“Repetition is the price of knowledge.” Dr. Keith Lamb, Theologian

Having listened to Dr. Lamb preach many times, it was apparent that he was all for reading the Word over and over again. During my studies I came to the conclusion that God doesn’t mind repeating Himself. Many things are repeated over and over in the bible.

One example is the term “hear my words” repeated twenty-four times from Deuteronomy to Ezekiel. It is repeated over and over again, not for emphasis, but because the fathers stopped teaching them to the sons.

Over and over again Israel would fail to heed the Word of the Lord and suffer because of it. Over and over again the Lord would have to raise up a prophet in the land to reminded them of what their fathers failed to teach them.

Deuteronomy 30:14 But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it.

It is impossible to do a command if you have never heard it.

Deuteronomy 12:28 Observe and hear all these words which I command thee, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee for ever, when thou doest that which is good and right in the sight of the Lord thy God.

Things go right when the Word is taught and observed. By contrast, if it isn’t, it doesn’t.

How are things going for you personally?

How are things going for your city? Nation? World?

John 6:68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.

Yes, where did they do?

Exodus 33:5 For the Lord had said unto Moses, Say unto the children of Israel, Ye are a stiffnecked people: I will come up into the midst of thee in a moment, and consume thee: therefore now put off thy ornaments from thee, that I may know what to do unto thee.

We do not use the term stiffnecked in common speech these days. I think of it as being hardheaded. I have to admit I can be and have been a hardheaded person. I had a boss that said that I’d argue with a wall. Not flattering is it? I do not give in to easy persuasion. Just because something sounds good doesn’t mean it is right.

Now I am not defending my stubborn streak. It has resulted in some good. The Lord has been very obvious and in some ways miraculous with me. It isn’t because I am special, it is because I am hardheaded. When God came for me, He didn’t do it as gently as He does with most believers. He had to slap me upside the head.

Sadly when I give my testimony people misunderstand. They think I am saying I am special, well yes, but not in a good way. I admire those who came to the Lord out of a sense of love, gently, without the need for thunder and lightning. They are more connected to the grace side of God and for the most part are gentle souls.

I on the other hand had to be slapped around to come to this point where I recognize the richness of grace. I am still a little heavy handed with grace and I apologize for that, because that is how I got here, with a more firm hand. It has taken several renditions of me to be more gracious.

1 Peter 4:10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

That is just how I received it.