Wednesday 27 November 2013

Emtpy Religion and Futile Prayers. Walk Humbly with the Lord and be Exalted



“Parable: Pharisee and Tax Collector”
Luke 18: 9-14

            How do you see yourself in the mirror? Is this reflection the same as what God sees in you? On when God is truly seen for who He is can we see ourselves for who we are. We must move in our perspectives- from self to God or in bigger words- egocentric to theocentric if we truly desire to follow God’s way. This is a truth presented in the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector.
            We read that in order to teach those listening who were confident in their righteousness and looked down on others Jesus told this story. 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.’
The tax collector stood at a distance. He did not look up but beat his breast and said, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”
            Jesus then said, “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.’
            We have heard of the ‘me’ generation where one inflates oneself over others in the way of self- serving pride. They have a superiority complex and a sense of entitlement which includes pride, selfishness and an attitude of superiority to others. We only think of this happening in recent years. Yet when Jesus spoke he knew there were people listening who were people who were confident of their own righteousness which extended to their relationship with God. This was because of their religious deeds and they were righteous before Him. And so he told the story of two men who were praying in the synagogue. The two men who approached God, the synagogue and even other pray-ers differently.
            The Pharisee wanted to be seen in all his fine clothes, knowledgeable presence and in voice. He comes across rich and powerful and a religious performer. The tax collector however is quiet before God, humbles himself and confesses his sin. He has no interest in comparing himself with anyone or anything apart from God. And it is he who went home justified. He was forgiven of sin and placed in a right relationship with God.
            The Pharisee’s religion was empty, his prayers futile and his boasting foolish. He needed to humble himself before God and see repentance. 
            Have you ever thought of looking at yourself and reflecting upon how others see you? What might God think of your actions words in the last few days? God cares about you and loves you. He wants the best for you and a part of this is knowing him through forgiveness of sins and feeling his presence.
            The tax collector’s reputation was scarred because of what he did. Yet his heart was made whole through his confession and forgiveness by God.
            Who are you like as you reflect upon yourself and our actions and words?

PRAYER:
Loving God forgive me for I am a sinner. Take away any doubt, deceit and bring me into your truth and love. Hear my prayer….  Amen.

BLOG QUESTION
Jesus parable of the Pharisee and tax collector invites us to humble ourselves in prayer to God. What does this act of being humble mean to you?

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