"Listen to me, you who know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear not the reproach of man, nor be dismayed at their revilings." - Isaiah 51:7
To “revile” someone means to assail them with contemptuous, scornful or abusive language. In the world in which we live, those who live a godly life, who cherish biblical values and whose world view is in agreement with God’s Word will be subjected to plenty of that.
It will come from celebrities, actors, college professors and school teachers, friends and fellow workers. Politicians have become especially known for their scathing remarks regarding those who oppose their “progressive” agenda on grounds of biblical morality.
God says to you and me, “Don’t be afraid of their reproaches; don’t be dismayed at their revilings.” We are to keep our eyes on God and His Word; trust in Him and don’t be cowed by such opposition. It really comes down to the meaning of the first commandment: “We should fear, love and trust in God above all things.”
Lord, Your Word is forever settled in Heaven. Human ethics change, peoples’ values shift, fashions come and go, but You are always the same and the Truth always remains true. Keep my heart and mind firmly grounded on Your Word. Hold me close, in Jesus’ name. Amen. Pastor Dan Giles