Loyalty

Read Psalm 119:161-168 (Sin and Shin)

Read 1 Samuel 20

Jonathan was heir to the throne. Yet Jonathan knowingly helps his best friend, David, who was being given the throne. Jonathan could have been tempted by the power and prestige of the throne. But Jonathan acts only in David's best interest.

Even if it meant going against his father, King Saul. Jonathan will not help Saul in his murderous pursuits. Saul even reminds his son that he (Jonathan) will never have the throne or the kingdom as long as David is a live. You can almost see the Devil speaking through Saul to try and tempt Jonathan to sin.

But Jonathan doesn't do what is wrong, selfish, or sinful. He only acts in a truly, Godly, selfless love. Jonathan is loyal to his friend, David. He is loyal to him because he is loyal to the Lord, the One True God, and King over Israel.

Jonathan is willing to risk it all to do what is right.

That is hard for us to do sometimes. Only by the strength of the Spirit can we succeed. Let us pray we will do what is right, even when we are caught in the middle of a loyalty conflict. Sometimes our Godly actions will be unappreciated by those around us, even beloved family members. But following Jonathan's example, we can act in selfless love, even if it means spears thrown at us.

I pray no javelins fly at you today. But I do pray that if you are in a loyalty battle, that by God's strength you will do what is good and right. No backstabbing, no selfish sell-outs, no slander, no thievery, no greed, pride, or covetousness. Just love. Christlike, selfless love. So help us God!

And let us always remember that Jesus was loyal to us! He came to seek and save the lost (us), and he stuck to his course, said "no" to all the various temptations of the devil, went obediently to the cross, and rose victorious from the dead. His loyalty forgives us for all the times we made the wrong choice and had mixed up priorities. Think about that: forgiven. Sins truly removed. A new life graciously given. Now that makes us want to be loyal to our Lord and Savior, doesn't it!

Pray:

Pray from your heart today concerning the loyalty conflicts in your life. Ask God to guide you in all wisdom and holiness, and by the strength of his Spirit to empower you to do what is right.

Study with me tomorrow,

Pastor Jon

Soli Deo Gloria!