Category Archives: Insults

Bound man with crown of thorns standing among Roman soldiers mocking him
Bible, God's Will, Insults, Persecution, Reproach, Romans, Scripture

ENDURE IT FOR OTHERS

ROMANS 15:3

“For even Christ did not please Himself, but as it is written: ‘THE TAUNTS OF THOSE WHO TAUNT YOU HAVE FALLEN ON ME.’”

When I read this verse, I thought of the heckling and even assaults that have occurred against people who stand for the life of the unborn. For decades now the abortion clinics have murdered millions of babies, and the industry does not want believers to speak out against it. People have been arrested, jailed and persecuted for trying to educate those with unplanned pregnancies, offering alternatives to abortion. These warriors endured the taunts and threats for the sake of the unborn.

If that offended you, I am sorry. I am an unashamed defender of the unborn. I truly believe Jesus is too. Every child that is conceived is from the Lord, no matter how they came into the world. They are innocent and have a right to life like every other person. Christ endured the taunts and jeers of the people for the sake of all. He suffered and died to set us all free. Paul says in today’s verse that He did this without any thought of Himself. He only wanted to please the Father.

APPLICATION

The Greek word for “taunts” is oneidismós. It is described by HELPS Word-studies as “reproach (reviling); an insult aimed to damage (disgrace) reputation. In the NT, oneidismós suggests undeserved condemnation, i.e. which does not ‘hold up’ after the situation is correctly (fully) understood.” In other word, the taunts and reproaches are baseless and are usually stirred up by hateful emotions. Let me ask you, “Who do you think gets the glory in that?” That’s right – the devil. He loves to stir up strife.

This word is used five times in the New Testament, three times by the writer of Hebrews. In 13:12-14, we read, “12 Therefore Jesus also suffered outside the gate, that He might sanctify the people through His own blood. 13 So then, let us go out to Him outside the camp, bearing His reproach. 14 For here we do not have a lasting city, but we are seeking the city which is to come.” Isn’t that a great passage? We bear the taunts and reproaches because we know what is to come.

Jesus told us in Matthew 5:11-12, “‘11 Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in this same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.’” People are watching how you respond to these taunts and reproaches. Point them always to Jesus.

Lord, it is hard to hold my tongue when I am falsely accused. Remind me of the suffering of Christ when this happens.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Abuse, Bible, Confrontation, Enemies, Harm, Humiliation, Insults, Mockery, Ransom, Salvation, Scripture

WHAT AN INSULT!

ZECHARIAH 11:12

“And I said to them, ‘If it is good in your sight, give me my wages; but if not, never mind!’ So they weighed out thirty shekels of silver as my wages.”

Have you ever been truly insulted? It is not a good feeling. It’s embarrassing and humiliating. If it is done in front of others, that insult is magnified. That probably happened to me the last time while I was working with a fellow who disliked me because of my ministry. He called me a rather nasty name right in the middle of a staff meeting.

In today’s verse, we find Zechariah writing about his proposed wages from those he asked it – thirty shekels of silver. What you may not know is the standard price for a good servant was twice that. This price of thirty was what was paid for a servant that had been gored by an ox (see Exodus 21:32) and was therefore damaged goods. But you must remember that Zechariah was acting on behalf of Jehovah. The people were spurning God, not just Zechariah.

APPLICATION

Before Christ, we were all guilty of spurning God. We figuratively spit in His face and refused the gift He offered us in His Son, Jesus Christ. But after we become believers, we see the value of the gift. We offer all we have to be one with Him. I am reminded of Matthew 13:45-46. “45 ‘Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls, 46 and upon finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold everything that he had and bought it.’”

What price can you place on your gift of salvation? If we don’t offer Him everything, we are insulting the God of creation. We are saying we don’t value His gift to us. He laid down His life in the form of Jesus. He shed divine blood for us. He suffered and bled for all mankind. Why would we not give Him everything?

I can’t think of a single thing right now in my life that I place above that. I couldn’t have always said that. In the past I took my salvation for granted. I made it look cheap. Not now! I see its value in my life. Can you say the same? Is it worth everything to you? Lay it all down at His feet and watch what He does with it. I won’t spoil the surprise!

O Lord, my God, You are so good to me. I praise You for paying the ultimate price for my salvation.

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