Allegiance

(see Betrayal, Faithfulness, Loyalty; also Loyalty in Topical Proverbs)

 

Allegiance to the Lord

The people of Israel were not loyal to the Lord God. Moses was only on the mountain for a short while and they already decided to move on.

 

We must make the Lord God the center of our minds and hearts. If we must make a vow, it should be in the name of the only true and constant presence in the universe.

 

Yahweh is ever-faithful. He never leaves or forsakes His people. If the relationship is broken it is because we have broken it.

 

When we stand by the Lord, He stands by us and will elevate us in the eyes of others. Even if we don’t hold titles (which are largely meaningless anyway) we will hold something far more important – their respect and honor.

 

We need to keep in mind that they Lord God does not show favoritism. He is not on the side of the US or the USSR. He is no Democrat, Republican, Communist or Anarchist. He is the Lord. He stands on His own side. We would do well to choose to stand with Him rather than ask Him to stand with us.

 

Adonaists, who consider the Messiah their King, also consider Jerusalem to be their true capital. As the Lord God has loved Mount Zion for thousands of years, so every true believer remains faithful to that special place.

 

Adonaists consider Jesus the Messiah, the only Begotten Son of the Father, the Anointed One, to be their rightful Lord and King. At one point in the future, at an even called the Great White Throne of Judgment, every knee will bow and every tongue will profess that He is Sovereign. Unfortunately, for those who wait for that day, it will be too late. But who better than the Crucified King deserves our loyalty? What other King has ever humbled himself and died for the sakes of his people as our Lord Jesus has?

 

The Scriptures use a peculiar phrase, “circumcise your heart” to indicate absolute loyalty. Yahweh commanded the people of Israel to circumcise their eight day old baby boys as a sign of their loyalty and commitment to the people of Israel and their laws. It was merely a sign, a visual lesson; the true point being that God wants us to cease our stiff-necked rebellion and enter a loving, life-giving relationship with Him.

 

Unfortunately, our people have a long and sordid history of failing the Lord. We seem to be congenitally disloyal. So the Lord promised to come up with a way that we COULD overcome our yetzer hara and remain true to Him.

 

The means? The gift of the blessed Holy Spirit. The Spirit enables us, empowers us, teaches us and guides us. Were it not for the Messiah’s gift of the Holy Spirit – we would be wretched.

 

Rest assured, Adonai is faithful to those who are faithful to Him. He returns loyalty a hundred fold to His people.

 

The true disciple of the Christ will be completely loyal to his Master. Jesus must take first place, above and beyond all other relationships, advantages or material goods. This is the cost of discipleship. Let no one forget it. Allow no one: no preacher, evangelist or self-proclaimed Christian tell you otherwise. There is a cost to being a true disciple – but oh the rewards are well worth it!

 

Do not be like the wicked who merely profess Christ with their lips, using His name and glory as a means to religious profit or domination. Do not carry His name in vain, professing allegiance but denying the reality of that allegiance through a disobedient lifestyle.

 

Do not be like the foolish people who saw the power that Jesus had over the demons of the demoniac of the Gadarenes and instead of embracing the Son of God as the promised Messiah, chose to take offense at the loss of some pigs, some material wealth, and asked their Savior to leave.

 

Contrary to Cultural Christianity’s message which is often “follow Christ for health, wealth or social benefit” the Messiah’s message is be loyal to me whether you get stuff or not.

 

Those whom God has foreknown and predestined to be saved will recognize the truth spoken here. They will recognize the voice of their Master and will gladly choose to follow their King – to the very gates of Hades and back if need be. Regardless of persecution or calamity, they will rest securely in their Lord’s hand.

 

Our loyalty must not be divided. We cannot claim Christ and live like the Devil. We cannot enjoy the benefits of both believing Highlander and worldly Lowlander cultures. We must choose.

 

Allegiance to man

We should ensure that loyalty is repaid with loyalty. That loyalty should even transcend death and be passed on to future generations. All this because that is the type of loyalty the Lord God shows to us.

 

It is right and good that we should demonstrate fidelity to our comrades – even at the potential cost of our lives. This armor-bearer has been known for millennia for his heroic feat performed alongside Jonathan because of his loyalty.

 

Sometimes true loyalty will require giving the appearance of disloyalty. When Absalom rebelled against his father David, Hushai (who was loyal to David) stayed behind in order to spread disinformation and division in Absalom’s council. This brave decision resulted in Absalom’s defeat and the restoration of David to the throne.

 

We should remain true to our word.