Opponents

If you’ve ever competed against someone in sports, a contest, a game, or, had an argument with a rival or adversary, you understand the concept of having an opponent.

In stories, the opponent is often called the ‘antagonist’. The antagonist tries to defeat, stop, overcome or foil the goal of the protagonist (who is usually the main character). Sometimes he’s a good guy and the antagonist is the bad guy or villain. Other times, the antagonist and the protagonist are both either 'good' or 'bad'. But the one thing that all protagonists and antagonists have in common, is they want the same thing. Opponents always share the same goal.

For instance, two fighters in the ring - they both want the victory. A group of teachers trying to win teacher of the year - they want the reward. Salespeople competing against each other for top sales - they want the bonus.

However, if the opponent becomes unethical in their approach, they can become enemies. When their desire to defeat or stop the other becomes immoral in intent or action, a rivalry can form.

Nehemiah was on a mission. He was rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. He not only had opponents, as we read at the end of chapter 2, but Sanballat, Tobiah and Geshem became his enemies.

These guys were carrying on business in and around Jerusalem. They had influence. They were civil leaders. But when Nehemiah came to town to rebuild Jerusalem, they took a stand against him. Not knowing or realizing they were taking a stand against God Himself. They wanted what God and Nehemiah wanted - control over Jerusalem. If Israel rebuilds and regroups, that would not be in their favor.

Throughout the book of Nehemiah we will see this rivalry escalate. However, in our passage in this sermon, Nehemiah 4:1-8, the enemies of Nehemiah begin to go on the offensive. They begin to psychologically attack him and his builders with criticism, insults and mocking for what they were trying to do for God.

How would you (or do you) handle the mocking from your enemies? How about mocking and jeering for your desire to serve God from those you consider friends, even family? I believe this passage gives us an amazing blueprint for not only dealing directly with our enemies, but dealing with the attacks from any opponents we face as we follow the Lord’s call on our life. This is what we flesh out in this sermon during our 11:00 AM worship service.

Listen or watch below.