How should believers respond to mockery, inspired by Ezekiel 36:2's context? Setting the Scene “ This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Because the enemy has said of you, “Aha! The ancient heights have become our possession,”’ ” (Ezekiel 36:2). In Ezekiel’s day surrounding nations mocked Israel’s desolation, gloating over land God had given His people. The Lord heard every sneer and pledged to act. God’s Immediate Response • He took the ridicule personally—mockery of His people was mockery of Him (36:5–6). • He promised righteous retaliation: “They will bear their own disgrace” (36:7). • He pledged restoration for Israel’s mountains, towns, and people (36:8–10). • He acted “for the sake of My holy name” (36:22), displaying His faithfulness before nations. Timeless Principles for Believers • God hears every taunt aimed at His children. • Vindication belongs to the Lord; He reserves vengeance for Himself (Romans 12:19). • Mockery never thwarts God’s promises; He turns scorn into stages for His glory. Practical Ways to Respond to Mockery • Rest in identity: loved, chosen, and secure in Christ (1 Peter 2:9–10). • Refuse retaliation; leave space for God’s justice (Romans 12:17–21). • Answer with blessing, not insult: “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing” (1 Peter 3:9). • Maintain gentle confidence, explaining hope “with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15–16). • Persevere in good works; right living silences ignorance (1 Peter 2:15). • Draw strength from the promise of future joy: “Blessed are you when people insult you… rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven” (Matthew 5:11–12). Scriptures Undergirding These Steps • Psalm 37:12–13 — “The wicked scheme against the righteous… but the Lord laughs at him, for He sees his day is coming.” • Proverbs 19:11 — “A man’s insight gives him patience, and his virtue is to overlook an offense.” • Luke 6:27–28 — “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” • 2 Timothy 2:24–25 — “The Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone… correcting opponents with gentleness.” Summing It Up Believers answer mockery not with resentment but with steadfast trust in the God who hears, vindicates, restores, and uses every scoff to magnify His name. |
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