Bible Study - Women of Faith (6) - The Samaritan Woman: Faith Worth Sharing - John 4:4-42 - July 7, 2019

Bible Study – Women of Faith (6) – The Samaritan Woman: Faith Worth Sharing – July 7, 2019

This is lesson six (6) and the last lesson in this series.

Our focus scripture is John 4:4-42:

Your life-changing encounter with CHRIST should be shared with others.

Let’s read John 4:4-42:

4 When Jesus^[a] knew that the Pharisees heard He was making and baptizing more disciples than John ² (though Jesus Himself was not baptizing, but His disciples were), ³ He left Judea and went again to Galilee. ⁴ He had to travel through Samaria, ⁵ so He came to a town of Samaria called Sychar near the property^[b] that Jacob had given his son Joseph. ⁶ Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, worn out from His journey, sat down at the well. It was about six in the evening.^[c]    

The most direct route between Judea and Galilee was to go through Samaria. However, most Jews hated the Samaritans because they were considered mixed breeds. They had intermarried with non-Jews. JESUS was not prejudiced, HE was obedient to HIS Father, GOD, as directed and led by the Holy Spirit. Therefore, JESUS goes to Sychar. JESUS was very tired, thirsty and hungry. HE sent HIS disciple to town to get food for them. JESUS was resting at the well Jacob had dug many years ago.

Opportunity comes along often when we are very tired and the tendency is for us to say, “I don’t want to be bothered, I need to vegetate.” That is Satan working against opportunity. In the story, we get a glimpse of Satan attempting to work on JESUS and this Samaritan woman to prevent her for embracing truth and receiving salvation.

⁷ A woman of Samaria came to draw water.

“Give Me a drink,” Jesus said to her, ⁸ for His disciples had gone into town to buy food.

⁹ “How is it that You, a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” she asked Him. For Jews do not associate with^[d] Samaritans.^[e]

JESUS was alone at the well about 6 PM. This was an odd time for a woman to come to the well to draw water. Some Bible scholars believe that a woman coming out at that time alone indicated that she was either a prostitute or wanted to avoid other women who might look down upon her. Normally, a Jewish man would not engage in a conversation with a woman, especially a Samaritan woman. However, Jewish men were known to approach a prostitute.

JESUS was thirsty and needed a drink of water. JESUS asked her for a drink of water, which got her attention. Since later on we know that this lady had been around the block a few times, was she prepared to be propositioned?  Her response was in essence, “You Jews won’t speak to us much less drink from a utensil which we use to draw water.” This lady put up the barrier, which JESUS did not argue with her regarding the water but HE went to her need. We must keep in mind that GOD knows our heart and the hearts of those HE leads us to witness to.

JESUS made a statement to the lady that piqued her curiosity and intellect as we read on ---.

¹⁰ Jesus answered, “If you knew the gift of God, and who is saying to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would ask Him, and He would give you living water.”

¹¹ “Sir,” said the woman, “You don’t even have a bucket, and the well is deep. So where do You get this ‘living water’? ¹² You aren’t greater than our father Jacob, are You? He gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did his sons and livestock.”

JESUS’ statement sparked a conversation. Notice, she addressed JESUS with respect “Sir” or “lord.” The lady offers her own question, “You aren’t greater than our father Jacob, are You?” What do you think?

¹³ Jesus said, “Everyone who drinks from this water will get thirsty again. ¹⁴ But whoever drinks from the water that I will give him will never get thirsty again—ever! In fact, the water I will give him will become a well^[f] of water springing up within him for eternal life.”

¹⁵ “Sir,” the woman said to Him, “give me this water so I won’t get thirsty and come here to draw water.”

Immediately this lady saw a physical opportunity. WOW! No more hauling water. But JESUS went to her real need, which was Spiritual.

¹⁶ “Go call your husband,” He told her, “and come back here.”

¹⁷ “I don’t have a husband,” she answered.

“You have correctly said, ‘I don’t have a husband,’” Jesus said. ¹⁸ “For you’ve had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have said is true.”

¹⁹ “Sir,” the woman replied, “I see that You are a prophet. ²⁰ Our fathers worshiped on this mountain,^[g] yet you Jews say that the place to worship is in Jerusalem.”

She recognized and made the connection that JESUS was no ordinary man, HE was a prophet. Where did her knowledge come from? It came from GOD revealing it to her. “I see that You are a prophet.” How do we see JESUS? Is HE a prophet or the sinless SON OF GOD WHO WILLING GAVE HIS LIFE TO PAY THE PENALTY FOR OUR SIN, IN FULL?

²¹ Jesus told her, “Believe Me, woman, an hour is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. ²² You Samaritans^[h] worship what you do not know. We worship what we do know, because salvation is from the Jews. ²³ But an hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth. Yes, the Father wants such people to worship Him. ²⁴ God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”

²⁵ The woman said to Him, “I know that Messiah^[i] is coming” (who is called Christ). “When He comes, He will explain everything to us.”

²⁶ “I am He,” Jesus told her, “the One speaking to you.”

A conversation that leads to salvation. The woman said “I know that Messiah is coming. When HE comes, HE will explain everything to us.”

