Resisting Ridicule

 Nehemiah 3-4; Luke 23 

“When Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, he became angry and was greatly incensed. He ridiculed the Jews, and in the presence of his associates and the army of Samaria, he said, ‘What are those feeble Jews doing? Will they restore the wall? Will they offer sacrifices? Will they finish in a day? Can they bring stones back to life…?’”

Nehemiah 4:1, 2

Why were Sanballat and Tobiah so angry at the Jews?

This was more than a regional power struggle. The promises of God to “rebuild…raise up…Repair…Restore…” (Isaiah 58:12), were at stake. The restoration of sacrifices meant the renewal of covenant with God. Behind the rebuilding of the wall was the restoration of relationship with God. We see the wrath of the enemy against God’s covenant people in Revelation 12. He was filled with fury because he knew his time was short. When we give ourselves to the mission of God to restore (sanctify) our lives and the lives of those around us, we, too, will face opposition and anger. 

When we experience thoughts of ridicule or condemnation, who is talking to us?

Nehemiah’s resistance prayer reminds us we, too, have authority in Christ to resist the lies of the enemy. We, too, are called to rebuild and resist.

“Lord Jesus, you are building your Church, for your glory.”