Saturday, January 3 Zadok [was] a mighty and courageous young man.​—1 Chron. 12:28.

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Saturday, January 3

Zadok [was] a mighty and courageous young man.—1 Chron. 12:28.

 

Picture the scene. A crowd of over 340,000 men had gathered to make David king over all of Israel. For three days, the sounds of animated conversation and joyful songs of praise echoed throughout the rocky hills near Hebron. (1 Chron. 12:39) A young man named Zadok would not likely have stood out in that large crowd. However, Jehovah made sure that we would know that Zadok was there. (1 Chron. 12:22, 26-28) Zadok was a priest who worked closely with High Priest Abiathar. Zadok was also a seer who was able to discern the divine will and who was granted extraordinary insight. (2 Sam. 15:27) He was a man of courage. During these last days, Satan is intensifying his attacks on God’s people. (1 Pet. 5:8) We need to be courageous as we wait on Jehovah to put an end to Satan and his wicked system. (Ps. 31:24) In doing so, we can imitate Zadok’s courage. w24.072 ¶1-3

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Zadok lived at a time when choosing sides was not easy. David had been chosen by Jehovah, but not everyone accepted that yet. Zadok showed courage by supporting Jehovah’s choice before everything was settled. He did not wait to see who would win. He trusted Jehovah enough to take his stand early, even as a young man, even while surrounded by thousands of others.

 

That tells us something important about loyalty. Loyalty is not proven after the outcome is clear. It is shown when a person decides, “I will stick with Jehovah,” even when there is pressure, uncertainty, or risk. Zadok did not need to be famous or loud. Jehovah noticed him because his heart was already decided.

 

That same kind of loyalty is shown today in quiet, everyday ways. A student may already be sitting when others stand for a flag salute or national anthem. Staying seated may not draw attention, but it still takes courage. That choice quietly says, “Jehovah comes first,” even when it feels uncomfortable.

 

Loyalty is also shown in regular spiritual routines. Showing up for field service, following up on not-at-homes, or writing letters may feel ordinary. But those efforts show respect for the precious truths Jehovah has trusted us with. They show that we care whether others benefit from what Jehovah has given us to share.

 

Sometimes loyalty simply means staying steady—going to meetings when tired, keeping spiritual habits when no one is watching, and not drifting when it would be easier to blend in. Like Zadok, we show Jehovah our loyalty before outcomes are known. And just like then, Jehovah sees it.