“I AM HE”, The One speaking to you!” This lady had an accurate knowledge of scripture. She nailed it and had a “WOW” moment.

When we have a “WOW!” encounter with JESUS, what do we do?

It motivates us into action. What did this lady do?

JESUS’ disciples had a “wow!” moment when they returned and saw JESUS talking to this woman as we read on -----

The Ripened Harvest

²⁷ Just then His disciples arrived, and they were amazed that He was talking with a woman. Yet no one said, “What do You want?” or “Why are You talking with her?”

²⁸ Then the woman left her water jar, went into town, and told the men, ²⁹ “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did! Could this be the Messiah?” ³⁰ They left the town and made their way to Him.

The woman at the well was so excited that she left her water jar and went to town. This woman who went to draw her water to avoid others all of a sudden had a message to share with all who would listen to her.

³¹ In the meantime the disciples kept urging Him, “Rabbi, eat something.”

³² But He said, “I have food to eat that you don’t know about.”

³³ The disciples said to one another, “Could someone have brought Him something to eat?”

³⁴ “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to finish His work,” Jesus told them. ³⁵ “Don’t you say, ‘There are still four more months, then comes the harvest’? Listen to what I’m telling you: Open^[j] your eyes and look at the fields, for they are ready^[k] for harvest. ³⁶ The reaper is already receiving pay and gathering fruit for eternal life, so the sower and reaper can rejoice together. ³⁷ For in this case the saying is true: ‘One sows and another reaps.’ ³⁸ I sent you to reap what you didn’t labor for; others have labored, and you have benefited from^[l] their labor.”

What a joy it is to witness others receive salvation. It is filling and satisfying. Many from Sychar came out to hear this JESUS and -----

The Savior of the World

³⁹ Now many Samaritans from that town believed in Him because of what the woman said^[m] when she testified, “He told me everything I ever did.” ⁴⁰ Therefore, when the Samaritans came to Him, they asked Him to stay with them, and He stayed there two days. ⁴¹ Many more believed because of what He said.^{[n] 42} And they told the woman, “We no longer believe because of what you said, for we have heard for ourselves and know that this really is the Savior of the world.”^[o]

The salvation of someone else is exciting and can lead us to explore this person called JESUS. All must come to a saving knowledge personally. “We no longer believe because of what you said, for we have heard for ourselves and know that this really is the Savior of the world.”^[o]

Is JESUS your savior? If not why not? Now is the opportunity for you to ask JESUS to forgive you for your sins and for JESUS to come into your heart. It is CHRIST in you that makes you a Christian, not joining a church or Christian organization. Blessings!!!

Bible Study - Women of Faith (5) - The Poor Widow: Faith that Gives - Luke 12:13-21; 21:1-4 - June 30, 2019

Bible Study – Women of Faith (5) – The Poor Widow: Faith that Gives – June 30, 2019

This is lesson five (5) in our series entitled “Living by Faith: Women Who Trusted GOD.”

Our focus scripture is Luke 12:13-21; 21:1-4.

Your giving reflects your faith and trust in CHRIST.

Giving is also trusting GOD to provide for your needs.

In my later years GOD is teaching me when we see the angry waves of life that we look beyond what we see but trust HIM for the result. As HIS children we are to look beyond what we see to what HE says HE will do. We must keep our eyes focused upon HIM and HIS ability to provide. Doing so builds our faith and trust in GOD as we obediently walk with HIM.

When JESUS walked upon water, the Apostle Peter asked JESUS if he could join HIM. JESUS, said yes. As long as Peter kept his eyes fixed upon JESUS, Peter walked on water but when he took his eyes off JESUS and began to look around, Peter began to sink. JESUS had to reach out and save him. Matthew 14:26-31:

"It's a ghost!" they said, and cried out in fear.

27 Immediately Jesus spoke to them. "Have courage! It is I. Don't be afraid."

28 "Lord, if it's You," Peter answered Him, "command me to come to You on the water."

29 "Come!" He said. And climbing out of the boat, Peter started walking on the water and came toward Jesus.

30 But when he saw the strength of the wind, he was afraid. And beginning to sink he cried out, "Lord, save me!"

31 Immediately Jesus reached out His hand, caught hold of him, and said to him, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?

In our lesson today, we have a two-fold teaching event. JESUS told the parable of the rich fool of abundance and later the widow’s small contribution. Let’s explore!

Let’s read Luke 12:13-15:

The Parable of the Rich Fool

¹³ Someone from the crowd said to Him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.”

¹⁴ “Friend,”^[d] He said to him, “who appointed Me a judge or arbitrator over you?” ¹⁵ He then told them, “Watch out and be on guard against all greed because one’s life is not in the abundance of his possessions.”

JESUS set the stage for teaching on giving and sharing prompted by a question from HIS audience. We must keep in mind that JESUS knew the heart of the person asking the question.

We know from Jewish law that the older brother in a family received a greater part of an inherence over other siblings in the family when their dad died. The responsibility of caring for their mother and the property was the responsibility of the older brother.

JESUS immediately interpreted the question as coming from a heart of greed and answered the question appropriately; Greed prompts us to act in certain ways.

