But
the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven,
but beat his breast, saying, “God be merciful to me, a sinner!” (Luke 18:13
ESV)
Jesus told a parable in
order to teach those who were trusting in their own abilities and good works
rather than God to make them righteous. The
parable speaks of two men who went up into the temple to pray: one was a
Pharisee and the other was a tax collector. The Pharisee prided himself on the long list
of things he was not. He also made sure to mention in his prayer all of things
he had done like tithing and fasting. The tax collector, much more humble, had
only one thing to pray for – God’s mercy.
Mercy not Ability
We have
the tendency to think our prayer is answered by God based on how many times we
have been to church, had devotions, or given an offering, but nothing is
further from the truth. Prayer has
nothing to do with our merit, but rather his mercy. That is what this tax collector discovered,
and once you learn this lesson, your relationship with the Lord will be a joy.
Notice
this tax collector made no excuses for his sinfulness. He came before the Lord in total humility and
simply asked God for mercy. It amazes me
that he didn’t defend himself, justify his sin, or explain his rebellion – he
didn’t even vow to do better in the future. This amazes me because it is what I have the
tendency to do. It’s what you have the
tendency to do.
All too
often we approach the Lord and not only ask for forgiveness, but we promise to
never do it again. It’s important to
know that when we make those kinds of promises we are expressing a confidence
in our flesh that is sure to be an embarrassment down the road. I have no power or ability in me to promise
not to sin again. I must simply ask God
the Father to have mercy on a sinner like me.
The great
thing about mercy is that you can’t take any credit when God blesses your life.
All you can do is glorify God with
humility and great appreciation as you stand in awe of how he has been merciful
to a sinner like you.
Scripture to Claim:
…for everyone who exalts
himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted. (Luke
18:14b ESV)
