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THE TAX COLLECTOR

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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.”      Luke 18:13 NIV

 

The tax collector’s prayer is remarkable and short. He addresses God, just as the Pharisee has done. Next, he describes himself to God as a sinner. He makes no excuses for his behaviour, offers no mitigating circumstances. He confesses his sinfulness before God and takes full responsibility for it. Finally, he asks for mercy. For this tax collector to ask for forgiveness is a bold and faith-filled act for a person so despised by his society. He is obviously humble and repentant of his sins, but faith has made him bold to ask for something that he has no right to expect -forgiveness and restoration before God. Jesus laid out the situation. Now He renders judgment. “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” (Luke 18:14) The Pharisees who heard this must be livid with anger. The crowd is amazed, wondering, pondering. But the prostitutes and tax collectors, thieves and adulterers in the audience may be weeping, for Jesus has declared that it is possible for them to be saved, to be forgiven, to be cleansed, to be justified before God. Jesus had given them hope. Jesus highlights a paradox of the spiritual life. Exalting oneself leads to humbling, while humbling leads to exaltation. When we are proud, we make ourselves into God’s opponent, his enemy. When we humble ourselves, He immerses us in His grace, His undeserved, unearned favour.

 

PRAYER THOUGHT

Lord Jesus, as we humble ourselves You immerse us in Your grace.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Lord, we acknowledge that when we are proud, we make ourselves into Your opponent, Your enemy. When we humble ourselves, You immerse us in Your grace, Your undeserved, unearned favour. Thank You. AMEN

 

INTERNATIONAL BIBLE READING ASSOCIATION (IBRA)

Acts 15:22-29

 

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