Daily Devotional
The Meek King Judges
The Lord hears proud speech, sees shameless backsliding, and yet opens blind eyes. Miriam and Aaron envied Moses, but Moses did not exalt himself. As Clement says, “Moses was called “faithful in all God’s house.” God used him to bring his judgment on Egypt with scourges and torments. Yet even he, despite the great glory he was given, did not boast.” Here is a rebuke to all who grasp at honor in the house of God. The servant is meek; the rebels justify themselves.
Psalm 72 lifts our eyes from Moses to the greater King, the Son who judges the poor with righteousness and delivers the needy. His rule is not flattery toward the powerful, but mercy joined to justice. In John, that royal judgment appears: Christ seeks the man born blind, gives him sight, and exposes the blindness of those who claim to see. They use the Sabbath as a weapon and so condemn themselves. As Chrysostom says, “For which reason the Evangelist remarks, that it was the Sabbath John 9:14, in order to point out their wicked thoughts, and the cause for which they sought Him, as though forsooth they had found a handle, and could disparage the miracle by means of what appeared to be a transgression of the Law.”
Jeremiah shows the danger plainly: a people can keep speaking, disputing, and excusing themselves while refusing to return. Bones are uncovered, shame is made public, and those who would not blush are judged. Therefore let us not be like the blind judges, but like the healed man: obedient, plain in confession, and steadfast under pressure. The King still defends the poor, resists the proud, and receives those who return.
“Moses was called “faithful in all God’s house.” God used him to bring his judgment on Egypt with scourges and torments. Yet even he, despite the great glory he was given, did not boast.”
— Clement of Rome
“For which reason the Evangelist remarks, that it was the Sabbath John 9:14, in order to point out their wicked thoughts, and the cause for which they sought Him, as though forsooth they had found a handle, and could disparage the miracle by means of what appeared to be a transgression of the Law.”
— John Chrysostom, Homilies on John
For Reflection & Discussion
Where have you spoken against a brother, sought honor for yourself, or resented another’s place? Confess it plainly today and make one act of reconciliation.
What mercy for a poor, sick, or overlooked person can you do this week so that Christ’s righteous kingdom is practiced and not merely praised?
What excuse has kept you from repentance in a known sin? Renounce it, keep the next fast or set hour of prayer faithfully, and return without delay.
Start the One-Year Plan Today — Completely Free
Read or listen through the whole Bible in 365 days with audio that highlights every word, a progress calendar, streaks, friends — and a devotional like this one at the end of every day.