Today’s Reading

I Samuel 25-26; Luke 16:19-31

Selected Verses

And David said to Abigail, “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, who sent you this day to meet me! Blessed be your discretion, and blessed be you, who have kept me this day from bloodguilt and from working salvation with my own hand!” 1 Samuel 25:32-33

If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead. Luke 16:31

Reflections

Abigail interceded for her husband and household, warning David that he would regret taking revenge for Nabal’s insult. David saw the big picture: God was his protector and judge to whom he would answer. David was quick to hear (James 1:19). He heard Abigail’s message and called off the attack.

Yet God’s judgment fell on Nabal and he died within days of this incident. What David had planned to do, God did. The result was the same, but by leaving the matter in God’s hands David did not incur guilt.

In the case of the rich man and Lazarus, the former had no concern for his soul or his eternal destiny until it was too late. He realized that his five brothers were similarly oblivious to what awaited them at death. He requested that Abraham send Lazarus back from the dead to warn his siblings to avoid the torment of Hades. Abraham told him that his brothers had sufficient information in the Scriptures, Moses and the Prophets, to escape torment and that if they did not heed the warnings already given, they would not heed the warnings of a resurrected man.

Indeed, many have heard that Jesus rose from the dead but ignore His words to their own destruction. They have been warned to flee the wrath to come but continue in complacency and unbelief (Luke 3:7; 13:1-5). Their attitude parallels that of Nabal, the fool, who thought himself safe from punishment. They assume the stance of the rich man who felt safe in his wealth.

Think about it

Have you heeded the timely warning? We cannot hold on to this life. David knew that his soul belonged to God and that his actions in this world were either pleasing to Him or worthy of punishment. He chose to heed the warning and please God. But David was not saved by his own works. Nor are we. Ultimately, only Jesus Christ, who died for the sins of His people and came back from the dead, can make us who believe in Him worthy of eternal life. We must believe His timely warning. Do not delay. Believe Him now.

© 2017 John A Carroll Used by permission