BRUTAL INGRATITUDE

TEXT: 1SAMUEL 25:1-11

Key Verse: “And Nabal answered David's servants, and said, Who is David? and who is the son of Jesse? there be many servants now a days that break away every man from his master.” (I Samuel 25:10)_

When the ministry of Britain’s first Prime Minister, Robert Walpole, fell and a hostile vote was being taken in the House of Commons, Walpole, watching those who voted against him, said to one who sat near him, “Young man, I will tell you the history of all these men as they come in: That fellow I saved from the gallows. And that one, from starvation. This other one’s son I promoted.” But they all turned against me.

After the death and burial of Prophet Samuel, David still needed to hide himself away from Saul who wanted to kill him. From his hideout in the wilderness of Paran, he sent messengers to Nabal, a very rich man, who was shearing his sheep to ask for favour, considering the protection he and his men provided the shepherds in the field (a service for which David was not asking for compulsory payment but just a token to assist his men in their hour of need). Nabal railed on the men and insulted David, the anointed of the Lord.

It was bad enough that Saul pursued David, seeking his life from place to place, but it was like pouring salt into a wound for David to also face contempt and harsh treatment from those of his own tribesmen, as in the case of Nabal, who owed much of what they still had to his valiant performances against the enemies of Israel. Believers should know that this world does not do well in rewarding faithful service.

As children of God, we must be careful the way we requite the people that God had used to help us in life lest we become Nabals. We should show gratitude in lifestyle and service for the Lord for all the daily benefits we receive from Him through Christ. Else, we would be like the people described in Deuteronomy 32:6 and Isaiah 1:2,3.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: God’s faithfulness is more constant than the northern star.

COVER to COVER: 2 SAMUEL 11,12; 1CHRONICLES 20.

PONDER:

1. Ingratitude is one of manifestations of the satanic/adamic nature though it can be nurtured by different factors.
2. Satan started manifesting it when he unrepentantly, and without any apology, rebelled against His Benefactor who gave him life, beauty, power, gifts, headship over many angels and made him to live with Him in heaven.
3. The ungrateful heart always exalt the dark side of personalities above the bright side even though he himself is worse v10.
4. Things he is yet to receive becloud him of things he has already.
5. It is one of the evil moral traits of the last days 2 Timothy 3:2.
6. What are the other traits of ungrateful hearts in the passage?

• Reflect on those who have benefited you in life as far as your memory can go and check up how you have rewarded them.

• When you are compassed with challenges and it seems God is not answering your prayers, do you have the attitude of praising and thanking God for what He had done for you?

• When it appears your benefactors did not do enough for you, are you appreciative of what they have done or you capitalize on what is yet to be done?