What can we learn about loyalty from the men who "went innocently"? Setting the Scene • 2 Samuel 15:11: “Two hundred men accompanied Absalom from Jerusalem. They had been invited as guests and went innocently, for they did not know about the matter.” • These men accepted Absalom’s invitation, unaware of his conspiracy. Their hearts were free from deceit; they had no intent to rebel against King David. Lessons on Loyalty • A loyal heart can be misled if uninformed – Proverbs 19:2: “It is not good to have zeal without knowledge.” – Their innocence shows that zeal, apart from discernment, may place us under the banner of the wrong cause. • Loyalty begins with integrity – Proverbs 11:3: “The integrity of the upright guides them.” – The men’s motives were pure; Scripture records no charge against them. God values the heart posture over the unintended outcome. • A clear conscience matters to God – Acts 24:16: “I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.” – Though drawn into Absalom’s entourage, they stood guilt-free because their conscience was unstained by rebellion. • True loyalty aligns with God’s anointed leadership – 1 Samuel 24:6 affirms David’s refusal to harm Saul because Saul was “the LORD’s anointed.” – Once David was crowned, allegiance properly belonged to him; uninformed deviation does not nullify ultimate covenant allegiance. Guardrails for Our Own Loyalty • Seek full information before lending support – Proverbs 18:13 warns against answering a matter “before he hears it.” – Investigate motives and purposes of any leader or movement. • Let Scripture shape allegiance – Psalm 119:105: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” – Regular intake of Scripture trains discernment, preventing naive participation in ungodly ventures. • Prioritize God’s kingdom over personal ties – Matthew 6:33: “But seek first the kingdom of God.” – Relationships and invitations—even from trusted friends—must be weighed against kingdom principles. Encouragement for Today • God records the innocence of these 200 men, showing He distinguishes between willing rebels and misled followers. • He credits loyal intentions even when circumstances confuse outward allegiance. • As we pursue loyalty, keep hearts pure, minds discerning, and devotion fixed on the Lord and His anointed purposes. |
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