Jesus hung around with the outcasts of
Jewish society; the tax collector, the adulterer, the demon-possessed, the
ordinary, and the weak, looking for those willing to turn to Him and change
their ways. The Pharisees were the keepers of the law, the academics, the readers
of Scripture, the outwardly religious. Jesus sees the heart. Listen to His
perspective on the prayers and attitudes He honors.
Two men went to the temple to pray, one a
Pharisee, and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed,
God, I thank you that I am not like other people-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
all those who exalt themselves will be humbled and those who humble themselves
will be exalted. Luke 18-10-14
God’s perspective is not on our outward
trappings, the way we look and the things we do. He does not care about the
grammar, the fine theological discourse or keeping check marks on each other.
He appreciates and looks for the humble heart, the one with His face on the
floor before Him, asking for forgiveness, asking for help, recognizing the need
for a Savior. And the humble will be exalted.
No need for comparisons. No need for
posturing. No need to compete for attention. God loves the gracious heart, the
one with the cheerful giving attitude, with no expectations of receiving
accolades, or in keeping things even. Find the one above and show others who He is.
Focus on Him After all, it’s not about us. It’s all about Him.
Dear Jesus,
Give us humble
hearts to serve You. We kneel before you today, understanding Your holy and
all-seeing presence and understanding we are nothing without you.
Amen
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