Luke 18:9-14 (NRSV)
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Verse 9He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt: Verse 10"Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. Verse 11The Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying thus, 'God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. Verse 12I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.' Verse 13But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even look up to heaven, but was beating his breast and saying, 'God, be merciful to me, a sinner!' Verse 14I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted."
Devotion
In this parable, there are three contrasts in one picture: a Pharisee and a tax collector, a righteous person and a self-righteous person, a self-centered prayer and a God-centered prayer. Could such contrasts be seen in one person? In our Christian life, do we sometime behave like the Pharisee and other times like the tax collector? What makes those two different?
We sinners so easily fall into egotistic exaltation, with or without self-awareness. We might not be as boastful as the Pharisee in public, but we are not as humble as the tax collector in spirit either.
“God, have mercy on me, a sinner” is a simple prayer and a meaningful way to identify ourselves before God. It is also the only way to please him who justified us.
Prayer
Our Heavenly Father, with humble spirit we come to you, for you promise not to despise a broken and contrite heart. You oppose the proud but give grace to the humble. Help us to live out your truth instead of offering lip service before you. Amen.