Swords

I Samuel 25: 13 "David said, 'Put on your swords!"

John 18:11 "Jesus commanded Peter, "Put your sword away! Shall I knot drink the cup the Father has given Me?"

I'm still reading the Intercession of Abigail in I Samuel 25, learning more each time. I can't get away from it. She falls prostate to the ground before David to save a) a man she despises (Nabal) and b) the conscience of the future king. She doesn't want David to have blood on his hands.

But that was David's first response. When he was insulted by Nabal, he told his men to "put on your swords" and he was going to avenge his honor. He was going to take matters into his own hands and bloody them as he seeks revenge. Abigail is truly a Christ-like figure, bringing the king and the coward together. She understands that violence is not God's way. It never has been.

We see this scene repeated in the Garden of Gethsemane. Peter wants to avenge the insults hurled upon Jesus. But like Abigail, Jesus tells Peter to put down the sword. This will not be the way.

We need to be willing to listen to this Voice of Intercession. Will we avenge ourselves - seek our own violent self-justification or will we leave it all in God's hands and accept His way. The way of peace? This is more important than it sounds. God's way is the only way that brings true healing. The way of violence brings temporary relief but in the process hangs a "staggering burden" upon ourselves. There are many who live under this. They don't forgive. They don't release people. They seek their own justification.

If we will step back, as David did, and listen to the Voice, we will allow room for God to go to work. And His work is the only eternal work.

If there is something you are holding against someone - let it go. You do not have to carry the "staggering burden" of being the judge, jury and executioner. Love freely. Forgive without strings. Release without expectations. Increase your heart by removing yourself, and then God can truly enlarge His kingdom.