From Ridicule To Resolve Standing Tall As A Godly Leader | 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.” — Nehemiah 2:19-20 SHOUT OUT: Gonzalo Correa and Chris Bajema who both faithfully comment, even in short, to let me know they are listening and personally applying the truths daily. Thanks for getting in the "gym of faith" with me, brothers. These men know that Nehemiah has credentials from the King. What they are trying to do is dishearten the leaders and the people who were building. Ridicule is their tool. And they knew dropping in accusations of rebellion would cause conflict among the workers. But here's why. When Zerubbabel was rebuilding the Temple, he also attempted to rebuild the walls. But during his time, there was a similar uprising against him. A group of protestors discouraged them, intimidated them, and bribed people to frustrate the process. Eventually, they persuaded King Artaxerxes that if Zerubbabel continued, the Jews would separate themselves from the empire's tax and financial obligations (Ezra 4:13). And sure enough, King Artaxerxes ordered them to stop (Ezra 4:21-22). The weapon of ridicule always has an effect. If it did not work, then people wouldn't use it. This is precisely why we hear that Jewish students and Jewish organizations are fearing for their lives at some of the top Universities in our nation. Ridicule is a verbal form of shame, criticism, or mockery that is often contemptuous. It's used to make a person or a project appear foolish or absurd. It can be used as a social tool, enforcing or reinforcing social norms or maintaining a particular order or hierarchy. But sometimes, the intent is greater. It is intended to have an emotional impact that can be hurtful and damaging, mainly when it targets personal attributes or beliefs. It can lead to feelings of embarrassment, shame, or low self-esteem. This means that sometimes ridicule can be intended to be sarcastic, humorous, and light-hearted or used as a weapon to belittle or oppress. But in this situation, ridicule is used in power dynamics with a strong historical connection to past conflicts. These three men use their positions of authority and power as psychological operations (psyops) to assert dominance. They hope this will generate a narrative among the people and make them weak in spirit as these men and their forces surround them. Sanballat is from Samaria to the north, Tobiah is from Ammon to the east, and Geshem is from Arabia to the south. So, how does Nehemiah respond to this ridicule? With three simple responses: He focused firmly on God's sovereign authority. Not man's authority, be it the king's or the governors around them. He redirected the shame of the ridicule back to the emotion needed to accomplish God's work and mission. He publicly denied the ridicule of the opposition that they had some stake in God's authority or work. It takes a remarkable leader to be able to do something like this. One who is resolute in character, not easily intimidated by opposition, and deeply proud of his God-given calling. This is no ordinary leader. And this is why we see so few spiritual leaders like this today. They are not resolved in character. They are easily intimidated. They are not sure of their call, work, and mission. But every once in a while, a few rise up. And when they do, they inspire us. Nehemiah is that man. So, if you want to be this leader, you need to get in the gym and do some training by: Recognizing ridicule. Responding to ridicule with Godly action. Redirecting negative emotions with spiritual resolve. Refuting false claims with biblical truth. If you can learn how to do these things in small ways in the "gym of faith," then one day, when you encounter greater ridicule and conflict, you'll be able to do what Nehemiah did with the three men who intimidated him. ASK THIS: In the face of ridicule and opposition, Nehemiah remained steadfast in his faith and mission. How can we, in our daily lives, draw inspiration from Nehemiah to respond to ridicule or opposition that challenges our beliefs or efforts? What are practical steps we can take to maintain our focus on God's purpose for us, especially when facing criticism or mockery? Nehemiah's leadership was marked by his resolute character and unshakeable faith in the face of intimidation. As a leader in your own context (be it in family, work, or community), how can you apply Nehemiah’s principles to handle ridicule or conflict? What does it mean for you to stand firm in your convictions and redirect negative situations towards a constructive and faith-driven outcome?