April 22 - Leaders Listen

Read today’s texts first: 1 Samuel 25, 26; Psalms 63; Matthew 9

 MAXIMize YOUR DAY
 Good leaders are confident enough to make executive decisions and humble enough to listen to better ideas. 

We are coming to the end of Saul’s legacy as a leader and there’s at least one obvious observation: he was not a good listener. He heard the words of those who questioned his rash choices, but he consistently rejected their advice. David, on the other hand, while confident enough to make executive decisions, was also humble enough to listen to better ideas. Today’s story of Abigail’s intervention shows David’s ability to set aside emotional impulses and listen to sound advice.

Abigail’s husband, Nabal, refused to give out of his abundance to take care of David and his men, even though they provided protection for his workers. It was expected in those days that wealthy landowners would offer food and shelter to the men who had left their own homes and risked their lives to keep them safe. In Nabal’s case, he heard directly from his own servants how David and his men had protected them without touching their livestock, but Nabal was not a good listener!

David was so incensed by Nabal’s ingratitude that he prepared his men to attack. But Abigail intervened with such compelling wisdom, David remarked: May you be blessed for your good judgment and for keeping me from bloodshed this day (25:33). He was also perceptive enough to sense God speaking through Abigail (25:34), and learned a lesson that would characterize the rest of his life. He learned that vengeance belongs to God alone, and this truth would guide him in his ongoing struggles with Saul.

Not to sound sexist but David was not only listening to a stranger’s advice, he was listening to a woman, about military matters of all things. In that day, such openness was remarkable. But David’s heart was soft, no doubt because he was so careful to worship his God every day (Psalms 63 captures his prayers during this time). He could sense God’s voice, even when he heard it through the lips of a woman. I have heard your words and granted your request (25:35).

“Lord, my prayer today echoes David’s: Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. I cling to you; your right hand upholds me (63:7-9). I hear Your words to me today: I do not have to defend myself; You are my defense against those who would do me harm.”