Bitter and Foolish

It's interesting how one person can bring healing and another wounding where they go. Sinkholes of pain mark their every step, and they do not seem to notice or care. They are marah or bitter. You remember 'marah'- it was the name Naomi asked to be called upon her return to Bethelehem.  Her countenance and bearing were so different that the townswomen questioned if it were really Naomi at all: "So the two women went on until they came to Bethlehem. When they arrived in Bethlehem, the whole town was stirred because of them, and the women exclaimed, “Can this be Naomi?”  (Ruth 1:20)

You might think the cause of the drastic transformation was merely the shifting of seasons, but what if her countenance was changed by grief and bitterness or anger and disappointment with God? Naomi complains, “Don’t call me Naomi,” she told them. “Call me Mara, because the Almighty  has made my life very bitter.  I went away full, but the LORD has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi? The LORD has afflicted^[me; the Almighty has brought misfortune upon me” (Ruth 1:20).

I  understand Naomi;I have been embittered with what God has allowed to pass through my life at times; haven't we all? I learned last week that the word marah can also mean to disobey. When we continue in disobedience and disbelief, we become hard brittle people and embitter the lives of those around us. One of the worst things that can be said of us is that it was better when we left- and it actually be true.

Let's jump ahead three generations and continue our story. Abigail, whose name means 'gift of the father' was married to a churlish, evil man named Nabal (I Samuel 25:3). This man looked successsful on the outside, but inside his wickedness was a cesspool of vanity, selfishness, and stupidity.

Nabal- his name literally means fool (v.26). He endangered his life and those of his household when he refused to honor King David's request for food afer David and his men had protected Nabal's shephereds while in the field. Because Nabal was a wicked man even his servants feared bringing him a request. Instead, they asked Abigail to bring the issue before their master. Maybe, that's why we don't confront our Nabals- we fear their tongue-lashing or isolation: "One of the servants told Abigail, Nabal’s wife, “David sent messengers from the wilderness to give our master his greetings, but he hurled insults at them. Yet, these men were very good to us. Night and day they were a wall around us the whole time we were herding our sheep near them. Now think it over and see what you can do, because disaster is hanging over our master and his whole household. He is such a wicked man that no one can talk to him” (I Samuel 25:15-18).

We all have nabals or foolish people in our lives, those who refuse God's anointing, who can't be thankul for God's gift through us. In the end, Abigail, 'the gift of the father' was given to one would appreciate her- David -after her foolish husband died. Together, they gave birth to a king, Rehoboam. Despite circumstances, we can remain pleasant (naomi) and know that like Abigail, 'the gift of the Father,' will end in the hands of those who can appreciate it. Meditate on the psalm below and let it calm your ravaged heart. Your times and days are in the Father's hands. Let God take care of Nabal as He did with David. Don't get distracted by evil men's behavior and thus lose your position with the Father. Remain steadfast and do good in the land.

 

1Surely God is good to Israel,

to those who are pure in heart.

2But as for me, my feet had almost slipped;

I had nearly lost my foothold.

3For I envied the arrogant

when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

4They have no struggles;

their bodies are healthy and strong.^a

5They are free from the burdens common to man;

they are not plagued by human ills.

6Therefore pride is their necklace;

they clothe themselves with violence.

7From their callous hearts comes iniquity^b;

the evil conceits of their minds know no limits.

8They scoff, and speak with malice;

in their arrogance they threaten oppression.

9Their mouths lay claim to heaven,

and their tongues take possession of the earth.

10Therefore their people turn to them

and drink up waters in abundance.^c

11They say, “How can God know?

Does the Most High have knowledge?”

12This is what the wicked are like—

always carefree, they increase in wealth.

13Surely in vain have I kept my heart pure;

in vain have I washed my hands in innocence.

14All day long I have been plagued;

I have been punished every morning.

15If I had said, “I will speak thus,”

I would have betrayed your children.

16When I tried to understand all this,

it was oppressive to me

17till I entered the sanctuary of God;

then I understood their final destiny.

18Surely you place them on slippery ground;

you cast them down to ruin.

19How suddenly are they destroyed,

completely swept away by terrors!

20As a dream when one awakes,

so when you arise, O Lord,

you will despise them as fantasies.

21When my heart was grieved

and my spirit embittered,

22I was senseless and ignorant;

I was a brute beast before you.

23Yet I am always with you;

you hold me by my right hand.

24You guide me with your counsel,

and afterward you will take me into glory.

25Whom have I in heaven but you?

And earth has nothing I desire besides you.

26My flesh and my heart may fail,

but God is the strength of my heart

and my portion forever.

27Those who are far from you will perish;

you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.

28But as for me, it is good to be near God.

I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge
I will tell all of your mighty deeds. (Psalm 73)

May God make an end to every nabal in your life,
M.J.