ROOTED RENEGADE

In Nehemiah 4:1-5, we can see this giant in operation. 

“But it so happened, when Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, that he was furious and very indignant, and mocked the Jews. 2 And he spoke before his brethren and the army of Samaria, and said, “What are these feeble Jews doing? Will they fortify themselves? Will they offer sacrifices? Will they complete it in a day? Will they revive the stones from the heaps of rubbish—stones that are burned?”

3 Now Tobiah the Ammonite was beside him, and he said, “Whatever they build, if even a fox goes up on it, he will break down their stone wall.”

4 Hear, O our God, for we are despised; turn their reproach on their own heads, and give them as plunder to a land of captivity! 5 Do not cover their iniquity, and do not let their sin be blotted out from before You; for they have provoked You to anger before the builders.”

God had chosen Nehemiah out of all the remnant to rebuild the city walls in Jerusalem. And he was going to face severe opposition to do so. There were those who didn’t want to see the Jews have their city walls and gates restored. 

Much like we see today. There is opposition all around us as Christians. Many people, who work in secular marketplaces, don’t say they are a Christian for fear of the ridicule they will face. But God places in strategic locations so that we can be witness for Him.

We know that even Jesus was mocked for challenging religious systems and doing what He saw His Father do. He certainly knew Nehemiah and what he faced. And He knows the same about us.

To face this giant and overcome we need to remember a few things:

1. We do not have to defend ourselves every time we are mocked or ridiculed. (Romans 8:31)
2. We must be obedient in the face of opposition. (Daniel 3:17-18)
3. When we do speak, we must speak with boldness and truth…only speaking what Holy Spirit gives us to speak. (John 12:49)
4. We cannot be afraid of man.  (Acts 5:20)
5. We need the fear of the Lord which is the beginning of wisdom.  (Proverbs 9:10)

It won’t be easy. People may say things to you that really hurt your heart. But remember that when they are speaking to you, they are really speaking to Jesus. Mockers don’t like truth because it holds flashlight up to their sin and exposes the things they try to hide. Keep being the light and remember…you are blessed when they do (Matthew 5:11-13).

Faythe