Rewarding Loyalty
Loyalty is a character quality that we do not see as much today. People look out for themselves and maybe for family. However, it is more rare for them to be loyal to their rulers or to their companies. People change their allegiances, if it will make them more comfortable or if it will profit them in some way. We need more loyalty today. Loyalty needs to be rewarded when we see it. That is what David did after the death of Saul. He commended the men of Jabesh-gilead for rescuing the body of Saul from the Philistines and burying the former king. (II Samuel 2:5) Let's examine this a little.
The men who went to retrieve the body of Saul risked their lives to do it. They were so loyal that they could have died. They did this even though Saul was not a very righteous king, and he did not accomplish a lot during his reign. However, He was the Lord's anointed, so they were loyal out of obedience to God and out of respect for His choice for king.
Then, David was being hunted by Saul. He would have killed David. David could have been glad that Saul was killed, but he and his men mourned his death. Also, he commended the men of Jabesh-gilead for their loyal efforts. That speaks volumes to me. David was loyal to Saul who meant to kill him. Finally, he rewarded those who honored his enemy. That is remarkable! David definitely knew the value of loyalty. We need to learn from him.
Tomorrow, I intend to read II Samuel 3-6.
The men who went to retrieve the body of Saul risked their lives to do it. They were so loyal that they could have died. They did this even though Saul was not a very righteous king, and he did not accomplish a lot during his reign. However, He was the Lord's anointed, so they were loyal out of obedience to God and out of respect for His choice for king.
Then, David was being hunted by Saul. He would have killed David. David could have been glad that Saul was killed, but he and his men mourned his death. Also, he commended the men of Jabesh-gilead for their loyal efforts. That speaks volumes to me. David was loyal to Saul who meant to kill him. Finally, he rewarded those who honored his enemy. That is remarkable! David definitely knew the value of loyalty. We need to learn from him.
Tomorrow, I intend to read II Samuel 3-6.