Mocked For Their Faith

Sanballat was very angry when he learned that we were rebuilding the wall. He flew into a rage and mocked the Jews, saying in front of his friends and the Samarian army officers, “What does this bunch of poor, feeble Jews think they’re doing? Do they think they can build the wall in a single day by just offering a few sacrifices? Do they actually think they can make something of stones from a rubbish heap—and charred ones at that?” [Nehemiah 4.1-2]

When Sanballat made his jabbing remarks toward the Jews, Nehemiah was able to understand it was a plot of the enemy to discourage the work they were engaged in. Sanballat and all his cohorts were intimidated by God's people.

Once presidential hopeful Barack Obama said of small town voters in the Midwest USA, "They get bitter, they cling to guns or religion or antipathy to people who aren't like them or anti-immigrant sentiment or anti-trade sentiment as a way to explain their frustrations." (reference)

The similarities between Sanballat's statement and Obama's statement are real. Both defied the religion of God's people and both negated the discredited the resources of God's people. In fact, both were foolish statements.

God's people have quite a history of disapproval by others. Jesus Christ Himself polarized certain groups - and He still does today.

The point is, God's people should not be surprised when they are mocked for their faith in God.

Father, I can see that mockery is something I need to simply understand is going to happen as I follow You.