Links for today’s readings:
Read: Ezekiel 2 Listen: (1:38)
Read: Romans 5 Listen: (3:53)
Scripture Focus: Ezekiel 2.6-10
6 And you, son of man, do not be afraid of them or their words. Do not be afraid, though briers and thorns are all around you and you live among scorpions. Do not be afraid of what they say or be terrified by them, though they are a rebellious people. 7 You must speak my words to them, whether they listen or fail to listen, for they are rebellious. 8 But you, son of man, listen to what I say to you. Do not rebel like that rebellious people; open your mouth and eat what I give you.” 9 Then I looked, and I saw a hand stretched out to me. In it was a scroll, 10 which he unrolled before me. On both sides of it were written words of lament and mourning and woe.
Reflection: Sticks and Stones and Scorpions
By John Tillman
In 1862, The Christian Recorder, published by the African Methodist Episcopal Church printed the rhyme, “sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never harm me.”
The adage was a stunning statement to publish in the middle of the American Civil War. Especially coming from those familiar with both broken bones of violence and the oppression of dehumanizing language. Does the rhyme’s wisdom for schoolchildren hold up outside the schoolyard? Can words harm? Can words heal?
God told Ezekiel to speak truth to rebels even should their retorts sting like a scorpion. At times, I feel like we live among scorpions. Many people say “mean words” don’t matter.
They deny that crass, crude, violent, or deceptive language disqualifies leaders. They say “Facts don’t care about your feelings” or “The unloving thing is not telling the truth” even “It’s okay to lie to win the culture war.” But they sting like scorpions when confronted with the truth. Apparently words matter when directed at them.
How can we live among scorpions and be faithful to speak “God’s words” without fear of harm?
First, are we speaking God’s words? We must eat God’s words to speak them. (Ezekiel 2.8-10) If we do not partake of Christ, the living bread and water, we have nothing to speak but the bile of a sick stomach. A diet of other “words” may be the reason we cannot speak or the reason our words harm. God’s words are truth and good news which set people on the path to freedom, not harm or shame. Never be ashamed of the gospel regardless of any power against it. (Romans 1.16)
Second, winsomeness is a gospel requirement. God calls us to convince, if possible, everyone. Yet, people’s response is their responsibility, not ours. We hold out our hands pleading with them, whether they listen or not. (Isaiah 65.2; Acts 28.23-24)
Third, when words hurt, we have a healer. Christians know words can create, heal, educate, and bless. We must reject the idea that they cannot harm, destroy, manipulate, and curse. Our healing comes through the Holy Spirit and God’s healing words. Open your mouth to eat God’s Word, before you open your mouth to speak. Speak truth in love, regardless of rebellious responses.
Of course words can harm. Stones may strike, sticks may swing, or scorpions sting. Fear not. The gospel’s words of healing are for us and them.
Divine Hours Prayer: The Greeting
In you, O Lord, have I taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness. — Psalm 31.1
– From The Divine Hours: Prayers for Autumn and Wintertime by Phyllis Tickle.
Read more about The Language of a Good Neighbor
Mister Rogers connected being the good neighbor to having a Christlike view of ourselves and looking at, and speaking to, our neighbor with that perspective.
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