Old Testament reading: 1 Samuel 24-25
“The righteous man walks in his integrity” (Prov 20:7). David’s righteousness is nowhere more greatly demonstrated than when he spared Saul’s life. David refused to stretch out his hand against the Lord’s anointed despite being urged to do so by his fellows. Their arguments were surely most persuasive as they believed this opportunity was given by the hand of the Lord. The integrity of David’s heart is further seen in his remorse for cutting the corner of Saul’s robe. David desired nothing more than to acquit himself before Saul, but felt remorse by disrespecting the one whom God had appointed king. What a beautiful heart dwelt in David! Chapter 25 contains the marvelous account of Abigail, a woman who was beautiful inside and out. Married to a worthless man named Nabal, Abigail entreats David for his goodness toward Nabal’s servants after Nabal had rudely rebuffed David’s request for assistance. Even Nabal’s servants called him a son of Belial to such a degree that no one can speak with him. What a sad state for such a fine woman! So worthless and sorry was this man that the Bible says when Abigail told him of the good she had done to David that “his heart died within him, and he became like a stone.” Ten days later the Lord finished the matter and Nabal was dead. Freed from such a scoundrel, Abigail then became the wife of a man after God’s own heart. What a marvelous change that must have been for her!
New Testament reading: Mark 13-14
It doesn’t matter who she was. Mark 14 records an unidentified woman breaking an alabaster flask of ointment in preparation of Jesus’ burial. Despite the disciples’ agreement with wicked and covetous Judas, who criticized the woman for “this waste,” Jesus commended her and said that so long as the world stands, this deed and good work that she had wrought on Jesus would be spoken as a memorial of her. What a marvelous thought that one simple act would never be forgotten! It doesn’t matter who you are. It doesn’t matter who sees it. It doesn’t matter if you are criticized. Every deed done by faithful members of the church of Christ shall likewise not be forgotten, “For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name” (Heb 6:10).
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