How does 2 Samuel 15:20 connect to Jesus' teachings on commitment? Setting the Scene “In fact, you arrived only yesterday, and shall I make you wander with us today while I go wherever I must go? Return and take your brothers with you. May the LORD show you loving devotion and faithfulness.” - David is fleeing Jerusalem because of Absalom’s rebellion. - Ittai the Gittite, a recent foreign convert, insists on accompanying David. - David tests Ittai’s resolve, offering him a safe way out. David’s Challenge and Ittai’s Choice - David highlights the cost: uncertainty, hardship, homelessness. - Ittai’s response (v. 21, not quoted here) shows wholehearted allegiance: he pledges to follow David “in life or in death.” - The moment crystallizes true commitment—voluntary, informed, sacrificial. Commitment in Jesus’ Words “If anyone desires to come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” - “Foxes have dens and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head.” (v. 58) - “No one who puts his hand to the plow and then looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” (v. 62) - “Whoever does not carry his own cross and follow Me cannot be My disciple.” (v. 27) - Jesus urges counting the cost, illustrating with the builder and the king. - “Whoever does not take up his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me.” Bridging the Old and New Parallels between 2 Samuel 15:20 and Jesus’ teachings: • Cost presented up front – David: wanderings, danger, exile – Jesus: self-denial, cross-bearing, possible loss of home and family • Freedom to turn back – David releases Ittai without penalty – Jesus never coerces; He invites voluntary discipleship • Devotion outweighs convenience – Ittai forsakes comfort for loyalty – Disciples forsake personal security for Christ • Blessing promised to the faithful – David pronounces “loving devotion and faithfulness” over Ittai – Jesus promises eternal life and fellowship to those who persevere (John 14:21; Revelation 2:10) Living It Out Today - Acknowledge the cost of following Christ; refuse to sanitize it. - Choose loyalty over convenience, like Ittai did for David, and as the disciples did for Jesus. - Hold earthly ties loosely, ready to obey wherever the Lord leads. - Trust that loving devotion and faithfulness will accompany every step of obedience, because God Himself pledges it (Hebrews 13:5-6). |
    |