March 13, 2026 Morning Devotional
Morning Devotion: Read Proverbs
Proverbs 17:26 Also to punish the just is not good, nor to strike princes for equity.
The righteous often suffer for righteousness sake. The Lord has spoken and it is true.
The unsaved world, (the majority of the world is unsaved) will and does reject Christ Jesus. They do not reject Christ Jesus because of His righteousness nor for His miracles nor for His provision. The unsaved world rejects Christ because of He reveals their sin. As a result, the unsaved world has punished the just and crucified Him on Calvary’s cross. The unsaved world punishes the just not for their good nor for their works of righteousness, they punish the just because the just exposes the sin of the unsaved.
What are the just to do?
1 Peter 2:19 For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. 20 For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.
1Peter 3:11 Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. 12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. 13 And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? 14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; 15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: 16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.
Luke 6:22 Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. 23 Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.
How you handle rejection and punishment for being just and right will be according to your relationship with Jesus.
I am reminded of those who because of the word become offended and leave the things of Christ. Offences will come, no doubt; how you handle offences reveals your relationship with Christ. If you are not grounded and have deep roots in Christ Jesus and are shallow in your relationship with Him, you will struggle and may even deny the Lord when trials come your way.
Mark 4:16 And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness; 17 And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately they are offended.
Proverbs 17:26 Also to punish the just is not good, nor to strike princes for equity.
The choice is still yours,
Pastor Cook
