The Cost of Loyalty

Hebrews 11:32 And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets:
33 Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,
34 Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.
35 Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:
36 And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:
37 They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;
38 (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.

INTRODUCTORY THOUGHTS

Loyalty sometimes comes at the steepest of prices! For some, the cost may seem minimal, but for others it has cost them deeply, dearly, and sometimes completely. Throughout history, the people of God have endured mocking, persecution, and even martyrdom. God offers us the record of many who chose to suffer rather than recant their proclaimed faith in the Creator. Many things have changed since ancient times, but those choosing to walk with the Lord today will likewise see an escalation in all forms of persecution. This tribulation from the world will become increasingly worse as man continues to be influenced by ungodliness. Believers should willingly endure whatever cost loyalty may require by keeping in mind the ultimate price paid when Christ gave Himself for mankind. Though the list in Hebrews chapter 11 has been closed, the Lord continues to track the actions of those loyal to Him.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

(For children):The apostle Paul suffered many things because of his faith in the Lord (2 Corinthians 11:23-28). His faithfulness even cost him his life (2 Timothy 4:6-7). Let’s ask the Lord to help us willingly live for Him (2 Timothy 3:12).

(For everyone):What price can you honestly say you have paid because of your loyalty to the Lord? What price would you be willing to pay in order to maintain your loyalty to Him?

(For everyone):Who is your favorite Bible character? Was he or she loyal to the Lord? What did he or she endure resulting from his or her loyalty? What could you learn from that person’s loyalty?

PRAYER THOUGHTS

Ask the Lord to give you a willingness to pay the price of loyalty.

Ask God to give you strength in times of persecution.

SONG

Am I Soldier of the Cross?

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