Scorned, Despised, and Mocked

O. T. #1043  "Scorned, Despised, and Mocked"
August 16, 2017
Nehemiah 2-Part 6
Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for He is faithful that promised). And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and good works.  Hebrews 10:23

LET IT GLOW

No one likes to be laughed at, made fun of, or ridiculed, especially when we were growing up. Right? It isn't a new thing. The Jews faced it, too. Although those three words in our title are strong, those techniques were used against the Jews by their enemies.

No one knew what Nehemiah intended to do in Jerusalem until this point. After making his plans, how did he reveal his purpose? We find the answer in verses 17 and 18:

• He assembled and motivated the people. Jews in the area came-farmers, business owners, religious and political leaders. 
• He presented their problem-walls were broken and gates were burnt around the city of Jerusalem, where the Temple was located. Nehemiah included himself, identifying with them.
• He challenged the people to action,  joining him in rebuilding.
• He gave his personal testimony as to how God's hand was upon him to obtain support of the king.
• He challenged them to rise up and build.

The people were enthused about the building project. God must have been working in their hearts. All right then, let's get to work guys.
How do we respond to we respond when leaders challenge us?

LET IT GROW

The task wasn't going to be easy. Look what happened next. In verse 19, opposition raise its ugly head and tried to discourage the people. Three men named here:

• laughed the people to scorn; (Scorn, according to Webster's Dictionary, means open dislike and disrespect. and derision often mixed with indignation, contempt.)
• despised the people; (In other words, they looked down on them as worthless.)
• mocked the project as foolish;
• accused the Jews of rebelling against the king.

Their opposition is detailed in chapters 4-7. At this time their destructive path of ridicule, mockery, and false accusations began.

Any one laughing at you? Have you been ridiculed lately? Have people mocked you and your work? Have they even made false accusations against you?
Being a Christian and one that is doing the will of the Lord Jesus, is often not easy. Especially whenever we stand up for what the Bible says and it is against the world's ways.

We can't leave the story at this point.
How did bold Nehemiah reply?

• The God of heaven will prosper us.
• Therefore, we His servants will arise and build.
• Ye have no portion, nor right, nor memorial in Jerusalem. 

Now that is what I'm talking about. Nehemiah was going to fulfill his God-given task. And when he was done, those three men would not be allowed to participate in anything within Jerusalem. Their authority over its citizens was gone and their claims on Jerusalem vanished. Nehemiah had been appointed governor of Jerusalem by King Artaxerxes and that was that! Way to go Nehemiah!


LET IT GO

Take my discouragement to God.

Trust Him to work in hearts.

Stand for His Word.

Encourage others in their kingdom work.