Expect Ridicule When You Start Building
Nehemiah 2:19-20; 1 Peter 4:12-14
Have you ever been bullied or mocked because something made you different? Being mistreated is painful, but have you ever faced opposition specifically because you were following Jesus and attempting to do God’s work?
That is what Nehemiah experienced in Nehemiah 2:19-20:
“But when Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite servant and Geshem the Arab heard of it, they jeered at us and despised us and said, ‘What is this thing that you are doing? Are you rebelling against the king?’ Then I replied to them, ‘The God of heaven will make us prosper, and we his servants will arise and build, but you have no portion or right or claim in Jerusalem.'”
Powerful Opposition
Nehemiah was not being mocked by three random men. Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem were powerful regional leaders.
Sanballat was the leading official of Samaria, north of Judah. Tobiah was an influential Ammonite official from east of the Jordan River with connections among Jerusalem’s nobles. Geshem was a powerful Arab leader associated with the kingdom of Qedar.
Together, they represented opposition surrounding Jerusalem from the north, east, and south.
Their question—”Are you rebelling against the king?”—was more than an insult. King Artaxerxes ruled the region, and rebellion could be punished by death. If their accusation were believed, Nehemiah could lose the rebuilding project and possibly his life.
How would you respond if three powerful leaders mocked you and accused you of treason?
It would be easy to become hurt, discouraged, or even to give up. Nehemiah, however, did not panic or allow their accusations to distract him. Instead, he declared:
“The God of heaven will make us prosper, and we his servants will arise and build.”
These men possessed political power, but they did not possess ultimate authority. The God of heaven was greater than every official, accusation, and threat.
Expect Opposition When Doing God’s Work
Criticism and resistance often appear when God’s people begin a new work, pursue spiritual renewal, or restore something broken. Peter reminds us that opposition should not surprise those who follow Jesus:
“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.” —1 Peter 4:12-14
Peter does not say suffering is easy or that we should enjoy mistreatment. He reminds us that trials are not strange for followers of Jesus and that God remains with us.
Opposition does not automatically prove that everything we are doing is right. We must examine our hearts and make sure our actions agree with Scripture; however, difficulty does not necessarily mean we have misunderstood God’s direction. Faithfulness does not guarantee an easy path.
Recognize the Tactics of the Enemy
Nehemiah’s enemies used mockery and false accusations to make God’s people feel foolish, afraid, and powerless.
The enemy often uses similar tactics today. Christians who hold to biblical truth may be called hateful, intolerant, or judgmental because their beliefs oppose society’s accepted cultural norms. These accusations can tempt us to remain silent, compromise our convictions, or become ashamed of God’s Word.
Keep Your Confidence in God
Nehemiah did not allow his opponents to determine whether he would continue. His confidence was not in his plan, leadership ability, or other people’s approval. He trusted that the God who called His people would help them complete the work.
When we face opposition, we should not react through anger, revenge, fear, or discouragement. We must depend upon the Holy Spirit for courage, wisdom, humility, and self-control.
We do not have to answer every insult or win every argument. Sometimes the most faithful response is to keep trusting God and continue the work He has given us.
Question to Consider
How should you respond when you are criticized, mocked, or opposed for doing the Lord’s work? What would it look like to respond with Nehemiah’s confidence and self-control?
Prayer Prompt
Pray for God’s protection as you do His work. Ask Him for courage when you face criticism or opposition. Pray that you would respond through the Holy Spirit rather than anger, fear, frustration, or the desires of the flesh. Ask God to keep your confidence in Him and help you remain faithful to the work He has called you to do.
