The Other Side Of Stubborn!

Perhaps we get frustrated when faced with the stubbornness of others, especially when we share Biblical Truths that they just refuse to accept. God has been faced with such stubbornness for ages. What about our own stubbornness? Stubborn? Me? How often are we unyielding? However, is stubbornness always a bad thing?

Ezekiel -- who was both a priest ( Ezekiel 1:3) and prophet -- was sent by God to speak a message of warning during the time of exile in Babylon. God commanded him to speak His words regardless of whether the people listened or not. ( Ezekiel 2:7) How could Ezekiel persist in carrying out his mission to such a stubborn people?

God encouraged Ezekiel…
“(7) But the house of Israel will not be willing to listen to you, for they are not willing to listen to me. Because all the house of Israel have a hard forehead and a stubborn heart. (8) Behold, I HAVE MADE YOUR FACE AS HARD AS THEIR FACES, AND YOUR FOREHEAD AS HARD AS THEIR FOREHEADS. (9) Like emery harder than flint have I made your forehead. Fear them not, nor be dismayed at their looks, for they are a rebellious house.” ( Ezekiel 3:7-9 ESV)

Ezekiel had a tough task ahead of him. However, God provided him with the strength of a stubbornness to STICK WITH the task. In fact, according to “The Interpreter’s Dictionary of the Bible” [© 1962, Abington Press, Volume 2, p.203] Ezekiel’s name means “God strengthens.” God promised to make him as unyielding as those to whom he was sent. Ezekiel was to HOLD HIS GROUND with the truth God sent him to proclaim. Such a stubborn stand would keep Ezekiel from caving in to the stubbornness of those he would face.

In Paul’s letter to the church at Corinth, he wrote…
“(1) Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which YOU RECEIVED, in which YOU STAND, (2) and BY WHICH YOU ARE BEING SAVED, IF YOU HOLD FAST TO THE WORD I PREACHED TO YOU -- unless you believed in vain.” ( 1 Corinthians 15:1-2 ESV)

Truth! Don’t let it go! Hold fast to it! When it comes to the truth of God, we need to be stubborn in HOLDING TO IT! That is what will enable us to remain fruitful in life. ( Luke 8:15) Let us STAND FIRM, guarding against caving in to the desires of society. God’s Way is still the best way. May we remain stubborn enough to continue faithful to Him and His Will.

Have a great day STANDING STEADFAST IN THE FAITH!
Carl

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