It is generally easy to share from our abundance but difficult when things are tight. The age-old question always pops up, “How much is enough?”

Often, our self-sufficiency is a hurdle we have to overcome when we give. I know, I battle it most of the time.

But there is a very key factor we all must consider when we store up material things upon earth and that is death. How we use our resources often reflects our attitude toward GOD. How does GOD want us to use our resources? Who provides our resources GOD or us? Or is it a joint venture?

Let’s read Luke 12:16-21:

¹⁶ Then He told them a parable: “A rich man’s land was very productive. ¹⁷ He thought to himself, ‘What should I do, since I don’t have anywhere to store my crops? ¹⁸ I will do this,’ he said. ‘I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones and store all my grain and my goods there. ¹⁹ Then I’ll say to myself, “You^[e] have many goods stored up for many years. Take it easy; eat, drink, and enjoy yourself.”’

²⁰ “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life is demanded of you. And the things you have prepared—whose will they be?’

²¹ “That’s how it is with the one who stores up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.”

In this parable the “rich man” had plenty and his first thoughts were to store his bounty and enjoy his riches. He did not think of sharing. Notice the number of times he used “I” and “my.” In Biblical times, GOD was considered to be the source of wealth and health. In this parable it is clear that this rich man was patting himself on the back for his good fortune therefore he accumulated his bounty for his use. This is a reflection of his heart. This a message to us all.

Wisdom comes from GOD and we are to consult GOD on how to us that which GOD has blessed us. HE may tell us to build and store but HE may say share. As GOD’S Children, HE needs to direct out actions, as HE blesses us. GOD’S desire is for us to be wise and seek HIS wisdom to share or to store.

Consider, Joseph in Egypt. GOD gave a dream to the Pharaoh; which GOD gave its interpretation to Joseph. GOD revealed to Joseph what Egypt should do with their bountiful harvest. Seek GOD’S guidance and wisdom.

We do not know what lies ahead of us but GOD does. Trust HIM to lead and guide us as we obediently serve HIM. Death is the great equalizer, rich or poor. Where do we wish to store that which GOD has blessed us – earth or heaven?

This leads us to JESUS’ next teaching. Often, we think, “Oh, if only I could win the lottery, I would do so-and-so.” JESUS taught us to use our resources as HE directs and not as we desire, be they large or small.

Later on, in Luke we read -----

Let’s read Luke 21:1-4: (JESUS was observing the actions of those placing offerings into the temple treasury.)

The Widow’s Gift

21 He looked up and saw the rich dropping their offerings into the temple treasury. ² He also saw a poor widow dropping in two tiny coins.^{[a] 3} “I tell you the truth,” He said. “This poor widow has put in more than all of them. ⁴ For all these people have put in gifts out of their surplus, but she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on.”

Often, those who have plenty and give are featured by the media for their generosity. Giving is good. The purpose behind our giving is the key.

JESUS was observing folks putting their offering into the temple treasury. HE observed the rich giving out of their surplus whereas the “poor widow” gave from her “poverty.” What do these two attitudes toward giving reflect?

Do they reflect their attitude toward who they will depend upon to provide for their needs, self or GOD? The rich really did not have to worry much about their next meal whereas this poor widow did. Who would each depend upon to provide their next meal?

JESUS recognized and acknowledged the heart of the poor widow who gave her last resource. She gave all she had and trusted GOD to provide. Did HE?

Often, GOD will test us to help us to see the attitude of our hearts and HIS provision for us. But an important lesson to keep in mind is do not test GOD. Allow the Holy Spirit to lead you to do what you do.

When the Holy Spirit leads us, we will be blessed. When self leads us there will be a teachable moment. In fact, in either situation, there will be a teachable moment.

GOD’S desire is to grow our faith in HIM as our provider. But we may have baggage that needs to be tossed before we can experience living by faith.

Faith is one of the Spiritual gifts. There is wonder working faith which is a gift from GOD. This is the type of faith that the Holy Spirit leads a Christian to sell all that he or she has, give it to the poor and trust GOD to provide for our needs. If GOD has not gifted you with this faith, do not test HIM by selling all that you have and testing GOD to provide. But if HE does lead you, then do it and HE will provide for your needs.

I have a friend who told this story many years ago. My friend had a missionary friend who lived on faith. The missionary came for a visit and to speak in the area. My friend, Hugh, wanted his son to spent time with his missionary friend whose name is John.

John was to pick up my friend’s son to accompany him to a speaking engage at a local school. Before John came to pick up my friend’s son, Hugh told his son, “I have a sport coat upstairs that I think will fit John. Also, here is my credit card fill up John’s car with gas because he never has money to put gas into his car.”

John arrived at my friend’s home. Entered and after greetings, Hugh asked his son to run upstairs to get the sport coat to see if it would fit John. He did and when John slipped the coat on, John said, “Look it fits like it was made for me and look it even matches the pants I am wearing.” Then John told the story that he had prayed and asked GOD for a sport coat because he was speaking at a school and wanted to look his best. But John added that he would speak regardless if he had a jacket or not.

John and Hugh’s son leave to go to the school.

