APRIL 15, 2 Samuel 15:18-22

David was now on the run from his son, Absalom. In times like these, many may not want to help David. Why? Because they may feel that there is no way David can retain his crown and he will soon be killed by his own son. Why help someone who cannot benefit you?

As David fled from Jerusalem, many who supported David and went with him were foreigners – Cherethites, Pelethites and Gittites. Among them was a man by the name of Ittai, a Gittite. Ittai who had not spent a long time serving David in Jerusalem, wanted to follow David to continue serving him. But David thought it was not fair for Ittai to follow him given that the future for Ittai was uncertain. So David told Ittai to return to his  people.

Ittai, although a foreign soldier in David’s army left no doubt with regards to his loyalty to David. Ittai could have accepted David’s advice to return to his people. After all David was on the run, and in following David, Ittai will also face danger as a fugitive, just like David. Absalom had sought after David’s life and would not hesitate to kill any men who followed David and stood in his way.

But Ittai swore an oath before the Lord to stay with David. Ittai vowed that he would continue to serve David and protect David, even if it meant losing his life for David’s sake. Ittai meant every word he said. If we compare Ittai with Absalom who had received so much undeserved kindness from David, his father, Absalom’s treatment of his father was shameful. Ittai was a loyal friend to David.

What does it mean to be a loyal friend? A loyal friend is someone whom you can count upon through thick or thin. This means that he or she will not abandon you when you are in a difficult situation. Instead the loyal friend will stay by your side to help you and encourage you. For example if you are bullied by someone, your loyal friend will stand up for you. A loyal friend will also have the courage to speak with you to correct you when you disobey God. As Christians, God calls us to be loyal friends to each other.

Thought: Are you a loyal friend?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to be a loyal friend like Ittai. Help me to love and care for others. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.