2 Samuel 15:13-29
So long as all went well for the king and his court, it was impossible to distinguish between those who were truly loyal to David and those who remained with him merely for personal gain. Testing will now show what is in their hearts and will sort them out. Some follow Absalom (v. 13), others David (v. 18). Neutrality is no longer possible.
Have we ever thought what we would do if tomorrow Christians were to come under persecution, with imprisonment or death as the penalty, as they used to be in earlier times . . . and as they still are in some countries? We should know then if we really love the Lord Jesus and if we follow Him, not only when the way is easy, but equally when we must leave all and suffer all in order to dwell with Him.
Ittai was a stranger who had joined the king not long before. We have often seen new converts, coming from a background where there is but little light, but giving evidence of great faith and great devotion. Other Christians, by contrast, from whom we might expect a great deal because of their knowledge and upbringing, have given way when the time of testing, arrives. May we all be like Ittai the Gittite!