When Hugh’s son returned later that night, Hugh was waiting up eager to find out how things went. Things had gone well. Hugh’s son said “Oh by-the-way, we had not gone very far from our house until John’s car just stopped. John replied, “I am out of gas.” Hugh’s son replied, “Oh dad gave me his credit card and told me to fill your car with gas.” They pushed the car to a nearby station and filled the car with gas.

That is living on faith and depending upon GOD to provide. But GOD led John to trust HIM for resources. These are exciting stories which we, as Christians, may be tempted to test GOD to see if HE will provide for us.

When our LORD leads, HE provides. When HE leads trust HIM to provide.

How do we measure up? Blessings!!!

Bible Study - Women of Faith (4) Abigail: Intervening Faith - 1 Samuel 25:1-35 - June 23, 2019

Bible Study – Women of Faith (4) Abigail: Intervening Faith – June 23, 2019

This is lesson four (4) in our series of study entitled “Living by Faith: Women Who Trusted GOD.”

Our focus scripture is 1 Samuel 25:2-3, 14-17, 23-28, 32-35.

Honor CHRIST by stepping in to help resolve conflict.

In Biblical times, a person’s name often reflected their character, appearance or stature. In our lesson this week, we have Abigail who was an intelligent and beautiful woman married to an oaf named Nabal.

Nabal’s name reflected his character as a human and means “stupid”, “foolish”, “senseless”, or “vile.” Nabal was a very wealthy man and he was an ungodly man. His wife and a servant referred to him as “son of Belial” in the King James Version of the Bible, which, in essence, was referring to him as Satan. He had a lot of livestock which included sheep and goats. Sheep and goats need to graze and the hired hands took them out into the countryside to let them graze. When in the countryside letting the livestock graze, they were subject to and vulnerable to attacks by thieves who could kill the hired hands and take the livestock. David and his men provided protection to Nabal’s flocks and hired men. As a result, Nabal did not lose any of his livestock or a hired hand.

It was customary and understood, that the owner of the livestock and hired hands would share with those who helped protect them during this time of grazing. At the time of shearing the sheep or slaughter of livestock it was a festive occasion. Those who helped protect or guard them while they were grazing were included in this festive time and shared in harvest.

David, heard that Nabal’s hired hands were shearing the sheep. Shearing occurred twice a year in the in the spring and the fall. It was a festive time, celebration of the harvest so-to-speak, for the workers and the neighbors would be invited to the feast. David did not send his entire group of men, which would have overwhelmed Nabal. Instead he sent ten young men to Nabal. Normal courtesy would have been for Nabal to invite these young men to join them in the celebration. Instead he treated them poorly.

David’s men went to the heart of the matter. They were not trying to crash his party, they asked for payment in goods for the protection and favor that David and his men had provided Nabal’s hired hands and herds. HE did not demand a certain payment but left it up to Nabal to decide what he considered to be fair for the service David and his men rendered.

David instructed these young men on how to properly greet Nabal, show him honor and respect. (Verse 6) This overview leads us into our background scripture. Keep in mind the meaning of Nabal’s name. Let’s explore.

Let’s read 1 Samuel 25:1-14-17:

David, Nabal, and Abigail (Background and Setting)

1 Samuel died, and all Israel assembled to mourn for him, and they buried him by his home in Ramah. David then went down to the Wilderness of Paran.

2 A man in Maon had a business in Carmel; he was a very rich man with 3,000 sheep and 1, 000 goats and was shearing his sheep in Carmel. 3 The man’s name was Nabal, and his wife’s name, Abigail. The woman was intelligent and beautiful, but the man, a Calebite, was harsh and evil in his dealings. (Nabal being a “Calebite” meant he was from the tribe of Judah. David was from the same tribe thus a loose family connection. But that did not soften Nabal’s heart toward David’s request.) 4 While David was in the wilderness, he heard that Nabal was shearing sheep, 5 so David sent 10 young men instructing them, “Go up to Carmel, and when you come to Nabal, greet him in my name. 6 Then say this: ‘Long life to you, and peace to you, to your family, and to all that is yours. 7 I hear that you are shearing. When your shepherds were with us, we did not harass them, and nothing of theirs was missing the whole time they were in Carmel. 8 Ask your young men, and they will tell you. So, let my young men find favor with you, for we have come on a feast day. Please give whatever you can afford to your servants and to your son David.’”

David’s men were instructed to state the reason they were asking for whatever Nabal thought was appropriate to pay them for the services they had provided and to join in on the feast. This shows that David trusted Nabal and thought he would do the right thing. Since David sent only 10 young men, it revealed that he was not coming to demand but willing to accept whatever Nabal thought was fair.

9 David’s young men went and said all these things to Nabal on David’s behalf, and they waited. 10 Nabal asked them, “Who is David? Who is Jesse’s son? Many slaves these days are running away from their masters. (David’s men made the ancestral connection.) 11 Am I supposed to take my bread, my water, and my meat that I butchered for my shearers and give them to these men? I don’t know where they are from.”

Nabal’s response revealed his heart. Nabal did not acknowledge GOD in his life, it was all his stuff. He was self-sufficient. He did not acknowledge that he knew David or that David’s men had provided protection to his herds and hired hands while they were in the wilderness.

