Jesus said, “I do not receive honor from men” ( Jn 5:41). Seek the Father’s approval, not a fickle world’s.
People in the public eye should never take their press releases too seriously. One day the crowd cries, “Hosanna!” and soon, “Crucify!” One minute Paul and Barnabas are worshiped as gods, and the next being stoned. So it is with David in this passage (1 Chron 14:1- 17). When Hiram king of Tyre heard of David’s throne being secured, he “sent messengers to David, and cedar trees, with masons and carpenters, to build him a house. So David knew that the Lord had established him as king over Israel” (vv 1-2). How thankful we can be for people who are ready to build us up, and in such a way that we know it is the Lord establishing us. But to the south, a very different attitude was in vogue. “When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over all Israel, all the Philistines went up to search for David” (v 8). A construction team coming one way; the demolition crew coming the other! David was ready to protect his foundling kingdom and its subjects. But wisely, before he gave the command to attack, he checked with his Commander. “Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will You deliver them into my hand?” (v 10). Yes, said the Lord. Sure enough, Israel routed them, so much so that “they left their gods there.” The only way to get warmth from an idol? “They were burned with fire” (v 12)! But note: when the Philistines returned for Round 2, David didn’t presume victory. Back to God he went. No, “You shall not go up after them” (v 14). Instead, circle behind them. Then when you hear “a sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees” (v 15), attack! And just as with us today, if we follow His directives, “From victory unto victory His army shall He lead, Till every foe is vanquished, And Christ is Lord indeed” (B. Millard).