What Does It Mean to Be LOYAL?

Conclusion of Jehovah Demonstrated Loyalty

Of course, David was not a perfect man.  In fact, he sinned gravely.  However, rather than abandoning him, Jehovah extended loyal love toward a deeply repentant David.  Throughout David's life, Jehovah repeatedly acted to preserve and promote life.  He intervened in behalf of the one suffering distress.  Loving-kindness, indeed! -2 Samuel 11:1-12:25; 24:1-17. 

The nation of Israel as a whole entered into a special dedicated relationship with Jehovah when they agreed to the terms of the Mosaic Law covenant at Mount Sinai.  (Exodus 19:3-8)  Hence, Israel is depicted as being in a marriage relationship with Jehovah.  To Israel it was said:  "Jehovah called you as if you were a wife."  And Jehovah said to her:  "With loving-kindness to time indefinite I will have mercy upon you."  (Isaiah 54:6, 8)  How did Jehovah demonstrate loyalty in this special relationship?

Jehovah took the initiative to provide for the needs of the Israelites and to strengthen their ties with him.  He delivered them from Egypt, organized them into a nation, and brought them into "a land flowing with milk and honey."  (Exodus 3:8)  He provided regular spiritual instruction through the priests, Levites and a steady stream of prophets and messengers.  (2 Chronicles 17:7-9; Nehemiah 8:7-9; Jeremiah 7:25)  When the nation turned to serving other gods, Jehovah corrected them.  When they repented, he forgave them.  Admittedly, the nation of Israel was a difficult "wife."  Yet, Jehovah was not quick to cast her off.  Because of his promises to Abraham, He loyally stuck with the Israelites until his purposes in connection with them were fulfilled.  (Deuteronomy 7:7-9) What a sterling example for married folk today!

Jehovah also demonstrates loyalty toward mankind in general in that he  provides the basic necessities of life for all men, righteous and unrighteous.  (Matthew 5:45; Acts 17:25)  More than that, he has  provided the ransom sacrifice of his Son so that all mankind might have the opportunity to be released from bondage to sin and death and to enjoy the glorious prospects of perfect, everlasting life in Paradise.  (Matthew 20:28; John 3:16) The ransom provision was the ultimate act to preserve and promote life.  It was indeed  "intervention on behalf of someone suffering misfortune or distress."

Next time: Prove Your Loyalty With Positive Actions

Watchtower, 2001