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Tobias also the Ammonite who was by him said : Let them build: if a fox go up, he will leap over their stone wall. Nehemiah 4:3
For those who are perplexed at this Scripture let me give you the context. Nehemiah the slave cup bearer of King Artaxerxes has this urge to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. He gets permission from the king to go and build it himself. He also requests for needed wood, metal and letters of support for other rulers so that he can do the work.
As he starts to rebuild, the locals Sanballat and Tobiah give him a hard time - ridiculing him, falsely complaining of his intent to the king, making fun of him constantly, sending letters of opposition to leaders of the land, etc. In one instance they even insulted his work so far, saying it is no good, it won't withstand even a fox running over it.
How Nehemiah responded to these nuisance is what sets him apart. He did not argue with them. He brought it up to God in prayer. In Nehemiah 4:4 we read how he prayed: "Hear us, O our God, for we are despised. Turn their insults back on their own heads... "
His prayers were answered and he was able to successfully complete the work he had started, putting to shame the very people who ridiculed his work.
Matthew Henry has expressed the exact thought I wanted to share; here's to quote from his Concise Commentary:
So, our take away today is, do not react to insults from others, take it to God and lift it up in prayers. He will handle it all for you! Amen!
Tobias also the Ammonite who was by him said : Let them build: if a fox go up, he will leap over their stone wall. Nehemiah 4:3
For those who are perplexed at this Scripture let me give you the context. Nehemiah the slave cup bearer of King Artaxerxes has this urge to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. He gets permission from the king to go and build it himself. He also requests for needed wood, metal and letters of support for other rulers so that he can do the work.
As he starts to rebuild, the locals Sanballat and Tobiah give him a hard time - ridiculing him, falsely complaining of his intent to the king, making fun of him constantly, sending letters of opposition to leaders of the land, etc. In one instance they even insulted his work so far, saying it is no good, it won't withstand even a fox running over it.
How Nehemiah responded to these nuisance is what sets him apart. He did not argue with them. He brought it up to God in prayer. In Nehemiah 4:4 we read how he prayed: "Hear us, O our God, for we are despised. Turn their insults back on their own heads... "
His prayers were answered and he was able to successfully complete the work he had started, putting to shame the very people who ridiculed his work.
Matthew Henry has expressed the exact thought I wanted to share; here's to quote from his Concise Commentary:
Many a good work has been looked upon with contempt by proud and haughty scorners. Those who disagree in almost every thing, will unite in persecution. Nehemiah did not answer these fools according to their folly, but looked up to God by prayer.
God's people have often been a despised people, but he hears all the slights that are put upon them, and it is their comfort that he does so.
Nehemiah had reason to think that the hearts of those sinners were desperately hardened, else he would not have prayed that their sins might never be blotted out. Good work goes on well, when people have a mind to it. The reproaches of enemies should quicken us to our duty, not drive us from it.
So, our take away today is, do not react to insults from others, take it to God and lift it up in prayers. He will handle it all for you! Amen!
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So, how did you enjoy your coffee with Jesus? Care to share?