“He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.” (Proverbs 29:1)
The history of God as revealed in scripture portrays Him as a God of incredible patience and longsuffering. He bears long with His creation. In the eyes of some, He is too patient. There does however come a time when He has seen enough and “suddenly” unleashes His judgment.
What is God looking for in this period of time when things could go either way? He is looking for repentance. He wants us to “turn” at His reproof. “Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you.” (Prov. 1:23)
Where God sees a teachable, moldable, humbled spirit, He instructs, and shapes, and lifts us up. Where He sees resistance, He demonstrates patience and longsuffering. He “often” attempts to get through the resistance of mind and will. But what happens when there is a “hardening of the neck,” an adamant refusal to turn from our way to His?
“Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof: I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh; When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you. Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me: For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD: They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof.” (Proverbs 1:24-30)
We position ourselves for the blessing or curse of God upon our lives. He is not a God who is willing for any to perish. He would have all come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9) He acts based upon what He sees in us. Oh how wise to turn at His reproof! Oh how foolish to rebuff Him.
Would you want the Lord to keep covenant and mercy with you? Keep covenant with Him. Walk in faithful obedience. Be sensitive to any and all correction He would give you. Don’t let Him see a stubborn heart become harder and harder to His reproof. Don’t tempt Him to do what He doesn’t want to do. There is a “remedy” available today. Tomorrow may be too late.