Speaker 1: They looked at the baskets, puzzled. 250 00:17:17,750 --> 00:17:18,090 Speaker 7: What? 251 00:17:18,560 --> 00:17:19,879 Speaker 3: Nabal sent these himself? 252 00:17:20,600 --> 00:17:23,959 Speaker 8: Not Nabal, but our mistress Abigail. She is on her 253 00:17:24,020 --> 00:17:25,119 Speaker 8: way to greet you now. 254 00:17:25,619 --> 00:17:29,310 Speaker 1: David looked back at his men, still teeming with rage 255 00:17:29,530 --> 00:17:34,649 Speaker 1: against Nabal. His disgruntled heart was still itching for a fight. 256 00:17:36,270 --> 00:17:39,649 Speaker 1: He had been taken advantage of and ridiculed for the 257 00:17:39,790 --> 00:17:46,120 Speaker 1: last time, and he wanted justice. However, all the feelings 258 00:17:46,160 --> 00:17:50,100 Speaker 1: of aggression and contempt seemed to melt away when David 259 00:17:50,140 --> 00:17:56,860 Speaker 1: looked ahead to see Abigail. She was undeniably beautiful, disarmingly so. 260 00:17:57,900 --> 00:18:02,060 Speaker 1: But David's anger wouldn't be quelled by a beautiful woman alone. 261 00:18:03,580 --> 00:18:09,220 Speaker 1: David approached Abigail. They stopped midway, taking each other in 262 00:18:09,580 --> 00:18:14,570 Speaker 1: for a long moment before speaking. Abigail broke the silence 263 00:18:15,210 --> 00:18:16,230 Speaker 1: and bowed to David. 264 00:18:16,869 --> 00:18:20,370 Speaker 8: Please, my lord, pardon the household of my husband. Pay 265 00:18:20,410 --> 00:18:24,149 Speaker 8: no attention to his wicked and ignorant comments. He is 266 00:18:24,170 --> 00:18:27,990 Speaker 8: a fool. Folly follows that man like moth to a flame. 267 00:18:28,530 --> 00:18:31,290 Speaker 1: Abigail lifted her head and gestured to the army of 268 00:18:31,369 --> 00:18:36,250 Speaker 1: men behind David. They were waiting at a distance, ready 269 00:18:36,510 --> 00:18:38,050 Speaker 1: for David's order to attack. 270 00:18:38,770 --> 00:18:41,800 Speaker 8: I have provided gifts for you and your men. May 271 00:18:41,859 --> 00:18:44,699 Speaker 8: God bless you for your mercy against the house of Nabal. 272 00:18:45,260 --> 00:18:48,300 Speaker 8: May he give you a long-lasting dynasty because you fight 273 00:18:48,359 --> 00:18:51,919 Speaker 8: the Lord's battles, not petty squabbles because of an obtuse 274 00:18:52,000 --> 00:18:55,720 Speaker 8: and cranky man. Even though King Saul pursues you, your 275 00:18:55,800 --> 00:18:59,320 Speaker 8: life is bound securely by the Lord your God. The 276 00:18:59,359 --> 00:19:01,619 Speaker 8: lives of your enemies will be hurled away like a 277 00:19:01,700 --> 00:19:05,030 Speaker 8: stone from your sling. When God has fulfilled his calling 278 00:19:05,070 --> 00:19:07,430 Speaker 8: for you and made you king, do you want your 279 00:19:07,530 --> 00:19:10,590 Speaker 8: conscience consumed with an act of needless bloodshed? 280 00:19:11,450 --> 00:19:18,580 Speaker 1: Abigail's words were kind, diplomatic, and wise. David noticed that 281 00:19:18,780 --> 00:19:23,540 Speaker 1: she wasn't just fair in appearance, but also adorned with 282 00:19:23,600 --> 00:19:29,919 Speaker 1: an inner beauty. A gentle yet strong spirit dwelled within her. 283 00:19:31,380 --> 00:19:35,870 Speaker 1: David was curious to discover more about it. He looked 284 00:19:35,920 --> 00:19:38,629 Speaker 1: back at his men and gestured for them to be 285 00:19:38,670 --> 00:19:42,609 Speaker 1: at ease. They immediately went for the baskets of bread 286 00:19:42,670 --> 00:19:48,250 Speaker 1: and cakes. David laughed and looked again at Abigail. He 287 00:19:48,310 --> 00:19:53,310 Speaker 1: composed himself. Praise the Lord for you, Abigail. Your good 288 00:19:53,430 --> 00:19:58,129 Speaker 1: judgment has kept me from mindless revenge and petty bloodshed. 