“Whoever remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy.”
This remains one of the most frightening verses in scripture to me. It talks about willfully ignoring the conviction of the Holy Spirit. I have had a few relational challenges over the years like most of us. People who have permission to speak directly and clearly into my journey have checked in on how I am doing processing the anger or dislike that often comes when we are wounded by someone. Over time through prayer I often see God turn my anger into sadness for the person. One reason I pursue a heart of forgiveness and compassion for that person is this verse. Also, when a particular sin has a hold on me I do not rest in allowing it to remain. Even if it takes years I do not surrender when it threatens, I fight. Solomon talks about those who don’t fight the sin but rather the spirits rebuke of that sin. He cautions that when we do that we set ourselves up for an ultimate, irreversible destructive crash. I’m a little uncertainty of the ultimate outcome of that event but it is certainly not desirable. I want to avoid that with every ounce of my being. If you feel condemned that is from Satan however, conviction is a gift from the Holy Spirit. Today respond to God’s Spirit. #BeTheEdge
“I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.” Jesus
