No 22

(Loyalty)

As in other similar studies, we have seen that the Lord has given animals certain character traits that humans possess and, in this study, we will look at loyalty in the Grizzly bear. Its habitat is in the north-western part of North America and the Rocky Mountains; they are not found anywhere else in the world. Its loyalty is manifested in the protection of its young and it will defend them to the death. It partially hibernates in the winter and will oftentimes have its young during that period. It trains its young to hunt and to fear mankind because the cubs do not naturally fear man. The Grizzly also shows its young to steer clear of skunks and porcupines; again the cubs are unaware of the inherent dangers in these small animals.

Our Biblical personage who depicts loyalty is Elisha. His ministry began when Elijah came to him and threw his cloak on him. In 1 Kings Chapter 19, we read that Elisha was plowing his father’s field and said to Elijah that he would bid farewell to his father and mother and that he would follow him. Elijah tested Elisha’s loyalty three times in 2 Kings 2 verses 1 to 6. Elisha’s final test of loyalty came when Elijah asked him what he wanted just before being taken up in a whirlwind. The Bible says “…Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me.” (v9) Elijah was removed from the earth in a chariot of fire; Elisha was on his own but because he had been loyal to his mentor, the Lord blessed Ehisha and used him in many special ways. The Lord uses anyone who is faithful to Him.