The Biting Edge of Sarcasm
Life in Focus
NOTHING takes the heart out of a person quite like biting sarcasm from an authority figure. It can be hard enough just to get up the courage to approach a powerful leader, but if that figure responds with derision, even the bravest can lose hope.
Pharaoh used sarcasm with Moses and Aaron when they came to warn of the plague of locusts (Exodus 10:10). There is no clear indication that they were disheartened by the ruler’s taunts. But given Moses’ fears before returning to Egypt, perhaps he and his brother were not exactly rejoicing as they went out from Pharaoh’s presence.
There are at least three ways to handle biting sarcasm, especially when it is directed against one’s faith:
- Know who God is and why He has sent you. If people do not have much confidence in God to begin with, it won’t take much to knock their faith out of them. Likewise, if they do not know God’s purpose, it will be easy for a sarcastic comment to make them forget why they are doing what they are doing.
- Know yourself—your strengths and your weaknesses. What is the worst that someone could say to you, or about you? To what sort of comments would you be most sensitive and vulnerable?
- Know your enemy. What does your opponent stand to gain by turning you aside, or to lose if you prevail? Most importantly, do you know who your real enemy is?
However, Moses and Aaron were affected by Pharaoh’s words here, they nevertheless did not let it take the heart of what God had called them to do.
Trust God
Keep the Faith
Roland Ledoux is Pastor of the outreach Ministry, Oasis Bible Ministry, specializing in Teaching, Encouragement and Intercession (both prayer and needs) since the early 1990s. He and his wife Sue, live in Delta, Colorado and have been married for over 50 years. They enjoy two adult sons, a grandson and a great grandson. He has been ordained since 1986. Fundamental Full-Gospel, Non-denominational. To learn more about Roland visit his website.’
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