The Power of Holy Stubbornness | Jonathan Cahn Sermon
The Blessing of Holy Stubbornness: How to Set Your Face Toward God’s Purpose
Have you ever woken up with a stiff neck, that kind of discomfort that makes every movement a challenge? Most of us would agree it’s not a pleasant experience. But what if being “stiff-necked” could actually be a spiritual asset under the right circumstances? As surprising as it may sound, there is such a thing as a holy stubbornness in the Christian life—a steadfast resolve that Jesus Himself modeled for us. Let’s explore what it means to set your face like flint toward God’s calling and discover how this kind of spiritual focus can reshape your faith, your resolve, and your purpose.
The Example of Jesus: Setting His Face
The Gospel of Luke gives us an uncommon glimpse into the determined heart of Jesus as the time approached for His ascension. Luke 9:51 tells us, “He set his face to go to Jerusalem.” This wasn’t a casual decision or a wandering journey. Instead, it highlights the intentional and determined commitment Jesus had toward fulfilling God’s plan—even knowing what awaited Him in Jerusalem.
What’s powerful is the precise language Scripture uses. The original Greek word, sterizo, means to set firmly in a direction, to establish resolutely. Jesus’ journey took Him through Samaria, but the Samaritans rejected Him, not because of personal issues but because “His face was set toward Jerusalem.” For the Samaritans, Jerusalem represented a point of theological division, but for Jesus, it was the goal ordained by God. His undivided focus was misunderstood, but He never allowed distractions or rejection to derail Him.
Is Being “Stiff-Necked” Always Wrong?
Throughout the Bible, the term “stiff-necked” often carries a negative tone. God chided Israel for their stubbornness—unwilling to listen or be led. But not all forms of stubbornness are created equal. There is a fruitful, God-honoring strength in spiritual stubbornness when it’s directed toward honoring God and persevering in His truth. The key is knowing the difference.
The story of Ruth and Naomi highlights this contrast. When faced with the choice to stay or go, Ruth clung to Naomi, refusing to abandon her. It was a form of holy stubbornness—a bold, unwavering resolve to follow the path of faithfulness, no matter where it led. In contrast, her sister-in-law Orpah turned away, her name itself echoing the act of turning her neck, departing from the journey of promise.
Soft Toward God, Firm in His Ways
We are called to be supple and responsive to God’s voice—pliable enough to let Him shape us, just like clay in the potter’s hands. But once God molds us according to His Word and purpose, we’re meant to become strong and steadfast, holding firm to our faith, convictions, and calling.
Think of the process of working with clay. It must be soft and malleable in the beginning or it can’t be shaped into anything useful. But that same clay will never fulfill its purpose if it remains soft forever. It needs to go through the fire, become hardened, and remain set in its final form. Christians are much the same: soft toward the touch of God, yet firm and immovable in the things that matter most—faith, righteousness, love, and truth.
Distracted in a World of Distractions
Modern life is drowning in distractions. With endless notifications, emails, messages, and social feeds, it’s easier than ever to be scattered—our attention pulled in every direction except God’s. The ability to focus has become a rare commodity, and yet, it’s a vital part of walking out God’s calling for us.
When Jesus set His face toward Jerusalem, He modeled the importance of spiritual focus. This wasn’t just about physical direction—it was a mental, emotional, and spiritual alignment with God’s purpose. We see this kind of laser focus throughout Scripture. The Apostle Paul pressed on “toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14). Moses, too, lived with purpose, refusing to be distracted by passing pleasures.
Jesus rebuked Martha for her anxious multitasking: “You are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is necessary…” Mary chose to sit at the Lord’s feet, focused on Him, demonstrating the power of undivided attention.
The Power of Setting Your Course with God
To live with God’s purpose requires more than good intentions. It demands a deliberate decision to cut away distractions. Isaiah 50:7 captures this attitude perfectly: “Therefore I have set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame.” Flint, a hard stone used to spark fire, is a picture of the unyielding resolve that God invites us to embrace.
This call to focus is not about rigidness or stubbornness for stubbornness’s sake. Instead, it’s about a holy determination. We must be soft and humble before God, open to correction and change. But when it comes to the truth of God’s Word and the mission He has given us, we are called to be unwavering—“stiff-necked” in the best way possible.
Paul warns against being “blown here and there by every wind of teaching,” comparing spiritual immaturity to children tossed by the waves. God desires us to be steadfast, stable, and mature in faith, not easily swayed by every opinion or emotional high and low.
Training Your Mind for Spiritual Focus
Does your mind wander during prayer? Are your spiritual routines easily derailed by the next urgent notification? You’re not alone—distraction is the norm in our world. But Scripture teaches us that we have the authority to train our minds, to “take every
