To Whom Are We Loyal?--July 26, 2021

[From July 25, 2011 archive; 

adapted from my July 26, 1999 journal]

 

There are different levels of loyalty:

loyalty to a dead leader,

loyalty to a cause or principle,

loyalty to a fellow worker,

loyalty to one's word,

loyalty to one's reputation.

 

Above all these is loyalty to you, O God.

Let us hear what you will speak;

in our hearts, let us turn to you.

 

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 57; 145; 85; 47

2 Sam. 2:1-11

Acts 15:36-16:5

Mark 6:14-29

 

Selected Verses 

Ps. 85:8

Let me hear what God the LORD will speak, 
          for he will speak peace to his people, 
          to his faithful, to those who turn to him in their hearts.

 

2 Sam. 2:4b-5

When they told David, “It was the people of Jabesh-gilead who buried Saul,” David sent messengers to the people of Jabesh-gilead, and said to them, “May you be blessed by the LORD, because you showed this loyalty to Saul your lord, and buried him!  …”

 

Acts 15:38

But Paul decided not to take with them one who had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not accompanied them in the work.

 

Mark 6:25-26

Immediately [Herodias] rushed back to the king and requested, “I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.”  The king was deeply grieved; yet out of regard for his oaths and for the guests, he did not want to refuse her.