12 David’s men retraced their steps. When they returned to him, they reported all these words. 13 He said to his men, “All of you, put on your swords!” So, David and all his men put on their swords. About 400 men followed David while 200 stayed with the supplies.

David’s men returned to their camp empty handed and told David what Nabal had said and how he had treated them. David reacted negatively, as most of us would respond, and told about 400 of his men to put on their swords for they were going to take care of business. David’s ego took over, which GOD allowed to guide him toward a satisfactory solution.

David did not know what was ahead for him but GOD did and we happen to know the rest of the story. We get to see GOD’S hand at work. David was not looking to GOD to provide a solution because he had the power of his men. But GOD revealed to David that HE was very much involved. This was likely a Spiritual growth moment for David and it gives us encouragement to seek GOD’S guidance in all things.

If we place ourselves in David’s shoes, all he knew was that he was going to wreak havoc on Nabal and his family. He knew that he had the manpower to do it. At the same time, GOD was preparing Nabal’s young servant to speak to Abigail. Abigail was a GOD fearing, wise, proactive woman who had commonsense and the opportunity to intervene on behalf of Nabal, her family and their servants. Her step of faith revealed to David that GOD was involved in the solution.

So, we have Nabal’s young servant, Abigail, David and David’s men all who had the freedom to make decisions in this matter but GOD was working to bring about a satisfactory solution. Would commonsense prevail or would fear, timidity or insecurity prevail? Let’s see.  

14 One of Nabal’s young men informed Abigail, Nabal’s wife: “Look, David sent messengers from the wilderness to greet our master, but he yelled at them. 15 The men treated us well. When we were in the field, we weren’t harassed and nothing of ours was missing the whole time we were living among them. 16 They were a wall around us, both day and night, the entire time we were herding the sheep. 17 Now consider carefully what you must do, because there is certain to be trouble for our master and his entire family. He is such a worthless fool nobody can talk to him!”

It took courage for Nabal’s young servant to approach Abigail and tell her what had happened and what the likely outcome could be if David took action against Nabal. Abigail had to make a decision. We know that Nabal was an evil, vile person. Was this Abigail’s opportunity to get rid of Nabal by not trying to defuse the situation? She could have allowed David to take action against Nabal. What was the down side? David would likely annihilate her and all of her family. It took courage for her to make the decision that GOD wanted her to make. She trusted GOD to take care of her, her family and Nabal. Abigail trusted this young servant’s advice and took action. The young servant even stated to Abigail that Nabal was a worthless fool. The King James Version of the Bible uses a phrase which the servant used when referring to Nabal “a son of Belial.” Belial means “worthless”, “good for nothing”, “wicked.” When the servant used the phrase “son of Belial” it meant that Nabal was the “offspring of” or “the personification of” wickedness and stupidity. Abigail used this phrase “son of Belial” when she referred to Nabal when she approached David in verse 25. In essence “son of Belial” was a reference to Satan.

We see in verse 36 that Nabal was feasting, drinking and partying while all of this was taking place. 

18 Abigail hurried, taking 200 loaves of bread, two skins of wine, five butchered sheep, a bushel of roasted grain, 100 clusters of raisins, and 200 cakes of pressed figs, and loaded them on donkeys. 19 Then she said to her male servants, “Go ahead of me. I will be right behind you.” But she did not tell her husband Nabal. 20 As she rode the donkey down a mountain pass hidden from view, she saw David and his men coming toward her and met them. 21 David had just said, “I guarded everything that belonged to this man in the wilderness for nothing. He was not missing anything, yet he paid me back evil for good. 22 May God punish me and do so severely if I let any of his men survive until morning.”

Abigail sent her trusted servants to meet David and his 400 men. David had just finished justifying to himself what he was about to do to Nabal and his family. Abigail took a hidden pass and met David and his men.

 23 When Abigail saw David, she quickly got off the donkey and fell with her face to the ground in front of David. 24 She fell at his feet and said, “The • guilt is mine, my lord, but please let your servant speak to you directly. Listen to the words of your servant. 25 My lord should pay no attention to this worthless man Nabal, for he lives up to his name: His name is Nabal, and stupidity is all he knows. I, your servant, didn’t see my lord’s young men whom you sent. 26 Now my lord, as surely as the Lord lives and as you yourself live, it is the Lord who kept you from participating in bloodshed and avenging yourself by your own hand. May your enemies and those who want trouble for my lord be like Nabal. 27 Accept this gift your servant has brought to my lord, and let it be given to the young men who follow my lord. 28 Please forgive your servant’s offense, for the Lord is certain to make a lasting dynasty for my lord because he fights the Lord’s battles. Throughout your life, may evil not be found in you. 29 “When someone pursues you and attempts to take your life, my lord’s life will be tucked safely in the place where the Lord your God protects the living. However, He will fling away your enemies’ lives like stones from a sling. 30 When the Lord does for my lord all the good, He promised and appoints you ruler over Israel, 31 there will not be remorse or a troubled conscience for my lord because of needless bloodshed or my lord’s revenge. And when the Lord does good things for my lord, may you remember me your servant.”

