2 Samuel 15:19 Then said the king to Ittai the Gittite, Wherefore goest thou also with us? return to thy place, and abide with the king: for thou art a stranger, and also an exile.

20 Whereas thou camest but yesterday, should I this day make thee go up and down with us? seeing I go whither I may, return thou, and take back thy brethren: mercy and truth be with thee.

21 And Ittai answered the king, and said, As the LORD liveth, and as my lord the king liveth, surely in what place my lord the king shall be, whether in death or life, even there also will thy servant be.

Introductory Thoughts

David was loyal and his loyalty was certainly infectious. Throughout his life, he had those who attempted great feats in order to assist or protect him. Others wanted to simply be a blessing to him. First Chronicles chapter 11 provides insight into such events. One of these examples involved David’s three mighty men performing a life threatening effort simply because David thirsted for a drink of water from the well of Bethlehem (1 Chronicles 11:15-19). Consider that level of loyalty that would inspire men to risk their lives simply because their king expressed a thirst for some particular water. In addition to the men who were willing to risk their lives for David’s safety, there were many others who merely wanted to be by David’s side. Such was the testimony of Ittai.

Devotional thoughts

  • (For children): Timothy was loyal to God and to Paul. Paul had led him to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and subsequently trained him. They were like father and son. Paul could trust him (Philippians 2:19-22). Another loyal friend to Paul was Onesiphorus (2 Timothy 1:16-18).
  • (For everyone): What have you done to demonstrate your loyalty to the Lord Jesus Christ? What have you done to demonstrate your loyalty to others the Lord has given you?
  • Are you loyal? Has your loyalty encouraged others to likewise be loyal? Have you allowed others to see the benefits of loyalty in your own life?

Prayer Thoughts

  • Thank God for those who were loyal before you.
  • Ask God to make you an example of loyalty.

 

SONG: TAKE TIME TO BE HOLY

 

 

 

Quotes from the next volume

(VOLUME 4, WEEK 21)

Subject: Life (con’t)

Though some things have changed, the Old Testament Law declares and expresses the mind of God. It demonstrates God’s hatred for sin and His desire for just judgment.

The world is consumed with “saving the earth.” They have multiple plans to purify the water, the air, the ground, the food, etc. Unfortunately, they are ignorant of the green plan laid out in the Bible. According to scripture, the land is polluted from the shedding of blood. The Bible says in Numbers 35:33 that “blood . . . defileth the land.”

Capital punishment is not done to the exclusion of God’s grace, but rather as an act of God’s just judgment.