DAY 104

THE GOOD WIFE

1 Samuel 25 & 26 and Luke 12:32 – 59

In this blog I feel a bit like I am entering a mine field. I am not trying to be sexist. Most husbands know how a good wife is beyond worth, and let’s hope someone would say this about a good husband. Further, I figured quoting Socrates could not hurt. Today we read about Abigail; an amazingly wise and beautiful woman. Her husband is named Nabal. The translation of the husband’s name “Nabal” is literally “fool.” Having read the story you no doubt agree.

Abigail takes quick and decisive action and saves the lives of many people, and saves David from sinning. What more needs to be said than what we have read. God expects us to use common sense, something fools do not possess.

In chapter 26 we see Saul pursue David, and David once again spare Saul’s life. Psalm 54 is listed as a Psalm that is attributed to David on this occasion. He writes, “Save me O God…arrogant foes are attacking me…” We see in this Psalm what is lying underneath David’s calm exterior. I notice two things that might be less then complimentary: David doesn’t ask God what he should do (we will see this pattern continue where David was once always asking, but now we will see this less and less), and also notice that David goes and seeks Saul out.

I am at a little bit of a loss for what to say about Jesus’ words; we again have a list of short pithy teachings. I had never really noticed this in Luke before. In my mind, Luke’s Gospel is the one full of great stories, not short concise teachings.

It would appear that these teachings are a collection of things he was primarily saying to his disciples, possibly in private. In verse 22 it reads, “And he said to His disciples…” and these sayings continue all the way to verse 54 where the text points out that he is now talking to the multitudes. We know by now the Pharisees are having enough of Jesus because a chapter earlier in 11:53 it stated that the Pharisees began to be very hostile to Him.

So things are heating up and Jesus is obviously concerned about his followers…today that would be me and you. We need to hear and take in His words about not being afraid, and about taking seriously his admonition to be working for Him while “he is away”.  

We need to be ready. Abigail seemed ready, even with a fool for a spouse. St. Francis was reported asked this question while “hoeing” in the garden. “If you knew you were going to die today what would you do?” He reported answered, “Keep hoeing.” Sounds like someone who was ready! I am thinking about how I would answer that question…may we be ready.