Loyalty—The word loyalty is not found in scripture, but the concept is related to faithfulness which occurs fifty-six times in fifty-six Old Testament verses and fifty-five times in fifty-one New Testament verses.
Variations: faithful, faithfully, faithfulness, unfaithful, unfaithfully
Last usage in the Old Testament: Hosea 11:12 (faithful)
First usage in the New Testament: Matthew 24:45 (faithful)
Interesting fact: Mordecai was loyal to king Ahasuerus before he was a recipient of Ahasuerus’ favour (Esther 2:21-23). At first, the loyalty seemed to go unnoticed, but at the most needful time, the Lord insured that Ahasuerus learned of Mordecai’s loyalty (Esther 6:1-3). Mordecai’s loyalty while in obscurity led to his life being spared (Esther 6:4-11; Esther 7:1-10) and ultimately to his promotion in the kingdom (Esther 8:1-2). It is important to note that all this took place while in a pagan land under a pagan king.
Bible study tip: “Where art thou?” serves as the first question asked of Adam by God following Adam’s sinful act (Genesis 3:9). This particular question serves to point out to the reader that Adam was noticeably missing, yet this is not the first occasion. Many sermons have been preached and commentaries written presenting Eve’s failure to properly communicate God’s word when confronted by the serpent (Genesis 3:1-5). However, though seemingly present with his wife during the sinful act (Genesis 3:6), Adam was missing or just silent from any of the recorded conversation. Concerning Bible study, we should not only take notice of that which is clearly present but also consider any unexpected missing element.
Sunday, Day 141—Church Day (no devotional)
Monday, Day 142—Honour Calls for Loyalty
Tuesday, Day 143—Inherited Loyalty
Wednesday, Day 144—Church Night (no devotional)
Thursday, Day 145—David, a Man of Loyalty
Friday, Day 146—Loyalty Killed Uriah
Saturday, Day 147—Loyalty Is Contagious
Day 141: Church Day
Proverbs 17:11 An evil man seeketh only rebellion: therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.