Numbers 20:1-29; Proverbs 17:1-28; James 1:1-27
And Ittai answered the king, and said, As the Lord liveth, and as my lord the king liveth, surely in what place my lord the king shall be, whether in death or life, even there also will thy servant be. 2 Samuel 15:21
Ittai, a Gentile mercenary from Goliath’s hometown, professed relentless loyalty to his adopted king; much like Ruth, who promised to remain with Naomi, thereby identifying with God and His people. Formerly strangers, by grace they were brought near. Likewise, believers today “are made nigh by the blood of Christ” (Eph. 2:13). May our fidelity to Christ be seen by all. —Keith R. Keyser
Soon shall I be from the wicked released,
There shall my joy with the Lord be increased,
Soon shall the faithful forever be blest,
There, there is rest. —C. W. Ainsworth