Stiff Necked

But they, our fathers, acted arrogantly; They became stubborn and would not listen to Your commandments. They refused to listen, and did not remember Your wondrous deeds which You had performed among them; so they became stubborn and appointed a leader to return to their slavery in Egypt. But You are a God of forgiveness, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness; and You did not forsake them. ... and admonished them in order to turn them back to Your law. Yet they acted arrogantly and did not listen to Your commandments but sinned against Your ordinances, by which if a man observes them he shall live. And they turned a stubborn shoulder and stiffened their neck, and would not listen. Nehemiah 9:16-17, 29 

Stiff necked and not willing to listen. Does it sound like a four year old or a teenager? Like the Hebrew people, children will sometimes be stubborn. But they refused to pay attention and turned a stubborn shoulder and stopped their ears from hearing. Zechariah 7:11. The Hebrew people had such heritage of God’s compassion, His forgiveness and grace. He led them out of Egypt to His promised land and bestowed them with the honor of His knowledge and grace…but they continued to be rebellious. In cycles over and over they obeyed and then they didn’t.  

Training Tip – Play “Mother May I?” game with your children. This will encourage them to obey…and demonstrate your listening skills as you repeat their requests. You can add some variety by whoever gets to the “Mother” first becomes the “Mother” so that they learn how it is to listen, as well as obey. You can add other skills, like somersaults or crab walks to the mix of big steps, little steps and hops. 

Lord Jesus, help us to listen and hear Your voice…and to respond appropriately, without any stubbornness in our hearts.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.