Opposition
But when Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem the Arab heard of our plan, they scoffed contemptuously. “What are you doing? Are you rebelling against the king?” they asked. I replied, “The God of heaven will help us succeed. We, his servants, will start rebuilding this wall.” Nehemiah 2:19-20
Everything seemed to be going so well. King Artaxerxes gave Nehemiah the leave that he requested and also supplied him with wood for the rebuilding of Jerusalem. Nehemiah made the 1,000-mile journey to the city and inspected the broken walls, finding them just as he had been told. He called the people together and challenged them to rebuild the walls. They were eager to start, but even before the building work started, the opposition got going. The builders were mocked and ridiculed and had to face the dangerous allegation that their work would be an act of rebellion against the king.
But Nehemiah confidently brushed off the opposition. He knew that God was on his side and that his work would succeed. The waspish criticisms and threats would not delay an undertaking as important as this. Throughout the Bible, we see men and women of God facing opposition. Moses continually battled with disagreement from his own people. Joshua faced fierce hostility on all sides when he entered the Promised Land. The judges, kings and prophets all faced a continual barrage of obstacles. In the New Testament, it was no different. Jesus’ own ministry was opposed from the outset and led to his total rejection through his death on the cross; he assured his followers that it would be no different for them.
It should never surprise us when we face opposition. It is an integral part of the privilege of serving God in a world that is fundamentally opposed to him.
QUESTION
What opposition have you faced and how have you coped with it?
PRAYER
Dear Lord, keep me strong, gracious and loving however obstructive people might be. Amen
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