Victory247

The Pharisee prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. But the tax collector prayed, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God”  Luke  18:10-14 (NIV)

Back in the time of Christ, the Pharisees were the guys who did everything “right”. Gave money, prayed, studied scripture, went to Temple, very moral, didn’t steal, cuss, smoke… Jesus preached against them because their motives were to place themselves above the less-religious. To climb the ladder of being better than others by earning more of God by their deeds.

But in the verse today we see what God wants. He wants us to know that we can only connect with Him through understanding our horrible sinful condition, appreciate that through Jesus alone, not our good deeds, allows us the right to tap into God.

A poorly dressed young man walked into church and sat beside a sharp elderly couple. The offering plate was being passed and the puzzled young man asked, “what are we suppose to do with this”. The couple explained that this is the time to give back something to God in appreciation for what He has done for us.

The young man placed the plate on the floor and stood in it.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Heavenly Father, I give you myself. I want to do “right” as a Thank You that You want to connect with and bless someone as imperfect as me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.