If you attended a worship encounter this Sunday at Church That Matters or watched online, then you know that our very own Amanda Hall preached a message about Martyrs. One of the definitions of a martyr is: a person who sacrifices something of great value and especially life itself for the sake of principal.
Can you think of a time when you sacrificed something of great value for a greater good?
I’ve been pondering this question today and trying to think if there has been a time when I truly had to sacrifice for someone or something else.
When I was 10, I took the blame for something my friend did because I didn’t want my parents to be mad at her. When my brother and I would get in a fight and he would hit me, I would hide under my bed crying until it didn’t hurt anymore because I didn’t want him to get in trouble.
As an adult, I’ve left a job or two because I disagreed with the culture of the company. I’ve lost friends because they asked my opinion but didn’t really want it and I’ve given up things that I love for people I love more.
I would gladly and willingly lay down my life for my family, friends or neighbors. I believe I would feel just as strongly about this if I ever found myself in a position to need to give my life as a sacrifice, but I’ve never had to approach a situation or person at the risk of my own life.
In 1 Samuel 25, we read about a “sensible and beautiful woman” named Abigail. She is married to a man named Nabal, who is “crude and mean in all his dealings.”
Nabal is approached by one of King David’s messengers for a favor. The messenger reminds Nabal of the protection and care the king and his men provided for Nabal’s shepherds and asks if he will share his bread, water, and meat with the king and his men. Unfortunately, the king’s generosity and kindness is met with disdain and Nabal not only refuses to share, but also insults the king.
King David is infuriated and his response is to order his men to “get your swords!” Realizing that the king and his 400 men were on the way to murder and carry out vengeance on Nabal and his household, one of Nabal’s servants goes to Abigail to tell her everything that has happened and to plead with her to “figure out what to do”.
Abigail put everything on the line to save Nabal's men. She prepared food and rode out to meet David and his four hundred men (v.18). When she met them she fell down before David and said "On me alone, my lord, be the guilt" (v.24). She stepped in at great cost and risk to herself. No doubt this surprised David as the most unlikely person offered herself up for the men he intended to destroy.
Abigail offers herself a humble sacrifice for an offense she didn’t commit in an effort to save the lives of many.
“On me alone, my lord, be the guilt.”
It is hard to miss the picture of the Gospel in this story…
“Father, forgive them. For they know not what they do.”
Romans 5:8 reminds us that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. He entered into our desperate situation, at great cost to himself. He brought glory to God by bearing the wrath our sins deserved. Now we can be ministers of reconciliation, step into difficult situations, and seek to bring about good.
Mary Swafford is the founder of Shaken & Stirred, Meals that Matter, Coffee Talk, and a Co-Owner of Boulder Coffee in downtown Sand Springs. She is a wife, a mother of 3 beautiful children, but most importantly a daughter of the most high God. You are likely to find her chugging or serving coffee, sitting in a tattooist’s chair, or making friends out of strangers.
Photo by Oliver Pacas on Unsplash