Daily Scripture Threshing for Thursday, July 13, 2023
Today’s Text: Acts 7:51–53
Key Verses: Acts 7:51 (ESV): “You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you.”
Borrowed from a cultural ideology of Ancient Near East (the Bible world), a man’s neck is being figuratively used today to represent his resolve and willpower. That is why to "lay one’s neck down" is to jeopardize one's life; and to “stick one’s neck” is to stake it all for a cause you believe in. Some ardent followers of ancient rabbis tie bands on their necks to indicate their lifelong commitment. Therefore, the biblical expression of stiff-necked people is a double negative depiction of one who is sold out to haughty opinionated self will, and is unwilling to change—especially at the risk of losing his worth or life.
God issues a stern warning to our generation. He reminds us of His reaction or punishment to past generations, perhaps in Deuteronomy 9:13-14, where they were almost destroyed and wiped out from under heaven for being stiff-necked. It is always wisdom to learn from the past; which unfortunately our age refuses to do. Proverbs regard men who ignore counsel and reject reproof as fools. Our generation needs to “wise up” and run from stiff-neckedness.
God wants us to look back and learn. To be stiff-necked is a figure of speech used when you are difficult to lead. The Bible says, anyone who hardens his neck, at rebuke will suddenly be destroyed and that without remedy (Proverbs 29:1). Break the circles of wicked heart of disobedience. Don’t be like those fathers who received the promise of a nation but died in the wilderness. One striking scriptural principle is: The Lord has no delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying His voice. For, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams (1 Sam. 15:22).
Quote for the Day: “Perhaps no one may be said to be a Christian except he is dead with Christ, dead to sin, and loosened his stiff neck by wearing the yokes of Christ instead.” (Simon Olatunji)
Prayer: Dear Lord, please help this generation to return from being stiff-necked. You promised to instruct us and teach us in the way we should go. Please counsel us with Your loving eye on us so that we followYou with soberness of heart—in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
With all my love and prayers,
Rev Simon Wale Olatunji, Ph.D.
Your Darling Bishop (DaBishop)
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[Daily Scripture Threshing is a devotional guide of The House of Prayer Evangel Church USA distributed for free use by individuals, small groups, families, and Christian churches]
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