Abigail greeted David in a gracious, humble manner. She poured her heart out to David. She stated her faith in GOD and that GOD has chosen him to be the future King of Israel. She cautioned David not to shed needless blood because of his ego or for Nabal’s stupidity. Verse 25 said it all – “Stupid is his name and stupid is his game.”  It was a reality check for David and as we see in the next verse, it was like “WOW!!! Thank you, LORD for sending this wise woman to defuse a bad situation. LORD, I see YOUR hand at work in this matter!”

32 Then David said to Abigail, “Praise to the Lord God of Israel, who sent you to meet me today! 33 Your discernment is blessed, and you are blessed. Today you kept me from participating in bloodshed and avenging myself by my own hand. 34 Otherwise, as surely as the Lord God of Israel lives, who prevented me from harming you, if you had not come quickly to meet me, Nabal wouldn’t have had any men left by morning light.” 35 Then David accepted what she had brought him and said, “Go home in peace. See, I have heard what you said and have granted your request.”

Abigail had saved the day for David and her family including her rotten husband, Nabal. David saw the hand of GOD at work through Abigail.

Notice that David stated “Praise to the Lord God of Israel.” He used the Hebrew words “Yahweh” which refers to the GOD’S covenant making- and “Elohim” which refers to GOD’S covenant-keeping. David was likely looking for an opportunity not to have to do what he was about to do and GOD had provided it.

At least two dynamics were at work. Abigail showed humility by bowing and showing honor and respect to David. David had to be willing to listen to Abigail and change his mind. He had to risk losing face among his men. Abigail was a Godly, gutsy woman, who risked her life and making her husband angry to do the right thing. We need to keep in mind that Christians must respond as the Holy Spirit leads them. David recognized and acknowledged that Abigail was led by GOD. How and when a person steps in to help resolve an issue is often critical. We have to understand that GOD did not make us robots and every person has the freedom to choose how they respond to the issues of life. It is all about out heart and our relationship with GOD through CHRIST. We may find ourselves facing a decision whether or not to “Step-In.” Stubbornness or attitude can block the Holy Spirit from leading Christians to follow a path to a satisfactory conclusion. Let’s continue to explore.

36 Then Abigail went to Nabal, and there he was in his house, holding a feast fit for a king. Nabal was in a good mood and very drunk, so she didn’t say anything to him until morning light. 37 In the morning when Nabal sobered up, his wife told him about these events. Then he had a seizure and became paralyzed. 38 About 10 days later, the Lord struck Nabal dead.

When Nabal was sober, she told him what she had done to keep David from destroying him and all that he had accumulated. Was it fear and the near brush with death or the fact that Abigail had given David his stuff after he had refused to give anything to him that caused his stroke? He had a stroke and he died in 10 days. His death was attributed to GOD. When we allow GOD to take care of our problems, HE does.

39 When David heard that Nabal was dead, he said, “Praise the Lord who championed my cause against Nabal’s insults and restrained His servant from doing evil. The Lord brought Nabal’s evil deeds back on his own head.” Then David sent messengers to speak to Abigail about marrying him. 40 When David’s servants came to Abigail at Carmel, they said to her, “David sent us to bring you to him as a wife.” 41 She stood up, then bowed her face to the ground and said, “Here I am, your servant, to wash the feet of my lord’s servants.” 42 Then Abigail got up quickly, and with her five female servants accompanying her, rode on the donkey following David’s messengers. And so, she became his wife.

David received the news of Nabal’s death and rejoiced. GOD had avenged the wrong that Nabal had done to David. David sent word to Abigail that he wanted her as his wife. She accepted and took five female servants and became David’s wife. 

When or when not to step into a situation is important. It takes courage and discernment. Often, it is a reaction to the situation at hand. When our ego is bruised, we want to retaliate. How we respond is often a reflection of our heart and relationship Christians have with GOD through CHRIST. Blessings!!!

Bible Study - WOmen of Faith (3) - Hannah: Faith That Prays - 1 Samuel 1:1-28 and 2:1-3 - June 16, 2019

Bible Study – Women of Faith (3) – Hannah: Faith That Prays – June 16, 2019

This is lesson three (3) in our series entitled “Living by Faith: Women Who Trusted GOD.”

Our focus scripture is 1 Samuel 1: 1-2, 9-11, 17-18, 26-28; 2:1-3.

Pray with confidence; GOD hears.

What is prayer? Prayer is talking to GOD but first a person must believe that GOD exists. GOD revealed Himself to the Israelites. They chose the One True GOD, YAHWEH, Who revealed HIS name to Moses. HIS name means, as recorded in Exodus 3:14: 14 And God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM." And He said, "Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, 'I AM has sent me to you.' "

GOD has always existed. HE has no beginning and no end.

GOD loves each of us regardless of what sin we may have committed in our lives. HE forgives when we ask HIM, cleanses and restores us.

GOD is love but also HE is the GOD of wrath.

Our lesson on Hannah reveals the heart of GOD toward Hannah. Hannah’s heart needed to be brought into sync with GOD’S plan. 

Our former pastor was also a counselor. He said the Chinese symbol (ideogram) for trouble is two women living under one roof. 

