Keep It Limber!

There are times we may not rest properly and wake up with a stiff neck. Such can be extremely painful. Perhaps as the day goes on the stiff neck reminds us of its presence as we try to TURN OUR HEAD to the left or right and again feel the pain. Due to the stiffness of the neck our perspective can be limited because it feels more comfortable to keep the head still with the focus straight ahead. This restricts the vision from what else is going on, only allowing us to look the direction we are facing. If we are not facing the right direction, we may be missing what ought to be seen!

When the Scriptures refer to being “stiff-necked” it is a reference to a stubborn and unyielding spirit. Again and again we find such used to describe the nation of Israel. (i.e. Exodus 32:9; 33:3 & 5; 34:9) Unfortunately, even at the coming of the long awaited Messiah, it was stiff-neckedness that hurt the ability of many to see as they ought.

When Stephen was seized and brought before the Jewish council where he was accused by false witnesses ( Acts 6:11-14), he took the opportunity to present a brief history lesson spanning from the time of God’s covenant with Abraham to the time of the kings and prophets. Then Stephen noted the present disposition that was hurting their ability to acknowledge the great work God had brought about.

We read. . .
“(51) YOU STIFF-NECKED PEOPLE, uncircumcised in heart and ears, YOU ALWAYS RESIST THE HOLY SPIRIT. As your fathers did, so do you. (52) Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who announced beforehand the coming of the Righteous One, whom you have now betrayed and murdered, (53) you who RECEIVED THE LAW as delivered by angels AND DID NOT KEEP IT.” ( Acts 7:51-53 ESV)

To their harm they would not listen! (note also verse 57) What the Holy Spirit had revealed through the prophets and was at that present time speaking through the Apostles and others was not being yielded to. Anytime we read through the Scriptures and walk away ignoring what we have read, to our hurt we too have resisted that which has come through the Holy Spirit. As we turn the pages of Scripture, let us also humbly TURN OUR HEADS toward God and His Will with an eager willingness to submit to it. May His Word always be a cause to TURN OUR HEAD not away, but toward Him.

Have a great day WITH EAR, HEART, AND HEAD TURNING TO GOD!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Receptiveness