I will come upon him while he is weary and weak, and make him afraid. And all the people who are with him will flee, and I will strike only the king. – II Samuel 17:2
REFERENCE
II Samuel 17:1-4
People are so quick to turn against their heroes when fortune has first turned against them. Those who once shouted “Hosanna, will soon shout, ‘crucify Him!” The praise of man is transient and is only bestowed on their hero, when they have a present benefit in them or in their exploits.
The plan to strike King David as seen in our text, was hatched by Ahithophel, one of his trusted advisers, who jumped ship immediately the king got into trouble with Absalom.
That is why no man should allow the accolades and praises of men get into his head. The people who once celebrated you for your prowess will soon castigate you for your regress. Those who once treated you as a friend, because of your office or station in life, will soon forget you and stop greeting you the moment you lose your seat.
Therefore, we must seek our love, acceptance and affirmation from God, who loves us, not because of our performance, but because it is a commitment of His gracious nature to us.
ADDITIONAL STUDY
II Samuel 15:11-15, Jeremiah 17:5-9, & Romans 8:37-39.
REMEMBER: If you live for men’s recognition, you will be crushed by their rejection.
PRAYER
Thank God for His amazing grace and unconditional love for you that is steadfast no matter your position in life; pray that your heart will be stayed on God’s love & acceptance rather than the affirmation that comes from man.
