Stiff Necked

With stubborn pride they bowed in rebellion against the Holy One. Stiff necked they rejected His commands figuring they knew best. They turned deaf ears to prophetic warnings choosing the broad way that leads to destruction. God's truth went in one ear and out the other in defiance.

They remained stiff necked when God brought chastisement. Refusing to repent they rebelled all the more. They forsook God. They adopted the ways of the pagan culture. They compromised at first and then jumped into wickedness with both feet. They convinced themselves there would be no backlash. They got away with it before they reasoned.

Stubbornly they walked a sinful path laughing and mocking God all the while. Sowing to the desires of the flesh oblivious to the destruction they reaped for themselves. God does not turn a blind eye. He sees all and I mean everything. Those secret sins committed in the shadows are done as in broad daylight before God.

Even then God is merciful, gracious and compassionate. He is willing to restore repentant sinners. He is willing to embrace prideful prodigals. He has room in His fold for unfaithful sheep who desire to turn from their evil ways and come home. He will accept those caught in the snare of addiction. He waits to restore those who wandered far away.

It starts with a turn. A turn of the mind, attitude and behavior. Returning mean humility, admitting sin, coming back unworthily but in need of forgiveness. It means the stiff necked bowing in broken admission of guilt and pride.

This little post is just one more in a series of warnings. Will you stiffen your neck more or bow in surrender to the God who loves you. Nothing Satan and this world ever offers can compare to the exceeding pleasure you have in God. You will search in vain for what you think will provide fulfillment if you look beyond God. Read it for yourself.

Psalm 16:11 (ESV)
¹¹  You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

 Acts 7:51 (NASB)
⁵¹  "You men who are stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears are always resisting the Holy Spirit; you are doing just as your fathers did.

Joel 2:12-13 (NASB)
¹²  "Yet even now," declares the LORD, "Return to Me with all your heart, And with fasting, weeping and mourning;

¹³  And rend your heart and not your garments." Now return to the LORD your God, For He is gracious and compassionate, Slow to anger, abounding in lovingkindness And relenting of evil.