289 00:19:58,790 --> 00:20:01,310 Speaker 1: It's not like me to be kindled so easily. 290 00:20:02,130 --> 00:20:05,230 Speaker 5: If God had not sent you, not one male in 291 00:20:05,300 --> 00:20:06,860 Speaker 5: Nabal's home would have been left alive. 292 00:20:07,540 --> 00:20:09,620 Speaker 8: I can only imagine what you and your men have 293 00:20:09,660 --> 00:20:12,750 Speaker 8: been through You've gone beyond what others would have done 294 00:20:12,869 --> 00:20:16,230 Speaker 8: and protected this land. Nabal can't see what I see, 295 00:20:16,810 --> 00:20:19,010 Speaker 8: that you are the next king of Israel. 296 00:20:19,510 --> 00:20:23,020 Speaker 1: Abigail's words were like a balm to David's wounded heart. 297 00:20:24,920 --> 00:20:30,200 Speaker 1: This woman, a stranger, had called out the best in David. 298 00:20:32,280 --> 00:20:36,070 Speaker 1: A bashful grin came across his face, making him chuckle. 299 00:20:37,970 --> 00:20:42,980 Speaker 1: Abigail laughed as well. The two shared a small moment 300 00:20:43,030 --> 00:20:48,850 Speaker 1: of connection, followed by a beautiful silence that David didn't 301 00:20:48,930 --> 00:20:49,510 Speaker 1: want to end. 302 00:20:49,970 --> 00:20:51,450 Speaker 3: Go home in peace, Abigail. 303 00:20:52,010 --> 00:20:55,030 Speaker 5: Your words have saved both your husband's life. 304 00:20:55,470 --> 00:20:56,449 Speaker 3: And my integrity. 305 00:20:57,200 --> 00:21:00,719 Speaker 1: Abigail bowed and returned to her donkey with her maidservants. 306 00:21:02,340 --> 00:21:05,380 Speaker 1: David turned back to enjoy the gifts with his men. 307 00:21:07,400 --> 00:21:15,159 Speaker 1: Both of them resisted the desire. to turn around. 308 00:21:23,300 --> 00:21:30,250 Speaker 4: And steal another glance. Jesus highlights the importance of being 309 00:21:30,350 --> 00:21:36,130 Speaker 4: a peacemaker, someone who actively works to reconcile and restore relationships. 310 00:21:37,250 --> 00:21:43,420 Speaker 4: Peacemaking goes beyond avoiding conflict. It involves seeking to bring harmony, understanding, 311 00:21:43,840 --> 00:21:48,690 Speaker 4: and healing in situations of strife. Peacemakers reflect the heart 312 00:21:48,730 --> 00:21:52,550 Speaker 4: of God, who desires peace and reconciliation for His creation. 313 00:21:53,890 --> 00:21:57,030 Speaker 4: As citizens of heaven, we are called to be peacemakers, 314 00:21:57,490 --> 00:22:01,130 Speaker 4: embodying the character of Jesus and bringing God's peace into 315 00:22:01,270 --> 00:22:06,410 Speaker 4: our world. Abigail's story is a powerful illustration of peacemaking 316 00:22:06,580 --> 00:22:11,020 Speaker 4: in action. David, who would later become king, was living 317 00:22:11,060 --> 00:22:14,540 Speaker 4: in the wilderness with his men. During this time, he 318 00:22:14,560 --> 00:22:18,160 Speaker 4: provided protection to the shepherds of a wealthy man named Nabal. 