Today's Scripture
Question #19 – Luke 18:9-14
– Do I thank God that I am not as other people, especially as the Pharisees who despised the publican?
9 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt: 10 “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The 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. 12 I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.’ 13 But 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!’ 14 I 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.”
RJ's Devotion
As we start 2017, we wanted to examine the 22 questions of John Wesley. He challenged his followers to ask these rigorous self-examining questions, as they walk toward holiness. For the next four weeks, we will examine each question, daily. Also, I encourage you to read the ‘One Year Bible Reading Plan’ suggested by Bishop Sharma Lewis.
What the passage says
V. 8-12 Two men were standing in front of the temple. The first men, a Pharisee, thanked God for being chosen and raised as a Pharisee. By putting himself on a pedestal, he puts others down by saying, ‘I thank you that I am not like other people.’
V. 13-14 On the other hand, a tax collector came to God as well. He couldn’t even lift his head up to God. He beats his chest saying, ‘God be merciful to me, a sinner.’ Jesus says, that out of the two, the tax collector returns home justified.
What does the passage say to me/us?
“Do I thank God that I am not as other people, especially as the Pharisees who despised the publican?”
When we first hear this questions, we can easily fall into the same trap of being self-righteous. We can be thankful that we are not considered as hypocrites. We need to, however, remember the focus of Jesus’ teaching. He asks us to see the sinfulness of ourselves. He ask us to examine our life, in front of God. No one can be righteous in front of our perfect God. He asks us to seek for mercy every day.
When we seek and rely on that mercy, we can love other. When we are humble in front of God, we can love others.
Prayer
Lord, Jesus have mercy on us a sinner. Lord Jesus have mercy on us a sinner. In Christ name, we pray, AMEN
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