12/02/2024
Prince of Peace
In the Old Testament book of 1 Samuel, chapter 25, we see an account of David while he was living in the wilderness under the reign of Saul, the king. David and his band of about 600 men were hiding from the king among the flocks of a rich man named Nabal. While co-dwelling with Nabal's shepherds, David's men treated them with kindness and protected the men and flocks from any harm. After a season, David sent messengers to Nabal, requesting some basic food, supplies and water from the land lord so they could celebrate with a feast. Nabal, knowing full well how his men and flocks had been protected, sent a reply that basically stated, "Who is this, David? What has he ever done for me? He can drop dead."
David was infuriated and ordered his men to return to Nabal and slaughter all of his male servants. Now Abigail, Nabal's wife, was a discerning woman who knew that her husband was bad news. She knew that he had acted poorly and had invited David's wrath on the entire household. This wise, kind, courageous woman gathered her servants to prepare cakes, meat, fruit, wine and provisions for all of David's men. Abigail and her caravan set out to meet David and his small army, to intercede for her evil husband, her family and many servants. At a pivotal moment, Abigail fell at the feet of David and said these remarkable words... "On me alone, my lord, be the guilt... Please forgive the trespass of your servant. For the Lord will certainly make you a sure house, because you are fighting the battles of the Lord, and evil shall not be found in you so long as you live." Wow. What an incredible testimony of someone who had done no wrong, stepping in for others to take their punishment, to seek out peace.
Fast forward about 1,000 years and this is very similar to what happened in Bethlehem at the time of Jesus' birth. We were a people hostile to God, shaking our fist in His face, even while He was a kind and gentle provider and protector. In spite of our offense and failure, God sent an innocent peacemaker to come and take the punishment we deserved, so that right relationship with Him could be fully restored. Like David did with Nabal, Luke 1 tells what God did for us through the birth of Jesus....
51 He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts;
52 he has brought down the mighty from their throne and exalted those of humble estate;
53 he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty.
Unlike the earthly, temporal king David, Jesus came with this prophetic announcement of a better kingdom in Isaiah 9...
6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom,
to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore.
Jesus, through His birth and ultimate sacrifice, basically said the same words that Abigail did... On me alone, Lord, be the guilt. 2 Corinthians 5:21 says it this way... " For our sake He made Him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. During this Christmas season, will you acknowledge Him? Will you kneel to this Prince of Peace?
If you have any questions about what I’ve shared or have any prayer needs, please email me at [email protected].
David Moore