The Beatitudes/David & Abigail-Matthew 5:1-12 10/17/99

The Beatitudes/David & Abigail-Matthew 5:1-12 10/17/99

Qualitative and quantitative
Do We Look at the quantity of the qualities in people?

The love bug story [willingness to sacrifice selves]

Beatitudes Blessed are the peacemakers
For they shall be called the children of God
O to have such a countenance that people will recognize you as one of the Lord's children

Story of David & Abigail
David...future King, stuck on himself
Nabal...wealthy shepherd, hard to get along with
Abigail...gracious woman, wife of Nabal

David cares for Nabal's shepherds

Wants some bounty in return
Have you ever done good expecting good in return?
Is this true giving?

Nabal refuses the request
Have you been stubborn, clamed up and insisted you were right?

David prepares to kill Nabal & his men
Have you ever lashed out in anger?

Abigail intercedes, apologizes & brings gifts
When have you gone the second mile to make peace?
Apologized for the actions of others?

David apologizes for his selfishness
Are you willing to see your shortcomings and apologize?

Nabal is told of Abigail's actions, has a stroke and dies
David takes Abigail to be his wife

A situation that could have led to violence and brokenness
Was thwarted because someone looked at the right things
People are always more important than ideas

Jesus hows this when asked about which is the correct place for worship

I love the scene from Star Wars...Obwan, Luke & droids
These are not the droids you are looking for
Go home and lose and argument

Read the prayer of St. Francis