“Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.” Luke 18:10
October 11, 2024
Jesus loved to tell stories that illustrated biblical truth. The Pharisee and the Tax Collector is a contrast in divine values. The Pharisee was proud of his perceived spiritual status. He congratulated himself by comparing himself to others. He was self-righteous. The Tax Collector was humble. God is his standard for measuring righteousness. Jesus in His first Beatitude said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit.” As believers we should value a sense of need and realize there is no basis for self-justification. We need God and are to cast ourselves before Him as our only hope for forgiveness and eternal life. To receive forgiveness we have to come to God empty handed. What evidence is there in my life that I need God? Am I depending on anything for my acceptance by God (e.g. my performance, intelligence, abilities, family background, self-discipline, etc.)? Do I ever come to God in prayer feeling helpless and desperate? The Lord is our only hope. The way up is down. That’s a reversal of human values.
H
“Pride is a sinner’s torment, but humility is a saint’s ornament.” William Secker