INTRODUCTION

Loyalty is a godly trait, and like most godly traits, difficulties can accompany it. The story of David and Uriah serves as a prime example. David sinned against the Lord when he committed adultery with Bathsheba, Uriah’s wife. His actions caused her to become expectant with child. In an attempt to cover his wickedness, he sent for Uriah, his faithful soldier. David knew that his only opportunity to hide his sin from man was for Uriah to go home to Bathsheba. However, Uriah was a faithful soldier. He simply refused to enjoy the comforts of being with his wife while his fellow soldiers were enduring the hardness of battle.  Uriah instead chose to sleep at the door of the king’s house. This loyalty caused David to reevaluate his devious plan and escalate the consequences. He decided to order Uriah to the hottest part of the battle insuring certain death. It was not just the enemy that killed Uriah, but also his loyalty to an unfaithful man!

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): Many men in the Bible lost their lives because they were loyal to God. A few examples are John the Baptist (Luke 9:9And Herod said, John have I beheaded: but who is this, of whom I hear such things? And he desired to see him.
  See All...), Stephen (Acts 7:57-59 [57] Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, [58] And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul. [59] And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.
  See All...), James (Acts 12:1-2 [1] Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. [2] And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.
  See All...), and Paul (2 Timothy 4:6For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.
  See All...). Can you think of any others?
• (For everyone): What would have happened had Uriah been unfaithful to his fellow soldiers and David? How would we think differently of Uriah if he had proven disloyal?
• Urias (Uriah) is mentioned in the genealogy of Christ (Matthew 1:6And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias;
  See All...). Read the account to see what is so unique about his inclusion. Why do you think the Lord put him in the genealogy of Christ?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Thank the Lord for the faithful example of Uriah.
• Ask the Lord to teach you that loyalty is worth the cost.

HYMN

TAKE MY LIFE, AND LET IT BE

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