Stubborn Resistance

In his vision, John saw a time when horrible judgment would fall on the earth, coming on those who rebelled against God, worshiped demons, and whose lives were filled with sin.

Yet John was amazed! Even through these horrible events, most people were not impacted. How, we wonder, would people not be overwhelmed? How would they not see that this judgment was the result of sin, rejecting God, and serving false gods? How could they help but turn to Him?

Yet the Bible tells us that those who lived “did not repent of the works of their hands.” They would not change. This is a prophetic picture of events to come. But it also provides insights into the hearts of people throughout history – how often people simply have refused to change.

Before they entered the Promised Land, God told the Israelites that they were “a stubborn people” (Deuteronomy 9:6). Later, God sent Ezekiel to “stubborn and obstinate children” (Ezekiel 2:4). He told Jeremiah how “this people has a stubborn and rebellious heart” (Jeremiah 5:23). And the psalmist prayed that generations to come would not be “like their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation” (Psalm 78:8).

Today, many unbelievers are just as stubborn. Our challenge is to pray for them and to share the love of Jesus. Dedicate your life to seeking the lost. Be a witness. And support the work of spreading the Gospel.