This was Hannah’s situation. Hannah was Elkanah’s first wife but he had a second wife. Her name was Peninnah and she was very fertile and produced children. Peninnah taunted Hannah because of Hannah’s inability to conceive and bare children. This was a serious source of emotional trauma for Hannah.

Hannah loved her husband and he loved her. Elkanah treated Hannah well and did not hold it against her for not being able to produce a child. But Elkanah’s love and care did not comfort her for not being able to conceive and birth a child. What was she to do? Where would she turn? To whom would she turn? Let’s explore!

Let’s read 1 Samuel 1:1-16:

Hannah's Vow

1 There was a man from Ramathaim-zophim in the hill country of Ephraim. His name was Elkanah son of Jeroham, son of Elihu, son of Tohu, son of Zuph, an Ephraimite.

2 He had two wives, the first named Hannah and the second Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah was childless.

Hannah was the first wife of Elkanah. Hannah was childless which likely led Elkanah to seek a second wife.

3 This man would go up from his town every year to worship and to sacrifice to the Lord of Hosts at Shiloh, where Eli's two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were the Lord's priests.

Shiloh was located about 30 miles from Jerusalem. It had become a primary site for worship because a tabernacle with an altar for offering sacrifices had been constructed there. There Elkanah would offer sacrifices each year. 

4 Whenever Elkanah offered a sacrifice, he always gave portions of the meat to his wife Peninnah and to each of her sons and daughters.

5 But he gave a double portion to Hannah, for he loved her even though the Lord had kept her from conceiving.

This practice expressed Elkanah’s love and respect for Hannah. This did not set well with wife number two, Peninnah as we learn as we read on ---

6 Her rival would taunt her severely just to provoke her, because the Lord had kept Hannah from conceiving.

7 Whenever she went up to the Lord's house, her rival taunted her in this way every year. Hannah wept and would not eat.

8 "Hannah, why are you crying?" her husband Elkanah asked. "Why won't you eat? Why are you troubled? Am I not better to you than 10 sons?"

Elkanah’s reassurance of his love and devotion to Hannah was not enough for Hannah to get beyond the fact that she had not conceived and birth a baby. 

Peninnah knew that she was getting to Hannah. What was Hannah to do? She was distraught. 

Keep in mind that Hannah’s husband loved her and she knew it. However, what was Hannah’s relationship with GOD? Was she bitter toward GOD because HE had not given her a child? There are times in our lives when we need to be honest with GOD.

Yes, GOD tests us at times but HE also may be waiting for a specific time for an event to take place. Hannah wanted a baby boy. GOD needed a Samuel. GOD in HIS wisdom knew what it would take for Hannah to give her miracle child up to be raised by Eli as we read on -----

9 Hannah got up after they ate and drank at Shiloh. Eli the priest was sitting on a chair by the doorpost of the Lord's tabernacle.

10 Deeply hurt, Hannah prayed to the Lord and wept with many tears.

11 Making a vow, she pleaded, "Lord of Hosts, if You will take notice of Your servant's affliction, remember and not forget me, and give Your servant a son, I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and his hair will never be cut."

Notice, Hannah’s prayer was “If YOU will?”  It seems that Hannah was yielding to GOD. GOD, please pay attention to me. She was committing her life to GOD. She made her request. 

Often, we have to get to the end of our will and desire and place our faith and confidence in GOD. She referred to GOD as the “LORD OF Hosts,” (LORD of Armies) which is evidence that she had placed her prayer into the hands of GOD WHO has the power to make her request come about. It also carries the idea of complete confidence and conviction that GOD hears and answers the earnest requests of those who love HIM. It is a reflection of her faith in GOD. She placed her request into GOD’S hands and would leave it there and trust HIM with the result.

That is exactly what GOD needed for Hannah to do. HE needed to bring Hannah to the point of her being willing to give HIM her first born because HE had a plan for him, Samuel. Samuel would anoint King David to succeed King Saul. GOD’S ways are not our ways. We get to see HIS hand working to prepare someone who will be used in the years to come. Hannah’s son, Samuel, would anoint the future of Israel, King David, who would be in the lineage of JESUS.

GOD has a plan for your life. DO NOT GIVE UP ON GOD BECAUSE HE HAS NOT GIVEN UP ON YOU! PRESS ON BECAUSE “JOY COMES IN THE MORNING.”

12 While she was praying in the Lord's presence, Eli watched her lips.

Eli the priest was observing her. Often, what we think or observe misses the mark of reality.

13 Hannah was speaking to herself, and although her lips were moving, her voice could not be heard. Eli thought she was drunk

14 and scolded her, "How long are you going to be drunk? Get rid of your wine!"

Priest Eli jumped to a conclusion which GOD used for the benefit of Hannah.

You talk about adding insult to injury, the priest thought poor, distraught Hannah was DRUNK! This false assumption by Eli may have been GOD’S way of getting Eli to take a personal interest in Hannah and listen to her explanation why she had a heavy and broken heart.

15 "No, my lord," Hannah replied. "I am a woman with a broken heart. I haven't had any wine or beer; I've been pouring out my heart before the Lord.

