To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men — robbers, evildoers, adulterers — or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Luke 18:9-14 (NIV)
Harold attended church with his family each week. He claimed to love God with all his heart. He knew all the words of worship. He enjoyed the time spent with his family and other worshippers. He gladly gave thanks to God for all his blessings. But he drew the line when thinking of himself as a sinner who needed mercy. He had taken care of that many years ago. He did not practice a life of sin like other he knew. He was not a sinner!
As the pastor expounded the Scripture, he began to recognize his similarity to the Pharisee in the Lord’s parable. He always believed it was his right to stand before God. Didn’t the Bible say, ‘come boldly to his throne to receive grace’? Harold knew who he was – or he had thought so – until now. He had always measured his relationship with God by comparing himself with other people. And, in his opinion, he was better than most.
For some strange reason, Harold suddenly wanted the attitude of the publican. This parable forced him to see himself in relationship to God. Like an avalanche, a new realization rolled over his soul. His arrogance and spiritual pride were just as sinful as the sins of others. He recognized that he should compare his righteousness to God’s alone. God wanted Harold to have his righteousness not Harold’s. When the pastor invited worshippers to come for prayer, Harold led the way. He asked God for mercy and a closer walk. He asked for greater understanding. He asked for deliverance from his complacent and self-righteous attitude.
Dear Father, thank you for your grace and mercy. We are so grateful that your Son, Jesus Christ took away our sin and gave us your righteousness. Empower us with humility to confess our sins, faults, and failures. Strengthen us with your assurance of mercy and grace. Grant that we may walk daily in your righteousness and not our own. This I humbly pray in Jesus’ name. AMEN
Be encouraged today in his righteousness,