A 'Jerk" is 'someone who exhibits any selfish thoughts or behavior that are ultimately harmful to others'. All of us to a certain degree at times exhibit jerkiness. But there are those who are jerks to the nth degree, who manipulate, control, and abuse others without any conscience. In the Old Testament, Abigail was married to an nth degree jerk by the name of Nabal. He was harsh and evil in all of his doings. He cheated David out of payment for protection of his servants and flocks. As a result David intended to wipe out Nabal's entire family. But Abigail, a woman of faith and wisdom, intervenes. Contrary to the jerk's decision, she takes action in order to save her family from impending danger. In order to secure the safety of her family, she assumes the guilt for her husband's actions and humbly asks for forgiveness. And believing that God is in control of all things, she assures David that it is in his best interest to give her 'jerky husband' over to God. In doing so, God richly blessed her strong faith. Like Abigail, we too need to trust God to deal with the 'jerks' in our lives. |
