September 10, 2018

September 10, 2018

Judy Hollaway

June 4

Running with Jesus  

Luke 18:10-13 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.

The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, tortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.  And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.

 (“Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a despised tax collector.  The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: ‘I thank you, God, that I am not a sinner like everyone else. For I don’t cheat, I don’t sin, and I don’t commit adultery. I’m certainly not like that tax collector!  I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.’  “But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner."

      I laughed a little when I read this because I couldn't help but think how many of us have sat through a sermon and thought, "I hope they are listening to this message and point a finger!" I have always heard when we point one finger the others are pointed back at me! The Pharisee's didn't go to pray but to announce to all within earshot how good they were. The tax collector, sinner, dared not lift his eyes and beat His chest and begged for mercy! 

     We are all sinners and need to cry out to God be merciful to us as sinners. Pride can cut us off from God. If you feel cut off, perhaps pride is ruling your life. Get down on your knees before your Father. I remember literally climbing into my closet and other times lying faced down with my nose on the floor telling God if I could get lower I would. I want to be near my Father and run with Him. We can't take a step without Him holding our hand and don't want too! Do we really fear God! Boy I do, my mom put the fear of her in me and that taught me to have the fear of God! I am grateful for that teaching. 

      Humble yourself before God if it takes getting on the floor do it and show Him you are tired of being fake and want to be real! These Pharisee's had ritual not relationship! God wants us to be real there is no place for counterfeits in His kingdom. The sinner was confessing and went home justified (just as though he had never sinned)! WOW!!!     

      We can have that burden of sin lifted off us if we will just be humble enough to say, "I am chiefest of sinners, beat our chest and cry out to God, he will come near!"  Do you want to be near or far today? What are you praying and what position are you in?

Lord,  come, be merciful to me a sinner!  Only by Grace and Mercy we thank You for our salvation. We want to join the race and this time running hand in hand! You are an awesome God, our Burden Lifter and Bearer!

 Get up and give Him Praise and go tell somebody!

Tomorrow: Bring your children to Jesus!