Today’s Reading, Numbers 31-32
Focal Scripture: Numbers 32:11 “‘Because they did not remain loyal to me, none of the men twenty years old or more who came up from Egypt will see the land I swore to give Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob —”
Do you consider yourself a loyal person? Before we go any further we must define what loyalty means. Loyalty is defined as being faithful, devoted or committed to a person or an idea. This definition should help us understand what the Lord requires from his followers. When a person makes a decision to follow the Lord it also requires complete loyalty. It is difficult to be all in when your loyalty rests in another person or another idol.
In today’s reading the account of the disloyal spies is given. These ten men were not loyal to the Lord but instead were loyal to their emotions and feelings. Loyalty only went so far and their lack of faith and trust came through when life became difficult. These men’s choices in turn, caused an entire generation to die in the wilderness and not see the promised land. However, if they would have been loyal to the Lord and his teachings they would have seen great and mighty works in their life and in the nation.
The application for today is extremely serious. The lord expects our loyalty to him in everything we say and do. This means we are acknowledging his Lordship and our obedience to his commands. It also means we will be loyal to him in our actions, words and deeds. In my opinion we have too many people who profess Christ but are not loyal to him as master and King. This causes a major problem because loyalty is being placed in someone at every moment of our lives. If it is not the Lord, we our engaging in idol worship.
So the question must be asked of everyone, including myself. If I am not completely loyal to the Lord, what am I being loyal to today? Believers must always be willing and prepared to answer the question of loyalty. Why? Because if we are not being loyal, we are walking down a path of darkness and disobedience. I need to give a word of caution here because I have seen humans demand loyalty from everyone they come in contact with. These individuals want loyalty for prestige, not because they have earned it by their words and actions. Loyalty to them is a tool of power not of respect.
As Christ followers we are loyal to our Savior first, then our spouses and children. This prioritizes everything in our life and brings a healthy balance that can change generations. Be loyal to the king who has the power to save the world.
Tomorrow, I plan on reading Numbers 33-34