319 00:22:19,250 --> 00:22:21,850 Speaker 4: When David sent his men to ask Nabal for provisions, 320 00:22:22,350 --> 00:22:27,669 Speaker 4: Nabal responded with insults and refused to help. Enraged, David 321 00:22:27,770 --> 00:22:32,180 Speaker 4: planned to destroy Nabal and his household. This doesn't seem 322 00:22:32,240 --> 00:22:34,919 Speaker 4: like the David we know, but keep in mind that 323 00:22:35,060 --> 00:22:37,859 Speaker 4: he's been in the wilderness for a long time, offering 324 00:22:37,940 --> 00:22:41,590 Speaker 4: free protection to the villagers and and running from King Saul. 325 00:22:42,450 --> 00:22:47,600 Speaker 4: He's tired, weary, and at the end of himself. This 326 00:22:47,630 --> 00:22:51,380 Speaker 4: doesn't excuse David's behavior, but it does give us insight 327 00:22:51,600 --> 00:22:55,600 Speaker 4: into how we must think as peacemakers. We don't know 328 00:22:55,740 --> 00:22:58,919 Speaker 4: what people are going through. That person who cut you 329 00:22:58,980 --> 00:23:01,820 Speaker 4: off on the freeway may be rushing to the hospital. 330 00:23:02,560 --> 00:23:05,419 Speaker 4: The bully at school may have just lost a loved one. 331 00:23:06,540 --> 00:23:09,290 Speaker 4: A police officer once told me that His job is 332 00:23:09,330 --> 00:23:11,930 Speaker 4: to help people walk through what is most likely the 333 00:23:12,050 --> 00:23:16,359 Speaker 4: worst days of their lives. That perspective helped him to 334 00:23:16,440 --> 00:23:21,460 Speaker 4: navigate tense situations to be a peacemaker. Where he didn't 335 00:23:21,560 --> 00:23:26,300 Speaker 4: immediately villainize others, but rather recognized that the situation was 336 00:23:26,440 --> 00:23:31,120 Speaker 4: likely them at their lowest point. David very nearly made 337 00:23:31,140 --> 00:23:36,880 Speaker 4: a huge mistake. But Abigail intervened to prevent the bloodshed. 338 00:23:38,070 --> 00:23:41,830 Speaker 4: Abigail acted quickly and brought provisions to David, humbly pleading 339 00:23:41,869 --> 00:23:45,310 Speaker 4: for mercy and appealing to his sense of justice and 340 00:23:45,390 --> 00:23:50,409 Speaker 4: future kingship. Her approach not only averted a massacre, but 341 00:23:50,510 --> 00:23:54,909 Speaker 4: also reminded David of his higher calling and his responsibility 342 00:23:54,950 --> 00:23:59,450 Speaker 4: before God. David recognized her wisdom and blessed her for 343 00:23:59,510 --> 00:24:04,810 Speaker 4: preventing him from committing bloodshed and avenging himself. Abigail's intervention 344 00:24:04,869 --> 00:24:09,629 Speaker 4: prevented a violent conflict, She approached David with humility and wisdom, 345 00:24:10,010 --> 00:24:14,470 Speaker 4: offering a peace offering and words of reconciliation. Her actions 346 00:24:14,609 --> 00:24:19,320 Speaker 4: exemplified the true spirit of a peacemaker, bringing about peace 347 00:24:19,890 --> 00:24:24,359 Speaker 4: and preventing bloodshed. How do we march as peacemakers in 348 00:24:24,380 --> 00:24:30,640 Speaker 4: this chaotic and contentious climate? With charged election seasons, family drama, 349 00:24:30,760 --> 00:24:34,300 Speaker 4: and workplace dynamics, how can we rise above the fray 350 00:24:34,720 --> 00:24:38,560 Speaker 4: and be known as children of God? ambassadors of peace 351 00:24:38,660 --> 00:24:42,879 Speaker 4: in the most grueling situations. Here are some traits of 352 00:24:43,200 --> 00:24:50,350 Speaker 4: Christ-like peacemakers. The first trait is proactive peacemaking. Abigail acted 353 00:24:50,430 --> 00:24:55,050 Speaker 4: quickly to address the impending conflict. In our lives, we 354 00:24:55,170 --> 00:24:59,890 Speaker 4: should be proactive in resolving disputes and tensions before they escalate. 