We have seen in Nehemiah that opposition is usually the cost of any worthwhile endeavor in God’s kingdom. It comes sometimes from outside of God’s people and sometimes from inside. It is painful.

Sanballat the critic and Tobia his sidekick didn’t go quietly. In fact, in Chapter six of Nehemiah we find them at work - again. They asked for meetings with Nehemiah which he declined. Four times! Then came the classic ploy. They sent Nehemiah an unsealed letter which is like a tweet or an email today, that got passed around on purpose, slandering Nehemiah, seeking to raise issues of his motives, and credibility. We find the account in Nehemiah 6:5-9.

Then, the fifth time, Sanballat sent his aide to me with the same message, and in his hand was an unsealed letter in which was written: “It is reported among the nations—and Geshem says it is true—that you and the Jews are plotting to revolt, and therefore you are building the wall. Moreover, according to these reports you are about to become their king and have even appointed prophets to make this proclamation about you in Jerusalem: ‘There is a king in Judah!’ Now this report will get back to the king; so come, let us meet together.”

I sent him this reply: “Nothing like what you are saying is happening; you are just making it up out of your head.” They were all trying to frighten us, thinking, “Their hands will get too weak for the work, and it will not be completed.” But I prayed, “Now strengthen my hands.”

This is classic intimidation. Public statements of untrue facts, without proof, that go to the heart of Nehemiah’s motives. I love their statement, “it is reported among the nations (anonymous sources here - someone has said but of course we don’t know who). And that is backed up by Geshem who says it is true (Of course Geshem is not a credible source) and the nature of the message is one designed to intimidate, silence, and cause Nehemiah to stop what He is doing for God.

Stuff like this happens in spades when God is up to something. Often it happens from people, who call themselves believers, taking shots at other believers. It is meant to hurt, harm, and intimidate. But Nehemiah would have none of it, and we shouldn’t either. His response? It isn’t true. You are making it up. He knew they were trying to frighten and intimidate and he refused to be blackmailed by fear and lies. Instead, he kept building the wall and simply prayed.

Gossip and slander hurt. And it is often public. But it should never keep us from what God has called us to do. Ever.

Father, thank you that you are greater than our critics or those who oppose us. Keep me from being discouraged when it comes and to strengthen me when I am discouraged. Amen.