May 31, 2016

Proverbs 29:1 NKJV - "He who is often rebuked, and hardens his neck, will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy."

Commentary:

I remember this was one of Jack Wyrtzen's favorite texts to preach on back in the 1960's and 1970's.  I heard this message often as I attended many of his rallies in various places in the northeast.  This passage goes along with another verse in Genesis 6:3 where we read, "...My Spirit shall not strive with man forever..."  God's call to turn to Him is a temporary call.  It will only happen in anyone's lifetime and they never know when God will "stop striving."

Stubbornness is a sin!  1 Samuel 15:23.  When God calls someone to turn away from sin and turn to Him, He means it!  And understand, He doesn't have to call at all!  It's because of His mercy and love for us that He chooses to do so.  But when He calls we must yield our spirit to His and "come, when we're called!"

I remember as a child of 5 that after several morning services in my home church that my pastor gave an invitation for anyone to trust Christ as Savior.  I could really feel the convicting work of the Holy Spirit in my heart!  I resisted for those weeks but finally in March of 1953 I responded and the JOY and the tears were immediate!  I spoke with my pastor afterward and he took John 3:16 and personalized it for me.  I realized God loved me and sent His Son for me, and if I believed on Him I would never perish but have everlasting life. 

This call isn't always for salvation.  It can also be a call to surrender your life to serve the Lord, or it can be a call to do something you know you should do.  Whatever the call, don't be stubborn!  For the unbeliever, that can be eternally disastrous!  There's no "2nd Chance" in hell!