IT PAYS TO BE LOYAL
Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him *(Job 13:15)*
The above statement of trust and loyalty represents Job's affirmation of faith in God, in the face of daunting challenges. He was terribly afflicted; his condition got so severe and hopeless that his wife, in sneering aversion to his troubles, said to him, *“...Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die”* (Job 2:9)
But Job, the Bible says, maintained his trust and integrity in the Lord, and wouldn't sin against God. His condition didn’t provoke him to make the wrong confessions (Job 2:10); how admirable.
Then in Job 13:15, despite his limited understanding and knowledge of God, he made a rather thought-provoking statement, saying, *“Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.”* Job’s attitude teaches that no matter how critical or uncomfortable your condition might be, remain trusting and loyal to the Word. For the tenacity of his trust and loyalty to God, the Bible says God *“...blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning...”* (Job 42:12)
Consider also the loyalty of Peter and the other disciples who chose to remain with Jesus after some of His disciples took offence at His teachings and stopped following Him. These rebellious disciples felt uncomfortable with some of the things they heard the Master say and reacted, *“...This is an hard saying; who can hear it...”* (John 6:60)? They thus walked away from Him.
Jesus then turned to Peter and the other disciples and asked, “Will you also go away?” Peter answered, *“No Lord. We're with you for life, because we believe your message; we believe you're the Christ.”*
He and the other disciples remained with Jesus. Guess what? Before the Lord ascended, He said to them, *“...I appoint to you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed to me; That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel”* (Luke 22:29-30).
It pays to be loyal. When things seem difficult and challenging, don’t join those who look for other options or the easy way out. Remain loyal and trust the Lord to turn things around in due time. God bless you for spending time to read my sermon.