355 00:25:01,130 --> 00:25:05,000 Speaker 4: Jesus saw being proactive as so important that He told 356 00:25:05,020 --> 00:25:07,859 Speaker 4: people to refrain from their worship until they reconcile with 357 00:25:07,900 --> 00:25:11,790 Speaker 4: their brothers and sisters. He says this in Matthew 5, 358 00:25:11,790 --> 00:25:16,950 Speaker 4: verses 23 and 24. Therefore, if you are offering your 359 00:25:17,010 --> 00:25:19,649 Speaker 4: gift at the altar, and there remember that your brother 360 00:25:19,710 --> 00:25:22,970 Speaker 4: or sister has something against you, leave your gift there 361 00:25:23,050 --> 00:25:26,389 Speaker 4: in front of the altar. First, go and be reconciled 362 00:25:26,430 --> 00:25:30,109 Speaker 4: to them. Then come and offer your gift. Can I 363 00:25:30,430 --> 00:25:33,950 Speaker 4: translate that into modern terms for you? If you're on 364 00:25:33,990 --> 00:25:37,750 Speaker 4: your way to church and there's an unsettled argument or 365 00:25:37,890 --> 00:25:42,840 Speaker 4: harbored resentment between you and your spouse, pull over. Reconcile. 366 00:25:43,700 --> 00:25:49,620 Speaker 4: Talk things through. Relationships matter that much to God. This 367 00:25:49,680 --> 00:25:55,820 Speaker 4: may involve initiating difficult conversations, offering apologies, or seeking mediation. 368 00:25:56,680 --> 00:26:00,820 Speaker 4: The peacemaker doesn't wait for others to initiate. Like Abigail, 369 00:26:01,320 --> 00:26:04,959 Speaker 4: they take the first step. The second and third traits 370 00:26:05,340 --> 00:26:11,050 Speaker 4: are humility coupled with wisdom. Abigail's humility in addressing David 371 00:26:11,350 --> 00:26:16,690 Speaker 4: played a crucial role in de-escalating the situation. Similarly, approaching 372 00:26:16,790 --> 00:26:20,730 Speaker 4: conflicts with humility and a willingness to listen can open 373 00:26:20,750 --> 00:26:25,540 Speaker 4: the door to reconciliation. Wisdom in our words and actions, 374 00:26:25,980 --> 00:26:30,320 Speaker 4: guided by a desire for peace, can transform potential conflicts 375 00:26:30,800 --> 00:26:37,130 Speaker 4: into opportunities for harmony. Next is an understanding and compassionate heart. 376 00:26:38,710 --> 00:26:43,220 Speaker 4: Abigail demonstrated a deep understanding of David's situation and appealed 377 00:26:43,260 --> 00:26:48,300 Speaker 4: to his conscience. We should strive to understand the perspectives 378 00:26:48,440 --> 00:26:53,860 Speaker 4: and emotions of those involved in conflicts, showing compassion and empathy. 379 00:26:55,359 --> 00:26:59,480 Speaker 4: This can help find common ground and foster mutual respect. 380 00:27:01,020 --> 00:27:04,859 Speaker 4: Ask yourself this. Have I been assuming the people I'm 381 00:27:05,040 --> 00:27:08,979 Speaker 4: arguing with are trying to hurt me? The odds are, 382 00:27:09,359 --> 00:27:12,780 Speaker 4: those you would consider villains aren't stewing in their lairs, 383 00:27:13,140 --> 00:27:17,220 Speaker 4: plotting ways to torture you. Usually, they view themselves as 384 00:27:17,440 --> 00:27:22,010 Speaker 4: good people. It takes a patient and compassionate person to 385 00:27:22,090 --> 00:27:26,669 Speaker 4: steer them in the right direction. Next, and this is 386 00:27:26,710 --> 00:27:31,990 Speaker 4: a big one, peacemakers appeal to people's higher values. Abigail 387 00:27:32,050 --> 00:27:35,390 Speaker 4: reminded David of his calling and his future as a king, 388 00:27:36,450 --> 00:27:39,610 Speaker 4: encouraging him to act in accordance with his higher values. 