What steps can we take to remain faithful despite ridicule from others? Ridicule in Hezekiah’s Day “So the couriers traveled from city to city in the hill country of Ephraim and Manasseh, and as far as Zebulun, but the people scorned and ridiculed them.” (2 Chronicles 30:10) • Hezekiah’s messengers carried a life-giving invitation to celebrate Passover in Jerusalem, yet many responded with mockery. • Faithfulness meant pressing on with the message anyway; some did respond (30:11), and the nation was blessed (30:26-27). Recognize Ridicule as Part of Faith • Noah faced scoffers while building the ark (Genesis 6–7). • Nehemiah was laughed to scorn on Jerusalem’s wall (Nehemiah 4:1-3). • The Lord warned, “If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first” (John 15:18). • “Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” (2 Timothy 3:12) • “They think it strange that you do not plunge with them… and they heap abuse on you.” (1 Peter 4:4) Steps to Stay Faithful When Mocked 1. Fix your focus on the King’s word, not the crowd’s opinion. – Hebrews 12:2: “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus… who endured the cross, scorning its shame.” – The couriers carried Hezekiah’s letter verbatim (2 Chron 30:6). 2. Seek fellowship with the willing. – “Some from Asher, Manasseh, and Zebulun humbled themselves and came to Jerusalem.” (30:11) – Hebrews 10:24-25 urges gathering for mutual encouragement. 3. Keep worship central. – Passover celebrated deliverance; worship realigns the heart (Psalm 34:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:18). 4. Respond with humility rather than retaliation. – 1 Peter 2:23: Christ “did not retaliate; instead, He entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.” 5. Persist in doing good. – Galatians 6:9: “Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap if we do not give up.” 6. Remember the promised reward. – Matthew 5:11-12: “Blessed are you when people insult you… Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven.” Promises That Strengthen Resolve • Isaiah 51:7: “Do not fear the reproach of men or be terrified by their insults.” • Proverbs 29:25: “The fear of man is a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is set securely on high.” • Hebrews 10:35-36: “Do not throw away your confidence; it holds a great reward… so that after you have done the will of God, you will receive what was promised.” A Final Encouragement to Keep Going Ridicule never nullifies God’s invitation. The couriers kept moving, some Israelites humbled themselves, and a historic revival followed. Keep carrying His message, keep gathering with the faithful, and keep celebrating His deliverance. The laughter of scoffers is temporary; the joy of obedience is eternal. |
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