By David ReayWednesday 25 Jan 2023LifeWords DevotionalsDevotionsReading Time: 2 minutes
“Lord,” he said, “if I have found favor in your eyes, then let the Lord go with us. Although this is a stiff-necked people, forgive our wickedness and our sin, and take us as your inheritance.” (NIV)
The Israelites, in their wilderness wanderings, were often labelled “stiff necked”. Certainly not a compliment! It refers to their stubborn inclination to defy God and go their own way. They had made up their minds, and all the warnings from Moses and God would not change their minds.
But the presence of Moses reminds us that there is another side to stubbornness. He stuck with the Israelites through thick and thin. He fixed his mind on the land promised to them. He didn’t lack backbone. His stubborn perseverance is in contrast to the stiff necked obstinacy of the people at large.
A reminder to us that what is a strength in one case, is a weakness in another case. The person who has endured many life trials and survived can be praised for their stubborn endurance. Yet that same person may create family havoc by absolutely refusing to go into aged care when it is the best way forward. The church ministry leader who has not let setbacks or difficulties stop them from leading may resist a call to stand down from their position for the greater and wider good.
Always be aware that your strengths can be your weakness. Always plan to convert those weaknesses to strengths. Sometimes the dividing line is obscure. But we can at least try to be people with backbone without being stiff necked.
Blessings
David
After an inspirational run on Hope 103.2, Lifewords with David Reay will be delivering its final reflection on Friday 27 January. But, great news, David contributes to Real Hope devotions along with a variety of other deep faith thinkers that will be delivered straight to your inbox from Monday 30 January – so you won’t have to skip a devotional beat! If you prefer an audio version, we also have Real Hope – The Podcast.