Two Perspectives

Luke 18:9-14

New International Version (NIV)

The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector

⁹ To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: ¹⁰ “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. ¹¹ 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. ¹² I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’
¹³ “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.’
¹⁴ “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.”


This text always reminds me of the scripture the first shall be last and the last shall be first, it seems time and time again through out scripture God reminds us to be humble and meek. Why don't we get it? Is it because men and women rule over the earth (so we think)? Well today I have reminded myself yet again that I'm only human and imperfect, know matter who compliments me and tells me how great I am God is greater and I owe everything to God. What's your perspective?

Dear God thank you for giving us gifts and graces, help us to not let them or our accomplishments make us think more highly of ourselves. We are all just souls trying to find the path to you, have mercy on us. Amen.

Peace be with you, love Pastor Sirchester