Following out of love

Betrayal and undying loyalty seem to be the themes in this chapter. 

Betrayal by David’s son Absalom and David’s closest advisor Ahithophel. 

Loyalty from Ittai, the priests, and Hushai, David’s friends.

But Ittai stands out to me the most. 

He was a foreigner, and in exile from his own country.  David had apparently taken him in, and with David now in exile himself, Ittai was willing to join him. 

David tried to convince him to go back to Jerusalem, saying,

Why should you come along with us? Go back and stay with King Absalom.

You are a foreigner, an exile from your homeland. You came only yesterday. And today shall I make you wander about with us, when I do not know where I am going?

Go back, and take your countrymen. May kindness and faithfulness be with you.  (2 Samuel 15:19-20)

But Ittai replied,

As surely as the Lord lives, and as my lord the king lives, wherever my lord the king may be, whether it means life or death, there will your servant be.  (21)

David had shown great kindness to Ittai, and as a result, Ittai was determined to follow after him, no matter what.

That’s the kind of commitment and love Jesus wants from us.  Jesus said almost the same thing to one of his would-be followers that David said to Ittai.

Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.  (Matthew 8:20)

In other words, following Christ is not always easy.  It’s not always comfortable.  And so we have to ask ourselves a question.  How much do we really love him? 

He has rescued us from Satan’s kingdom, forgiven us our sins, and made us a child of God.  Are we grateful enough that we’re willing to follow him when things aren’t easy?

For Ittai, there was no hesitation.  Because of his love for David, he followed him even though things were tough.

For the would-be follower, we don’t know what happened, whether he followed, or decided the cost was too high and walked away.

What will you choose?