Nehemiah 4:1-2 (NIV)
4 When Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the
wall, he became angry and was greatly incensed. He ridiculed the Jews, 2 and
in the presence of his associates and the army of Samaria, he said, “What
are those feeble Jews doing? Will they restore their wall? Will they offer
sacrifices? Will they finish in a day? Can they bring the stones back to life
from those heaps of rubble—burned as they are?”
The first time that Nehemiah is ridiculed by his enemies, he
responds by telling them that the God of heaven will give his people success.
(2:20)
In chapter 4, when Sanballat ridiculed the Jews, Nehemiah
prayed. When Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs, and the Ammonites plotted to fight
against Jerusalem, Nehemiah prayed and posted guards around the work. Prayer
and watchfulness emphasize that faith and action go hand in hand to combat the
enemy’s ridicule and plans of destruction. In I Samuel 17, the story of David
and Goliath demonstrates another godly man’s response to ridicule.
The giant hurled insults at David, and David sought and
trusted his God with the response. Jesus Christ was insulted, mocked, and
ridiculed by those who sought to kill Him, and yet He did not try to defend
Himself. He prayed to His Father in heaven and kept His eyes on the task that
was given Him.
So often we get caught up in an emotional response when we
are insulted, and yet in God’s Word, there are countless examples of responding
by first turning to God. The next time you are insulted or ridiculed, look to
the Lord for counsel and pray for wisdom before you respond. Consider this
Scripture the next time you find yourself in this position: If your enemy is
hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In
doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward
you. (Proverbs 25:21-22)
Thought for today:
Can I and do I temper my emotions?
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