Daily Devotional
Watchman Over Your Tongue
The three readings warn us about rule, speech, and judgment. Abimelech seizes power by flattery and blood, and the men of Shechem gladly have it so. Jotham answers with a parable: worthless bramble seeks to reign, and in the end fire comes out from ruler and ruled alike. So it is when ambition, envy, and party spirit govern a people. Methodius says, “Now it is clear that these things are not said of trees growing out of the earth… But on the whole these things are narrated concerning souls…” The bramble is not only in the city; it may spring up in the heart.
Ezekiel is first made to eat the scroll, and only then to speak. A man must receive God’s word inwardly before he dares admonish another. Yet having received it, he may not be silent. Justin Martyr cites the warning: “I have made thee a watchman to the house of Judah. If the sinner sin, and thou warn him not, he himself shall die in his sin; but his blood will I require at thine hand.” The same mouth that must warn the sinner must also refuse proud judgment.
This is the balance taught in Romans: do not despise the weak, do not condemn your brother over food and days, and do not make your liberty a snare. We are not permitted the silence that leaves a man in his sin, nor the harshness that wounds him over matters where the Lord has granted patience. Therefore let the Christian speak truthfully, meekly, and for edification; let him judge himself before God, restrain his appetite, and seek the peace by which his brother stands rather than falls.
“Now it is clear that these things are not said of trees growing out of the earth. Inanimate trees cannot be assembled in council to choose a king since they are firmly fixed to the earth by deep roots. But on the whole these things are narrated concerning souls that—before the incarnation of Christ—luxuriated too deeply in transgressions, who approach…”
— Methodius
“as God testified by Ezekiel, when He said, "I have made thee a watchman to the house of Judah. If the sinner sin, and thou warn him not, he himself shall die in his sin; but his blood will I require at thine hand. But if thou warn him, thou shalt be innocent."”
— Justin Martyr
For Reflection & Discussion
Whom do you need to warn this week about a sinful path, and when will you speak to that person plainly and meekly?
What disputable matter have you used to despise or judge a brother, and will you repent of it and seek peace with him today?
What appetite, liberty, or sharp word should you restrain this week so that you do not become a stumbling block to another?
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