17th March 2012 Luke 18:9-14

The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector
To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone 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 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.”

I wish I could help some of the lovely Godly humble people I know just how true this is.  I long to show them these words and for them not to feel as if they're the ones full of pride.  But then perhaps the doubt a d deference is exactly what their role for God is.

And of course there are people who could do with being reminded to have some humility.  But I definitely never walk that precipice.

Jesus you show us the humility of holiness, keep guiding us along the right path.  Amen