4The descendants also are impudent and stubborn: I send you to them, and you shall say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord God. And whether they hear or refuse to hear (for they are a rebellious house) they will know that a prophet has been among them. Ezekiel 2:4-5.
“Barkley, come” I begged over and over again. My tone alternated between commanding and desperate as a lovable but headstrong golden retriever dug his heels in and stared at me with absolutely zero intention of moving. When I had taken this job as a Barkley’s dog walker, I thought I had hit the jackpot. Getting paid to walk and play with a cute dog? I’m in.
Or I was, until I quickly learned that when this particular 80 lb golden decided he was done with his walk, that was it. It didn’t matter that we were a mile from his house. Luckily, if there’s one person who’s been given the gift of stubbornness, it’s me. I can dig my heels in harder than about anyone I know when push comes to shove, and Barkley finally realized it and trotted home alongside me.
Whether you’d give in to the will of a golden retriever or not, stubborn is often the perfect word to describe our hearts. How many times have you dug your heels in and obstinately said to God, “I’m not going any further.” You may not readily admit your own history, but as a child of God we share a history with His people that can only be described as stubborn. Just take a look at our Scripture passage for today. God’s people are digging their heels in AGAIN. They refuse to listen to prophets, judges, kings, and soon enough, their Messiah.
But if there’s anyone willing to out-stubborn us (for our sake) it’s God. He sent prophets into the lives of His people to tell them about their salvation and now in these last days He has sent His Son into our lives (See Hebrews 1:1). Of course there are still times where we dig our heels in and refuse to move. But God’s used to stubborn, and He doesn’t give up so easily. What’s He trying to tell your heart today?
Prayer: Dear Jesus, when my heart is broken and all seems dark, remind me that you are the light. Amen.
Contributed by Hannah Hayden