16 Don't think of me as a wicked woman; I've been praying from the depth of my anguish and resentment."

Hannah poured out her heart to GOD. She acknowledged that she was angry and harbored resentment. Was she angry with GOD or Peninnah and/or others or all? The point is that she dug deep within herself and came at grips with the source of her situation. It wasn’t GOD, her husband, Peninnah or others. It was her and she was the only one who could do something about it with GOD’S help.

Let’s read 1 Samuel 1:17-18 and 26-28:

17 Eli responded, "Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant the petition you've requested from Him."

Eli did not know what her petition was but he knew that whatever it was, she was broken hearted and was seeking GOD for a solution. She apparently did not mention the promise she made to GOD, which was if she had a son, she would dedicate him to GOD. This is good because, this agreement was between Hannah and GOD. She could have backed out when the baby was born but we know she was sincere because we know the rest of the story.

How many times do we renege on a promise we have made to GOD if HE would help us out of a jam? We need to confess such times and seek HIS forgiveness. Doing so helps us build the right relationship with GOD.

18 "May your servant find favor with you," she replied. Then Hannah went on her way; she ate and no longer appeared downcast.

In essence, it seems that Hannah was saying, “When GOD answers my prayers may you be pleased with the results.” When we pray and ask GOD and HE says “YES!” there is a peace and an assurance that HE has heard and there will be a result. Hannah left her place of worship with that sweet assurance that GOD had heard her and she would accept GOD’S answer. She had gone before GOD with an honest heart of faith and trusted HIM to answer her request.

Have you ever experienced that sweet precious assurance from GOD? GOD has heard you and something will take place and whatever it is you know it is GOD’S will for you. Your desire is to be obedient in your availability, trust and service to GOD. 

Let’s read 1 Samuel 1:19-28:

Samuel's Birth and Dedication

19 The next morning Elkanah and Hannah got up early to bow and to worship the Lord. Afterwards, they returned home to Ramah. Then Elkanah was intimate with his wife Hannah, and the Lord remembered her.

I imagine that Hannah had a spring in her step and a song in her heart as they returned home. She knew GOD had heard her.

20 After some time, Hannah conceived and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, because [she said], "I requested him from the Lord."

21 When Elkanah and all his household went up to make the annual sacrifice and his vow offering to the Lord,

22 Hannah did not go and explained to her husband, "After the child is weaned, I'll take him to appear in the Lord's presence and to stay there permanently."

A child in Biblical times was weaned between 4 and 6 years old.

23 Her husband Elkanah replied, "Do what you think is best, and stay here until you've weaned him. May the Lord confirm your word." So Hannah stayed there and nursed her son until she weaned him.

24 When she had weaned him, she took him with her to Shiloh, as well as a three-year-old bull, two and one-half gallons of flour, and a jar of wine. 

Though the boy was [still] young, she took him to the Lord's house at Shiloh.

25 Then they slaughtered the bull and brought the boy to Eli.

26 "Please, my lord," she said, "as sure as you live, my lord, I am the woman who stood here beside you praying to the Lord.

I can almost hear Eli think, “Oh, yea that is when I stuck my foot in my mouth.”

27 I prayed for this boy, and since the Lord gave me what I asked Him for,

Hannah had a message for Eli, "Now, you know what I was praying about and GOD answered my prayer."

28 I now give the boy to the Lord. For as long as he lives, he is given to the Lord." Then he bowed and worshiped the Lord there.

GOD answered Hannah’s prayer for a son. She named him Samuel and followed through with her vow by giving him to serve GOD. It is not clear who bowed, Samuel or Eli. But it was a time for giving thanks to GOD for answered prayer.

GOD blessed Hannah with three additional sons and two daughters.

Let’s read 1 Samuel 2:1-3:

Hannah's Triumphant Prayer

1 Hannah prayed: My heart rejoices in the Lord; my horn is lifted up by the Lord. My mouth boasts over my enemies, because I rejoice in Your salvation.

“My horn” is a reference to strength. Hannah’s strength and confidence in GOD had been renewed. She witnessed the hand of GOD and could rejoice with victory over her enemies. Answered prayer resulted in her rejoicing from being pulled from the miry clay of despair and the funk she had gotten into. GOD pulled her out and placed her feet upon the solid rock of faith and trust in GOD.  

2 There is no one holy like the Lord. There is no one besides You! And there is no rock like our God.

3 Do not boast so proudly, or let arrogant [words] come out of your mouth, for the Lord is a God of knowledge, and actions are weighed by Him.

We as humans cannot boast of what we can do compared to what GOD can do. 

GOD has full knowledge and the timetable when HE will take action on our requests. When we boast of our ability to take charge of matters, it reveals our attitude toward GOD. When we boast about our ability, we have the wrong attitude and relationship with GOD. That must change if we desire to have the right relationship with GOD. Hannah got it right. Trust GOD with the matters of life.

Hannah had to acknowledge that GOD was the One Who had the power to grant her request. She had to yield her will to GOD. When she did, GOD became the “rock” or solid foundation in her life.

Is JESUS your solid foundation? Are you still trying to run your life yourself? Trust JESUS to lead and guide your life. Blessings!!!