I Pledge Allegiance Series

I Pledge Allegiance

2 Samuel 1

What’s happening- an Amalekite comes to David and gives him a story about Saul’s death and how he witnessed it and was actually the one to kill him. David mourns for Saul and his best friend Jonathan in a lament

We know the true witness of Saul’s death from 1 Sam 31 so we know this guy is lying, for what reason- maybe to gain favor from David, a place in his kingdom as Israel’s next king; nevertheless David is intent on the man’s story, his tone changes in v.13 “who are you?” in more of a judicial line of questioning. The young man continues to tell David that he killed Saul.

So that’s your story?

David has staked his whole life on “touch not God’s anointed”, and because of his allegiance to the Lord and His king, David had been through many years of affliction and peril. And this Amalekite thinks he’s going to win favor with David by killing Saul? The one whom David protected even to the point of his own detriment?

That would be like trying to speak bad about my husband to pastor Jay, trying to win his approval. Ain’t gonna happen.

What kind of delusion is this guy living under? David swore his allegiance to God and God’s anointed

It begs the question: to whom are you pledging allegiance?

Allegiance defined as- loyalty or commitment of a subordinate to a superior or of an individual to a group or cause

David was loyal to God and to God’s man for the job. A very rare thing these days.

It is important to declare one’s allegiance-

“I pledge allegiance to the flag”...the US is not needy in making its citizens say the pledge. We have nuclear bombs. It reminds us of our loyalty to defend America and her way of life.

The ancient understanding of faith includes an issue of a response.

“pistis” the Greek word for “believe” as in John 3:36, has to do with loyalty or allegiance. To keep faith, you must be loyal.

John 3:36 English Standard Version (ESV)

36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.

ESV has a more correct translation

Our marriage vows are linked with allegiance- do not flippantly enter into marriage vows, otherwise to get a divorce you should have to call everyone back that was at your wedding to tell them that you lied

Christianity in America has become a flippant declaration at the altar, forgetting that you actually made a vow to God. You cannot say “I am loyal to America and collude with other nations”

We have been given such a great gift in the atoning blood of Jesus, He was a better sacrifice and gave us a greater covenant with greater promises.

Hebrews 8:6 New King James Version (NKJV)

6 But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises.

A gift given requires a response. My response demonstrates the magnitude of my allegiance.

Four elements of allegiance:

1. Faithful- allegiance is faithful until the end. David was faithful to Saul as long as Saul lived.

Even though David had been anointed king, he would let God sort out the details.

He would not usurp authority.

God has been faithful to us and He demands the same from His children

Faithful- loyal, constant and steadfast

Show me your calendar and your bank statement and I’ll show you who and what you have allegiance

to.

People say they are committed to the Lord, but their actions prove they are committed to their job, or having fun, a football team, kids’ sports or living a nice life…..

Paul was faithful to Jesus

2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

The indictment to the CHURCH in Laodicea was that they were lukewarm, but that was just a symptom of a deeper issue- their allegiance was to themselves. Rev 3:17 “You say,” They were self-centered and self focused. They judged what was good, right and true.

Faithfulness requires humility- In humiliation I find my worth. To gain life, I must die to self- an abdication of Crystal’s kingdom and my selfish interests.

“What can be more depressing than to find a professed Christian defending his supposed rights and bitterly resisting any attempt to violate them? Such a Christian has never accepted the way of the cross. The sweet graces of meekness and humility are unknown to that person. Everyday he grows harder and more acrimonious trying to defend reputation, right and ministry against imagined foes.”--Tozer