389 00:27:40,710 --> 00:27:43,730 Speaker 4: In our efforts to make peace, we can remind others 390 00:27:44,210 --> 00:27:48,730 Speaker 4: and ourselves of shared values and goals, promoting actions that 391 00:27:48,800 --> 00:27:53,160 Speaker 4: align with our principles and faith. Sometimes we can get 392 00:27:53,240 --> 00:27:56,840 Speaker 4: lost in the madness of our circumstances and forget the 393 00:27:56,880 --> 00:28:00,670 Speaker 4: bigger picture. In the storms of strife, we can forget 394 00:28:00,730 --> 00:28:04,970 Speaker 4: what anchors us. Peacemakers must be able to appeal to 395 00:28:05,130 --> 00:28:08,780 Speaker 4: people's sense of honor, their duty to a higher purpose, 396 00:28:09,220 --> 00:28:13,140 Speaker 4: and their values. He hears a saying many spouses can 397 00:28:13,180 --> 00:28:18,200 Speaker 4: take into their marriage, call people up, not out. Calling 398 00:28:18,260 --> 00:28:21,930 Speaker 4: somebody out exposes them for the wrong they've done, making 399 00:28:21,950 --> 00:28:26,330 Speaker 4: them feel guilty and ashamed. Calling people up helps them 400 00:28:26,410 --> 00:28:29,380 Speaker 4: realize that they aren't living up to the potential God 401 00:28:29,420 --> 00:28:36,000 Speaker 4: gave them. Lastly, peacemakers reflect God's peace. As peacemakers, we 402 00:28:36,119 --> 00:28:40,110 Speaker 4: embody the peace of Christ. Remember the story of Jesus 403 00:28:40,350 --> 00:28:44,150 Speaker 4: calming the storm? We talked about how peace isn't the 404 00:28:44,330 --> 00:28:47,970 Speaker 4: absence of storms, but the presence of Jesus in the storm. 405 00:28:48,670 --> 00:28:53,860 Speaker 4: Peacemakers bring Jesus into the storm. You aren't the hero 406 00:28:54,020 --> 00:28:57,800 Speaker 4: trying to save people. You're just a blind beggar leading 407 00:28:57,940 --> 00:29:01,920 Speaker 4: other blind beggars to where the bread is. Jesus is 408 00:29:01,960 --> 00:29:05,160 Speaker 4: the answer, not you. The sooner you get that into 409 00:29:05,180 --> 00:29:09,830 Speaker 4: your head, the sooner you become a true peacemaker. As 410 00:29:09,870 --> 00:29:13,410 Speaker 4: we reflect on Jesus' words, blessed are the peacemakers, for 411 00:29:13,450 --> 00:29:16,410 Speaker 4: they shall be called sons of God, and the story 412 00:29:16,450 --> 00:29:21,550 Speaker 4: of Abigail's wise and courageous peacemaking. Let us strive to 413 00:29:21,590 --> 00:29:25,480 Speaker 4: be peacemakers in our lives. May we act quickly to 414 00:29:25,520 --> 00:29:31,450 Speaker 4: resolve conflicts, approach with humility, seek reconciliation, offer peace offerings, 415 00:29:31,950 --> 00:29:35,270 Speaker 4: and reflect God's peace. Let us pray for the grace 416 00:29:35,310 --> 00:29:39,350 Speaker 4: to be true citizens of heaven, living out the peace 417 00:29:39,430 --> 00:29:43,850 Speaker 4: that God does. for His creation. Thanks again for listening 418 00:29:43,890 --> 00:29:47,760 Speaker 4: to the Jesus Podcast. You know what to do. Like, subscribe, 419 00:29:47,820 --> 00:29:50,320 Speaker 4: and share it with your friends. We'll see you next 420 00:29:50,360 --> 00:29:52,740 Speaker 4: time as we dive into a love story between a 421 00:29:52,800 --> 00:29:54,880 Speaker 4: young warrior and a captive beauty.