Heart Of The Matter:
Jesus told this story to some who were complacently pleased with themselves over their moral performance and looked down their noses at the common people:
“Two men went up to the Temple to pray, one a Pharisee, the other a tax man.
The Pharisee posed and prayed like this: “Oh, God, I thank you that I am not like other people – robbers, crooks, adulterers, or, heaven forbid, like this tax man!
I fast twice a week and tithe on all my income.”
“Meanwhile the tax man, slumped in the shadows, his face in his hands, not daring to look up, said, “God, give mercy. Forgive me, a sinner.”
Jesus commented, “This tax man, not the other, went home made right with God.
If you walk around with your nose in the air, you’re going to end up flat on your face, but if you’re content to be simply yourself, you will become more than yourself!1.
Friends, the dissimilarities between these two men was gigantic, but not for the reason the Pharisee figured.
Nah! The dissimilarities between these two men was not their works or words, but their hearts.
Some folks incorrectly assume that once one becomes a follower of Jesus – it gives them the right to become judgmental and legalistic.
Nothing could be further from the truth!
Still, at times, the good intentions and mis guidance from folks could drive some to dodge or sidestep God altogether!!
Perhaps you’ve met the Pharisee – fixed and unmoving, petty, strictly obeying the details of the law – having a rule-book for everything and everyone.
Maybe you’ve been confronted by the self-righteous – the sanctimonious, finding fault, declaring, “I’m glad I’m not like others!”
Oh-boy!
Now listen, not many of us are wise from a human point of view.
We are not in powerful positions or in the upper social classes.
But God chose what the world considers nonsense to put wise people to shame.
God chose what the world considers weak to put what is strong to shame.
God chose what the world considers ordinary and what it despises – what it considers to be nothing – in order to destroy what it considers to be something.
As a result, no one can brag in God’s presence.
We are partners with Christ Jesus because of God.
Jesus has become our wisdom sent from God.
Our righteousness.
Our holiness.
Our ransom from sin.2.
Yes! It’s true!
The unmerited favour of God compels us to come into a right relationship with Jesus as our Lord and Saviour.
Jesus is our everything!
God’s bounty to us.
Now, that’s something to brag about!
So, if you’re going to blow a horn, blow a trumpet for God!
Amen? Amen!
David Prince: Full-time Husband To Rachel – Writer Of Stuff – Receiver Of Grace – Drinker Of Tea – & Hearty Neighbour.
1 Luke 18:9-14
2 1 Corinthians 1:26-31
By using a simple newsletter form – you can sign-up to receive our weekly inspirational thought – E-word.
God appointments are awaiting us each day – at home, at work, at school, at play. So, if you’ve been inspired by this E-word Communicator – please click the recommend button on this page.
Thank you for being a part of our ministry. We appreciate your support, just knowing you are praying for us is a great encouragement.