May 19, 2010 People Living Up To Their Names

Nabal's name, of course, means "fool," which is explained in Scripture.  He thoroughly lived up to his name.  Why would someone name their kid that, I wonder?  If you call someone "fool" over and over, they'll probably believe it!  In contrast, Abigail (whose name means "father" and "rejoicing"), was surely a delight to her father, to her heavenly Father, and to David. 

A person who knows they are loved by the Father can be an effective intercessor and a blessing to all.  Her wisdom is a great contrast to her husband's brute foolishness.  The verse in Proverbs today was very fitting: 
"A wise son makes a father glad, But a foolish man despises his mother."  Proverbs 15:20 NKJV  It's not unfitting to say that a wise daughter makes her father glad; a foolish man makes his father miserable, and also that he despises his wife as well as his mother.  Abigail was merciful and interceded, and this was rewarded greatly.  The fool has no fear of God, and that received its reward as well.

Saul's name means "asked for" or "desired", and the people got what they asked for and desired, but not what they needed.  David's name, in contrast, means "beloved."  He was beloved by God and the people, and most assuredly my Abigail, (even though she had to share him).  When we allow God to give us what we need, rather than demanding what we think we desire, we will truly love what we have been given!  Because God knows how to give good gifts to His children. 

Only a fool would turn down the opportunity to have that kind of Daddy!  Nevertheless, we should be like David, who spared Saul when it was in his power to do him ill, and Abigail, who took upon herself the burden of her foolish husband's sin, even though she probably would have loved to get rid of him, and may have been tempted to let David take his life.  The end of the story leaves no doubt that she took the proper course!

God calls us "beloved"!  He calls us "Father's delight!"  If we keep listening, we'll eventually live up to everything He sees in us-- the likeness of Christ.