-
MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2010 PARABLE OF THE PHARISEE AND TAX COLLECTOR In order to humble our hearts, we must continue to surrender our pride. In a great story tucked in the Gospel of Luke, Jesus contrasted the temple prayer of a proud Pharisee with that of a humble tax collector. The respected Pharisee exalted himself while the disrespected tax collector stood at a distance, refused to look up to heaven, and beat his breast--three acts of humility. The tax collector finally made an attempt to put into words the condition of his heart, "God, have mercy on me, a sinner" (Luke 18:13). Jesus said that the tax collector, not the Pharisee, went home justified before God. He summed it up this way, "For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted" (Luke 18:14).
Have you exalted yourself? Bend the knees of your heart to God and with everyone you encounter. Then watch as God's mercy restores your relationships.  |
