“He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck, will suddenly be broken beyond healing.” Proverbs 29:1
For centuries America has been favorable (or at least tolerant) of
Christians. But this country, which was founded on Christian principles is undergoing a seismic shift in attitude toward belief
in Christ. According to a research study done by Lifeway Research 2/3’s of the country believe that Christians are facing growing intolerance inside the USA but almost half say they’re tired of hearing
complaints about it. “Yes it is happening but no, we don’t really care” is the prevailing attitude. The attitude is not just apathy but comes from real hatred of God.
How did this happen? We look back to the 1960s when the Supreme Court in a satanically inspired ruling decreed the Bible and prayer must be taken out of the schools. The education system put the faith of atheistic evolution (no God) in its place. From that point on, the influence of God’s word on this country began to wane. In less than a man’s lifetime (70 years) Christianity is becoming a remnant, hated and its followers soon be persecuted. This does not bode well for this country’s future. It is no surprise America is not mentioned in “end times” prophecy. God tells us the USA’s fate in Proverbs 29:1.
He The Hebrew word “ish” refers to men, especially the heads of their households and primary decision-makers. We watch as America’s leaders and fathers in families turn their back on God and replace Him with work or sports.
Who is often reproved God always warns and corrects before judgment falls. Reproved means to rebuke or admonish. God has been trying to get America ‘s attention for over 6 decades. In that period we fought and lost a useless war, we have seen pandemics
of AIDs and Covid, we have been hit with devastating floods, hurricanes and earthquakes, our enemies have attacked us on our own soil and we have suffered the consequences of the sin we have sown – drug use, delay of punishment of criminals, invasion of our borders by lawless immigrants. Finally, we have seen the clearly revealed consequences of turning our back on God (detailed in
in Romans 1:18-32) become true. The hand of God’s correction is evident on this country even as He gives us time to repent.
Yet stiffens his neck Here we see the reaction of the wicked to God’s correction. The word stiffens implies a willful act of stubbornness or obstinance. This is the attitude found in the verse ‘we will not have this man to rule over us”. The term stiff-necked” is derived from this word. It illustrates one’s determined refusal to turn or change direction, even as he is being commanded to go another way. America must change its heart which only the word of God, not a politician, can do.
Will suddenly be broken God tells us in Proverbs 29:1 the outcome of this stiff-necked refusal to listen to God and heed His direction. Suddenly means in a moment, without any warning, when it is least expected. The timing is like that of the rapture except this is horrible in nature. Broken tells us the final state of the rebellious. Broken is used in the Old Testament for the breaking down of cities or walls as well as to describe the breaking of hearts or spirits.
Beyond healing Finally God tells us the result of hardening our hearts toward God. There is no cure when God’s judgment falls on a reprobate person or nation. The time to repent is given but it is not forever.
What can we learn? We need to pray for our nation and our leaders. Our hope is not in economic prosperity or military might but in loving God with all our heart. Repent!