In Luke 18:9-13, Jesus is telling a parable about a Pharisee and a tax collector. How they both were praying and the Pharisee said out loud, "Thank you that I am not a sinner like everyone else, especially like that tax collector." The Pharisee goes on to tell God how "good" and "spiritual" he is. But the tax collector (they were despised and hated among the people) stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead he beat his chest in sorrow saying, "O God, be merciful to me, for I am sinner." Jesus goes on to say that the tax collector, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God.
In Matthew 21:31, Jesus tells the crowd how the prostitutes will inherit the kingdom of God before the Pharisees (religious). Too many times we look for the right words to say or try to prove to God how good we are, even if Romans 3:10 tells us no one is good.
God is looking for the real, the broken, and those who want to pursue Jesus. We have to stop putting on a show. God sees through the mask we put on.
So be like the tax collector, someone who realizes he is messed up and needs God to embrace and forgive him. Let God wrap you in His arms.
Be blessed,
In Matthew 21:31, Jesus tells the crowd how the prostitutes will inherit the kingdom of God before the Pharisees (religious). Too many times we look for the right words to say or try to prove to God how good we are, even if Romans 3:10 tells us no one is good.
God is looking for the real, the broken, and those who want to pursue Jesus. We have to stop putting on a show. God sees through the mask we put on.
So be like the tax collector, someone who realizes he is messed up and needs God to embrace and forgive him. Let God wrap you in His arms.
Be blessed,
Steve
1 comment:
So where do I sign up?
I heard recently that if you are having a bad day and are sad you should repent and ask God for forgiveness. I am sure the speaker on the radio meant well but I think God is big enough to hear (and understand) my cries!
If I really try to prove to God how good I am (outside of Jesus Christ), I will fall sooooo short I will not recover!!!
I am so thankful we serve a gracious Lord!
In Christ,
Alan
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