Loyalty

Saul is Angry with Jonathan

Things happened just as David had predicted as Saul became violently angry when David did not show for the feast of the New Moon. Jonathan tried to reason with his father as he had done a few weeks before (vv. 24-31). Saul, however, hurled his spear, narrowly missing his son. Jon …

Loyalty to a Group or to God?

While the Rechabites obeyed and followed the teachings of Jonadab their father, Israel had neither obeyed the Lord nor followed His instructions. The Rechabites were more loyal to their earthly father and his human judgments than the people of Israel were to their Creator God. (v …

Loyalty to the Faith

God’s work has been done by men and women who stood steadfast while suffering trials. Timothy was in a time of transition. He had been Paul’s right hand man but soon he would be on his own as leader of a church in a difficult environment. He was responsible to preserve sound te …

IllustrationPastor’s Response to Hitler

Hitler imprisoned a German pastor, Martin Niemoeller, for eight years. He spent some time in prisons and concentration camps, including Dachau. Hitler realized that if Niemoeller, a First World War hero, could be persuaded to join his cause then much opposition would collap …

IllustrationBabe Ruth – A little boy hugged him in disgrace

One of the all-time greats in baseball was Babe Ruth. His bat had the power of a cannon, and his record of 714 home runs remained unbroken until Hank Aaron came along. “The Babe” was the idol of sports fans, but in time age took its toll, and his popularity began to wan …

IllustrationAre we Loyal to The One Who Redeemed us?

I wonder what would happen if we applied the same standards of loyalty to our Christian activities that we expect from other areas of our lives? If your car starts once every three tries, is it reliable? If the postman skipped delivery every Monday and Thursday, is he trustworthy …