A Faithful Servant

“Ittai answered the king and said, ‘As the Lord lives, and as my lord the king lives, surely wherever my lord the king may be, whether for death or for life, there also your servant will be.’” 2 Samuel 15:21 NASB

David was vulnerable. His own son, Absalom, was leading a rebellion, and many in Israel had abandoned David. These were times to test a person’s character. To learn true motives, and who could be trusted.
In this environment, David approached one of his servants, Ittai. This man was a “foreigner,” a Gittite (meaning that he came from Gath, a Philistine city and home of the giant Goliath). David knew that, for practical reasons, Ittai could not go with him. As an “exile,” he was to “return to your own place” and take his family with him.
Even though Ittai could not accompany his king, his heart remained with David, pledging his loyalty, declaring that he always would be his servant, loyal in every situation.
And we know that he remained loyal. This is clear when we read how, later, a third of David’s army went into battle “under the command of Ittai the Gittite” (2 Samuel 18:2).
Here was a man whom David trusted. Even though he was a foreigner, he still remained faithful, committed to serve David, no matter what the assignment. No matter what the cost.
Jesus, too, knew the importance of loyalty. Of being a servant, and having the attitude of a servant. This, He said, was the very highest calling. At a time when His disciples were arguing about who was the “greatest,” Jesus told them, “If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all” (Mark 9:35).
The Bible makes clear that God looks for people with the attitude of a servant, who are committed to serve Him, no matter what happens. Who will follow Him wherever He leads. Who are loyal to Him. Who seek first His Kingdom.

Prayer: Father, I commit myself to be Your servant. I submit my life to You. Show me what You want me to do. In Jesus’ name. Amen.