Stubbornly Stiff-necked

A few things have been troubling me, a few thoughts really which I have had each time, to take before our Lord. I believe, with all my heart that He Himself put these questions on my mind, not just to teach me things which I do not know, but more so, to have me live all that He is specifically imparting in this time.

I also believe, with all my heart that our Lord is doing the same for you also. I refer to all who will remain in deep humility in Him and accept the changes He has made and is making in your life, even now. He changes as He sees fit, not as we inform Him.

Here’s one question. Is the description of being stiff-necked only for God’s children? Earlier, we were reminded that if the head, supported by the neck, is stationary, stuck in one place, so will the mind be. It is God’s children, who have been told to have the mind which was in Christ Jesus, not the children of the world. For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ. 1 Corinthians 2: 16. And again, it is believers, converts to the Way, who have been told this. Have this mind in you which was in Christ Jesus. Philippians 2: 5.

The description of people being stiff-necked, refers more often than not to the people, or children of God.  When you make a careful study of this truth, you will realize that God calls His own people stiff-necked, when they become arrogant and obstinate, and refuse to turn from their stubborn, evil ways. Here are three references to which we ought to pay particularly close attention.

We begin with sound words of advice and warning from Proverbs 29: 1. A man who remains stiff-necked, after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed – without remedy. Regardless of who we are, male or female, this is what we must know about how God our Father deals with us. His anger is not because we are stiff-necked. Rather, it is because we are stiff-necked and refuse to change after we have been chastened and scolded for it.

We note with careful hearing, the boldness and honesty of Stephen, as he is placed before the Sanhedrin. He speaks fearlessly as the Spirit gives him utterance, strength and freedom, in the midst of ignorant, arrogant and stiff-necked leaders and teachers of the Law. You stiff-necked people! Your hearts and ears are still uncircumcised. You are just like your ancestors: You always resist the Holy Spirit. Acts 7: 51. Sovereign God will not dismiss, nor will He excuse any of His people, leaders or followers, who resist the Holy Spirit, instead of resisting the devil.  

Have we learnt this disobedience and resistance to Father God, from our forefathers? When we listen to 2 Chronicles 30: 8, we are told not to obey our parents in this awful, God-vexing behaviour. Do not be stiff-necked, as your ancestors were; submit to the LORD. Come to his sanctuary, which he has consecrated forever. Serve the LORD your God, so that his fierce anger will turn away from you.

O how loving is our God and Father to His children, that He will relent of His anger, as long as we come to His forever Holy Temple – Jesus Christ our Saviour – serving Him only.

Our God will forgive His stiff-necked people who lose themselves in Him.