LOYALTY RECONSIDERED
By Jamin Stinziano
Earlier this year, we journeyed as a church through the Old Testament book of Daniel by looking at the loyalty God shows to his people and the loyalty that we, as well, are called to live in to. As we move into the summer months, we thought it would be helpful to be reminded of some overarching themes we saw over and over again throughout our Loyalty series. These themes, as we see them, are non-negotiable, which means that embracing these truths is directly tied to the joy-filled, abundant life Christ has secured for his children.
So, take some time to read the 3 themes below and prayerfully consider what God might want to do in and through you in the weeks and months to come.
Overarching Theme #1: The Lord Most High is still on the throne
God is in control. He always has been, and he always will be. We struggle to believe it, though, don’t we? We know the truth in our minds, but when push comes to shove, the waters start raging, and life seems to spiral out of control, our souls rise far too easily to another. Yet over and over again in the book of Daniel, and through the entirety of the scriptures, God is put on display as the Sovereign Ruler of all creation. He is orchestrating events, putting people where he wants them, and thwarting the schemes of the enemy. Nothing takes him by surprise, nothing ties his hands, and nothing keeps him from doing exactly what he has purposed to do.
Overarching Theme #2: The Lord Most High is faithful (loyal) in all he does
When the Bible communicates the loyalty of God, it often uses the same terminology to depict his faithfulness and love. So, when it says that God is abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness (Ex.34:6), we are seeing that God is overflowing with loyalty toward those he’s in covenant relationship with. When it says, the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases (Lam. 3:23), we are being told that the loyalty of God will never come to an end. When it says, all his work is done in faithfulness (Ps.33:4), we are learning that God is and always will be perfectly loyal in what he does. It’s true! He is overwhelmingly committed to his glory and the good of the ones he loves so he will never let us down. In fact, he can’t.
Overarching Theme #3: The Lord Most High is worthy of our complete loyalty
The truth that Yahweh sits on the throne impacts everything about our lives. In the book of Revelation, we read this declaration: Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created (Rev 4:11). As it was true for Daniel and his friends it is true for you and me. The glory of God—his majesty, greatness, splendor, beauty, and so much more—demands that we orient our lives around his throne. And this is no small orientation. It requires our complete allegiance. Every idol must be crushed, every agenda discarded, every pursuit pushed to the side, every aspiration submitted, and every loyalty abandoned. This is life in his kingdom. Anything less is compromised, listless, and powerless.
So how can we joyfully press into these truths? By purposefully posturing ourselves before his throne. In doing this, we are intentionally putting ourselves in a place to see him for who he truly is. Our King is a good and righteous Father who delights in his children. He is steadfast and faithful in all that he does. And because Christ has given us access we never could have afforded ourselves, he welcomes us to the foot of his throne. God’s Word gives us this charge: Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16) So let’s find comfort in the truth that Yahweh is the Sovereign Ruler of all creation and he is ready, willing, and able to give grace for all of our needs.