September 12, 2026 Morning Devotional
Morning Devotion: Read Proverbs
Proverbs 29:1 He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.
This proverb is best illustrated by the bull or the goat. The bull that consistently hardens his neck and refuses the yoke eventually becomes steak.
The goat that hardens his neck butting his head against others eventually ends up on the grill.
Their best interest is to yield. Men in obstinacy, persistently refusing to setting their will against the Lord is like the ox or the goat which eventually meet their demise.
I am reminded of the children of Israel who were instructed to go into Canaan and refused. They hardened their neck against God’s man Moses. In fact they threatened him to destroy him. God in return said they would suffer in the wilderness and that their opportunity to go into Canaan was postponed for forty years. They in turn decided to go into Canaan to conquer it. Well, God said no, they lost their opportunity because of their hard hearts. Many of them were destroyed by the Canaanites. (Numbers chapter 13 and 14)
I am reminded of the family of Korah who rebelled against Moses trying to take over his position of leadership which was appointed by God. Korah and his whole family ended up being swallowed alive in a giant sink hole. (Numbers chapter 16)
Sudden destruction came upon those who hardened their necks against that which was right.
I am reminded of a young boy and girl who were infatuated with each other. They would sit in the back row of church and kiss touch each other during the service. When the pastor spoke to them and their parents they refused to quit hardening their hearts. About week later the boy and the girl were in a terrible car accident. The boy died and the girl was severely injured. He had hardened his heart against the Lord and against the laws of the land for he was speeding when the accident happened.
Proverbs 29:1 He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.
When it comes to salvation, the Lord Jesus paid for your sins on calvary’s cross. Yes, your sins are paid for and you have free opportunity to go to heaven. However, one thing stands in your way. You must believe turning from sin and self trusting Jesus to save your soul. Hardening your neck believing you don’t need Jesus is just like the above examples. Eventually destruction comes and that without remedy. Once you pass from this life, your opportunity to be saved is lost.
Hebrews 3:12 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. 13 But exhort one another daily, while It is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. 14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; 15 While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.
The choice is till yours,
Pastor Cook
