Battling Ridicule

This devotion was taken from a book of devotions that my daughter, Megan Kimbrough, and I wrote years ago. The book is titled "Dancing Like a Shepherd Boy, Fighting Like a King." It was designed as a flip book for pre-teens. One half of the book was about the victories (dances) in David's life. The other half was about his struggles. Enjoy this devotion about one of the struggles he faced – ridicule.

Fighting Ridicule

Scripture of the Day: 2 Samuel 5:6

"David then led his troops to Jerusalem to fight against the Jebusites. "You'll never get in here," the Jebusites taunted. "Even the blind and lame could keep you out!" For the Jebusites thought they were safe."  (For more about how this all turned out, read the rest of 2 Samuel 5)

David's Battle: Ridicule

It's no fun to be made fun of.  People who get ridiculed are fighting a tough battle.  It's one that a lot of people can't even see.  David was made fun of when he led his men to Jerusalem to fight the Jebusites.  The Jebusites thought they were safe inside the walls of the city.  They never thought David stood a chance against them, so they treated him very rudely.  They said, "Even the blind and lame could keep you out."  Ouch!  Imagine how David felt!  He didn't enjoy being made fun of at all.  He was extremely insulted.  So, how did he react?  Being the smart King that he was, David used these insults to win this amazing battle!  He told his men to sneak into Jerusalem through the water tunnels.  Once they got inside, he said, "destroy those 'lame' and 'blind' Jebusites."  That's exactly what happened.  His men captured Jerusalem and claimed it as their own.  From that time on, it was known as 'the City of David.'  Now, instead of being insulted, David was the ruler of the city!  The battle was won because he kept his cool when people made fun of him.  He turned their insults into a great victory.

Strategic Questions:

Are there Jebusites in your life?
What is the first thing you do when someone makes fun of you?
How can you keep from getting your feelings hurt?

Putting On Your Armor:

Do you ever get made fun of like David did?  Do you let other people's insults get to you? When we are made fun of, it can be really painful.  It takes a lot of armor to keep the bullets of ridicule from hurting us.  Sometimes people tell jokes that hurt us.  Sometimes we're just as guilty of doing that to others – even the people we say we love.  Jesus knew what it felt like to be made fun of.  It happened to him a lot.  He understands when we're hurting, and, just like in the story of David, He wants us to know that we can be victorious! "A final word: Be strong with the Lord's mighty power. Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil."  (Ephesians 6:10 – 11)

S.O.S. (Speaking to Our Savior in prayer)

Dear Lord,

Sometimes I hurt so badly when people make fun of me.  Thank you for this example of David.  I want to be victorious just like he was!  Remind me that You understand what it feels like to be insulted, Lord.  Please forgive me for the times that I've ridiculed others – and help me to forgive those who have ridiculed me.  In Jesus' name, Amen.

Which Side Are You On?  (Thought for the Day)

"The leading priests and teachers of religious law also mocked Jesus. "He saved others," they scoffed, "but he can't save himself! Even the two criminals who were being crucified with Jesus ridiculed him." (Mark 15: 31, 32b)