Devotional - May 29, 2004

Ittai was a Gittite from Gath who made his way to Jerusalem with his family to live under the reign of king David. You may recall that David made allegiance with the Philistines living in Gath when king Saul was looking for David to take his life. Now the Gittite found serving the God of David the right life decision.

I wonder what it was that motivated Ittai's decision? Loyalty is something David's own son Absalom failed to learn, but through Ittai's testimony we learn that honor is thicker than blood. Ittai chose to stay by David's side regardless of what it cost him. Absalom on the other hand, plotted to divide the people's loyalty, steal their allegiance to his father and his throne.

Perhaps you may be one who came lately to Jesus Christ. No one knows how many believers in two thousand years have elected to express faith in Jesus Christ and have stayed by His side through thick and thin. In John 17 we read Jesus' prayer for the first men to do it. The apostles all died, faithful to the end save Judas, who was never really one of them even though he walked with them.

Jesus demonstrated that when people knew who He was, they'd often follow him joyfully regardless of the consequences. In John 18 we see the Jewish leadership trying to steal the affection of the people by accusing Him through trumped up charges and jealousy. It's a contrast in loyalty that very much resembles that of David, Absalom and Ittai. Some things never change.

Today, you may be a latecomer like Ittai. You came through the ministry of Paul who was compelled by Jesus to preach to those who were not Jews. One might say that the Jews have longevity when it comes to relationship with God. However, today it's hard to find many Jews with unwavering faith in Jehovah as the dedication of their forefathers has been replaced with personal religious preference in this generation.

What about you? Your parents may have believed in Jesus as did their parents before them. You also may have made a personal statement of faith in Jesus Christ as have your children. But is your loyalty to Jesus unwavering or a religious preference that places profession of faith above possession of faith?

The days are coming when this generation of believers will have the opportunity of Peter when he was asked, "Surely you are not another of this man's disciples?" Will we be like Ittai and say "whether it means life or death, there will your servant be." 2Sa 15:21b. Or will you be like David who said, "I have taken an oath and confirmed it, that I will follow your righteous laws?" Ps 119:106

It's easy to tell someone who's loyal. They are the ones who are faithful to the end, not just faithful for a season. Consistent in service, steady in their walk, persistent in their profession and resistant to anything that tries to move them away from God. In addition, they often pay a personal price for their decision.

If you were to stand before the Great I Am and find a place between David and Ittai in front of the Bema Judgment Seat, would you feel out of place? Listen brother and sister: God will not change your desires on the way to heaven when your body lies stiff in a box. If you want to do something about your stand for God, it has to happen on this side of glory, not over there.

1 Developed from Read the Bible Thru ( 2Sa. 14:1-15:22 Jn. 18:1-24 Ps. 119:96-112 Pr. 16:8-9 )
2. Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society